MANILA — The new head of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) issued Tuesday a warning to police officers engaged in illegal activities, saying he will not hesitate to have them "punished."

"Misfits and illegal behavior in the organization have no place in our ranks. We shall not involve in any illegal activities that would conflict our duties as a public servant," said QCPD director Police Col. Ronnie Montejo.

"I will make sure that your good deeds will be rewarded and those who will break the chain and violate the law will be punished," he added.

On Tuesday, Montejo formally assumed his post as the new head of Quezon City's police force in a turnover ceremony at Camp Karingal. National Capital Region Police Office chief Police Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar presided over the event.

Montejo, who was formerly a deputy district director for administration at the Northern Police District, replaced Police Brig. Gen. Joselito Esquivel, who was appointed as the new director of the Caraga Region police.

Eleazar, a former QCPD director, lauded the city police's efforts to combat illegal drugs under Esquivel's 17-month leadership.

In 2016, Montejo served as director of the Laguna Police Provincial Office.

Montejo is from the Philippine National Police Academy Tagapagbuklod Class of 1989.