NPD chief takes on 6-month task to rid Camanava of drugs, gambling

Newly-installed Northern Police District (NPD) director Senior Superintendent Marcelino Franco Jr. welcomed Saturday the six- month deadline of Metro Manila police chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco to clear the northern metropolis of illegal gambling and illegal drugs.

"That is not new to us," Franco said. "We are here to work for the community and I have instructed my chiefs of police to continue conducting operations against all forms of illegal activities in our area."

Velasco issued stiff orders to the new NPD director to rid his turf of illegal gambling activities, particularly jueteng, and to go after illegal drug syndicates.

"The police are here to help the community," Franco said.

Franco, who assumed his post only last Friday, also warned Northern Metro policemen, especially those who are engaged in illegal activities, that he will personally run after them.

"I will not tolerate rogue cops. I have proven that in my previous assignments," he said.

On the other hand, Franco appealed to the public for support, saying running after criminal elements will not be an easy job.

"Going after criminal elements, especially drug syndicates, needs a lot of hard work and large amount of money," Franco said.

He added that the community itself plays an important role in assisting the police in its anti-crime drive. "We need to help each other," he said.

Last Saturday, Franco met with the four chiefs of police of the Camanava area, namely Senior Superintendent Benjardi Mantele of Caloocan, Superintendent Pedro Ramos of Malabon, Superintendent Roberto Villanueva of Navotas, and Senior Superintendent Leopoldo Urena of Valenzuela.

He instructed these four to work closely with the community and "come up with positive results."

Franco hinted that a major revamp in the NPD is imminent since those chiefs of police who are due for regular rotation would soon be moved to other posts.