Only the ‘finest’ for the WPD

Citing the proven track record of leadership and experience of an organic Manila policeman, a police organization had appealed on the leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) not to choose an "outsider" in its selection for the next chief of the Western Police District (WPD).

The 3,000-strong Manila’s Finest Brotherhood Association Inc. (MFBAI), through its president and chairman of the board SPO2 Antonio Emmanuel, said the next WPD chief should come from their own ranks since he should be familiar with the terrain and the people of Manila.

"We have credible and energetic Manila police officials waiting in the wings to take over the helm of the WPD leadership. Why get an outsider when any of these officials is highly qualified for the job," Emmanuel said.

A massive revamp of the police organization, including regional, district and provincial chiefs, is expected in the coming days even before President Arroyo announces the next PNP chief.

WPD director Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong is rumored to be assigned at the regional police office after his exemplary leadership at the premier police district. Bulaong, who also served as aide de camp of President Arroyo when she was the vice president, used to be the WPD’s operations chief before taking over the district’s top post.

The MFBAI said history at the WPD should repeat itself, citing the selection of Bulaong, who rose from the ranks in his 20-year stint as a Manila policeman, as a gauge for the next WPD chief.

Currently, there are five Manila policemen with the rank of senior superintendent, the lowest rank a Manila police director should possess in case he is named to the top WPD post.

Senior Superintendents Juanito de Guzman, the deputy director for administration; Rafael Corpuz, the deputy director for operations, Gil de Castro, traffic chief; Elmer Jamias, Malate police station chief; and Danilo Abarsoza, Tondo police chief are all candidates in case Camp Crame chooses to select the next WPD chief from their ranks. Of the five, De Guzman, Jamias and Abarsoza are original organic Manila policemen.

The MFBAI stressed that the incoming WPD chief should possess qualities that know the pulse of the people of Manila, acknowledge the presence of their group, and who will support the welfare of the non-commissioned officers.