PMA Class ’77 baron named to SPD post

Metro police chief Director Vidal Querol named yesterday Senior Superintendent Ricardo Padilla as officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Southern Police District (SPD).

Padilla will replace Chief Superintendent Wilfredo Garcia, who was promoted last week to chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) directorate for operations (DO) at Camp Crame.

"He (Padilla) will serve first as OIC or caretaker of the SPD," said Querol, who will preside over a simple turnover ceremony at 9 a.m. today at the SPD grounds in Fort Bonifacio.

Garcia, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class ’74, said his almost two years at the helm of the SPD had been very fruitful. "It was my most challenging assignment so far in my career. I was dealing with the most critical area of responsibility, especially when the security of the State is being challenged by the destabilizers," said Garcia, adding that he and his men were able to neutralize all threats to national security.

Garcia is hoping that Padilla, a baron of PMA Class ’77, would continue his good projects like the Makati Shield, Ayala-Alabang Shield, Global City Shield and Task Force Diplomatic Security.

When reached for comment, the incoming SPD chief said it was only fitting that he continue the projects started by Garcia.

"Itutuloy natin ang lahat ng magagandang projects niya," Padilla said.

The new SPD chief said he would prioritize under his watch the campaign to bring down the crime rate in the six cities and one town comprising the district.

"Wawalisin natin ang street crimes at siguruhin kong magiging courteous ang kapulisan natin while dealing with the public," he said.