‘Finger-pointing should end with my relief’

Outgoing Eastern Police District (EPD) director Chief Superintendent Oscar Valenzuela said the finger-pointing over the shabu market in Pasig City should stop with his relief.

Valenzuela turned over the reins of the EPD to Chief Superintendent Charlemagne Alejandrino yesterday, leaving the command he served for two years, two months and 19 days.

"I am leaving the organization which I served with full professionalism, dedication, commitment, fairness and justice with a heavy heart," he said.

The outgoing EPD chief was almost in tears when he told his police chiefs, enlisted and non-uniformed personnel that they fared well in the campaign against criminality and terrorism under his watch.

"Contrary to reports by some sectors, the EPD officers and men are serving well with utmost dedication, commitment and professionalism," said Valenzuela, adding in the entire metropolis, eastern Metro remains the most peaceful place to live in.

The EPD came under fire following a raid by elements of the Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force on the Mapayapa compound in Barangay Sto. Tomas last Feb. 10.

Valenzuela became the 21st police official sacked over the shabu market. "The finger-pointing should stop with my relief," he said, as he called on the men in uniform not to allow their detractors to destroy what they have started.

"This is unjust and unfair for people who have served the organization well for many, many years, for people who have put their lives on the line and for people who have served with integrity," said Valenzuela.

Valenzuela said he would be leaving the command with his head held up high, knowing that the men and women of the EPD who worked under him "will continue to serve with the kind of professionalism we can be proud of."

"I am also glad that I will still be available to serve our organization and country in another capacity," he said.

The outgoing EPD director has been temporarily assigned to the office of PNP chief Director General Arturo Lomibao.

Sources said Valenzuela is being groomed as technical assistant of Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno.

During the turnover rites, Metro police chief Director Vidal Querol handed a Medalya ng Katapatan sa Paglilingkod to Valenzuela, whom he described as a "dedicated and competent police officer."

"But we must pick up the pieces. We must move on," Querol said as he urged EPD officials to extend to Alejandrino the same support they gave to Valenzuela.

For his part, the new director of the EPD promised to continue implementing all programs and projects initiated by Valenzuela.