Officers Magalang, Malinis a hit in Metro

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has produced new celebrities from its ranks.

"Police Officer 1 Magalang" and "Police Officer 1 Malinis" have achieved instant stardom during their tour in the malls in the metropolis, spreading goodwill to the residents of Metro Manila for the Christmas season and campaigning for congeniality and decency among the members of the NCRPO.

The amiability of the mascots for the NCRPO Programs "Police Officer Magalang" and "Pulis Malinis" has drawn crowds and has effectively impressed upon the public the approachability of cops in the Metro Police Force.

NCRPO Chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco said the mascots represent the new breed of cops in the metropolis, "tough on criminals but perfect gentlemen to the citizenry."

The NCRPO director said the primary aim of the Metro Manila Police Force is to inform the citizenry that cops are in the service solely to serve and protect and that the maintenance of peace and order is paramount over all other considerations.

During the recent launching of Project METRO at the Heritage Hotel, President Arroyo expressed amusement over PO1 Magalang and PO1 Malinis. The President said that the project will definitely serve to improve the image of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and regain the public’s trust in their national police force.

Likewise, the mascots recently toured the Glorietta Mall in Makati City where children were ecstatic over Magalang and Malinis.

One mall patron, Jovita Garcia, said seeing the mascots was a noble gesture on the part of the police and was very encouraging.

"Dati ang sinasabi ng mga matatanda sa anak nila, "Anak, dyan ka dumaan, kasi may pulis dyan." Ngayon ang sinasabi ng mga matatanda sa anak nila, "Anak, huwag kang dumaan diyan may pulis." Pero sa tingin ko iba ang mga pulis ngayon. Bumabalik na sa dati na kapag may pulis, ang pakiramdam mo safe ka lalo na ngayong magpapasko," she said.

Velasco said that such affirmation is motivating and effective in boosting the morale of the police. "Inspired police officers mean better services. The knowledge that the citizenry is fully supportive of them will surely be a plus factor for our cops," he pointed out.