MFBAI officers split over prayer rally

The prayer rally staged by some 50 members of Manila’s Finest Brotherhood Association Inc., last Feb. 22 unveiled a split among officers of the MFBAI on the transfer of more than 400 Metro Manila policemen to the provinces.

No less than SPO3 Reynaldo Li, president of the MFBAI, denied that the prayer rally staged at the lobby of the Western Police District (WPD) was spearheaded by him nor had he given his consent.

"Much to my regret and discontentment that this matter (prayer rally) went on without my consent," said Li in his letter of explanation to Manila police director Chief Superintendent Nick Pasinos. "And (because of) the actuation of some members of the Association, I am seeking your understanding and untiring serenity in the light of the recent situation."

The prayer rally was led by MFBAI vice president SPO1 Virgo Villareal and SPO1 Antonio Emmanuel. The rallyists were asking Aglipay to reconsider his decision transferring more than 400 policemen, 160 of them MFBAI members, to the Bicol region and other far-flung provinces for not attending the early morning roll-calls and not wearing proper uniforms. Pasinos was tasked by Metro Manila police chief Director Edgar Aglipay to investigate the incident which was done by MFBAI without approval from their superiors and was held during office hours and mete out sanctions if possible.

Earlier, Aglipay’s spokesman Superintendent Julius Abanes said the rallyists committed a light offense punishable with 15 days suspension.

Li said that what was agreed upon during his meeting with Pasinos was for the MFBAI members to attend the regular Friday Holy Mass at the St. Michael’s Chapel located at the second floor of the Manila police headquarters.

It was more than a week now since the incident but Pasinos has yet to submit his findings before Aglipay.

Aglipay expressed surprise when informed by The STAR yesterday that the MFBAI officers are at odds over the prayer rally incident.

He refused to comment further on the transfer of policemen issue saying it has already been resolved with officials of the Philippine National Police and the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

"They are all my sons," said Aglipay of the quarreling MFBAI officials. "They are part of my body so they must unite not for any specific organization but for the entire PNP."