Jail, not just dismissal, for crooked cops

Elements of the Western Police District (WPD) involved in illegal activities not only face relief from their posts but imprisonment as well, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza warned yesterday.

"To all erring cops, your days are numbered," Atienza told officers at the flag-raising ceremony at the WPD headquarters. "If we catch you engaged in illegal acts, we will not only work for your dismissal from the force but also file criminal charges and make sure you go to jail. We won’t be satisfied with just your dismissal."

The mayor, together with newly-appointed WPD director Superintendent Pedro Bulaong have waged an all-out war against policemen who extend protection to individuals engaged in illegal activities for a fee.

Atienza reminded the policemen to protect the distinguished tradition of Manila’s Finest by being diligent in the performance of their duties as enforcers of the law.

"I know that many of you still take pride in being part of the Manila’s Finest. Let us all revive the glory days of our city’s police force when it was one of the best not only in the country but in all of Asia," Atienza said.

The mayor recalled the times when police officers from other Asian countries, and even those from New York and San Francisco, would go to Manila to train basic police and detective work with the members of the Manila’s Finest.