Regodon replaces Lavin as NBI-Bacolod head

CHIEF Joseph Regodon, Regional Executive Officer of the NBI Regional Office in Batangas, will replace lawyer Ferdinand Lavin as head of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-Bacolod.

Lavin himself divulged this Tuesday when asked when he will turnover NBI-Bacolod to his successor.

He said the turnover between him and Regodon may happen either Tuesday or Wednesday next week because they still have to comply with the order from the NBI Director that they have to finish first with the inventory of cases and property accountabilities before they proceed with the official turn over.

Lavin said that he will ask his successor to continue with the investigation on the controversial killing of businessman lawyer Johnny Chua and civilian "Small Boy" Longno.

Based on its investigation, the NBI has concluded that it was not Longno who killed Chua as earlier reported by the Bacolod City Police Office.

About the Arles case, Lavin said that the NBI was already through with its investigation on the case and has in fact filed the case against the alleged suspects to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

"It's now up to the DOJ to resolve the case, if they would appreciate our findings and resolution on the case," he said.

Lavin said he is expected to come back in the province more often because he will have to testify before the court on the case for illegal possession of firearms filed against some of the suspects in the Arles killing.

"I am willing to come back here often, if required based on the case," Lavin said.

Meanwhile, Lavin also confirmed that the regional director of the NBI in Western Visayas is also up for relief and that his successor is Regional Director Manuel Alemndares who is from Mindanao.

Lavin's new assignment is at the Death Investigation Division of NBI-Manila.

Regodon, on the other hand, is expected to arrive in the province on Monday or Tuesday next week.