"The WPD will continue to serve as vanguards of peace and order. Our police force will always be ready, willing and able to regain the old glory of Manila’s Finest, and in fulfilling the strong republic as enunciated by the President," Bulaong said.
President Arroyo graced the celebration of the WPD anniversary at the Philam Life Auditorium along UN Avenue yesterday. She also presented the WPD Heroes Award to Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.
Bulaong proudly reported that for the past year, there was not a single high-profile crime or bomb attack in the city.
He added that the WPD’s crime solution efficiency of 94.84 for the second semester last year was also adjudged as the highest in the entire metropolis. The figure, represented a 2.62 percent increase from the district’s crime solution efficiency of 92.23 percent for the same period in 2001.
Moreover, the city’s crime volume of 1,823 was also adjudged as the second lowest in Metro Manila for the same period in 2002.
Bulaong added that Manila also had the lowest incidence of car thefts in Metro Manila for the third and fourth quarter of the past year, with 199 vehicles recovered out of 213 reported stolen. In addition, there were also 3,503 suspected drug traffickers and 168 illegal gambling suspects arrested for the same period.
According to Bulaong, the successful drive of the WPD against criminality can be attributed to the strict implementation of the PIT campaign.
PIT, said Bulaong, stands for improved Patrol operations, Investigation, and Traffic control and order management.
"We will synchronize the PIT program with the strict implementation of our other programs to enhance the education and training of our uniformed personnel," he said.
Bulaong projects a bright future for the WPD for this year.
"The WPD remains truly upbeat towards the future. The days ahead look promising with the rewards reaped from the good seeds we have sown," he said.