PNP chief celebrates 56th birthday with drug rehab patients

Young actor Mark Anthony Fernandez led hundreds of former drug users who greeted Philippine National Police chief Deputy Director General Edgar Aglipay as he celebrated his 56th birthday last Sunday night at the Center for Ultimate Rehabilitation of Drug Dependents (CUREDD) in Camp Bicutan, Taguig.

On the eve of his birthday, Aglipay spent time with street children and drug rehabilitation patients before proceeding the next day to his hometown in Cagayan Valley to celebrate with his family and friends.

"I just want to share quality time with my family at my home province, where I started my career," the PNP chief said, who has yet to get his four-star rank pending the resolution on some questions on the legality of his promotion.

He shrugged off criticisms of his extended term as PNP chief, saying that he serves at the pleasure of the President.

It can be recalled that Aglipay was appointed as top police chief on Aug. 23, barely a month upon reaching the mandatory police retirement age of 56.

Prior to his appointment as PNP chief, Aglipay made significant accomplishments as commander of the Anti-Illegal Drugs-Special Operations Task Force (AID-SOTF) with the neutralization of shabu laboratories and the arrest of Chinese drug traders all over the country.

In Taguig, Aglipay was accompanied by his wife Marinette, top police officials and their families in distributing gifts and food packs at the drug center the other day.

The couple also donated personal checks to help the center in working with the victims of illegal drugs.

The celebration started at around 5 p.m. with a Mass attended by all the patients. They also held a variety show where drug patients including Fernandez, performed.

Fernandez is the son of film stars Rudy Fernandez and Alma Moreno.

After the variety show, Aglipay and his guests joined the street children and drug patients for a brief chat and snacks.

According to CUREDD officials, Aglipay has been celebrating his birthday at the center even before he was designated by President Arroyo as PNP chief. He also gives donations to the center during Christmas Day and New Year.