Whining Manila cops stage ‘prayer rally’

Members of Manila’s Finest Brotherhood lit candles yesterday afternoon and conducted a prayer rally at the Western Police District headquarters for the recall of some 160 Manila policemen who were "exiled" to regional posts by the National Capital Regional Police Office (NRCPO) for alleged minor infractions.

The prayer rally was duplicated in all 11 stations of the WPD, according to Senior Police Officer 1 Antonio Emmanuel, vice president of Manila’s Finest Brotherhood.

"We prayed for the recall of the police officers, not only in Manila, but also in other districts who were transferred to provincial posts for minor infractions such as being absent from roll calls and for wearing incomplete uniform," said Emmanuel.

NCRPO chief Director Edgar Aglipay said that while he was joining the prayer rally, he had no intention of recalling the Manila policemen who were assigned to the provinces for various offenses.

Aglipay said he had no other motive in mind but "the betterment of the police service," when he ordered the transfer of these policemen.

Emmanuel added that they also prayed that the National Police Commission implements its Feb. 13 memorandum calling the transfers illegal. The memorandum was signed by Napolcom vice chairman and executive officer Rogelio Pureza. – Mike Frialde