Atienza won’t be pressured on selection of MPD chief

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza said yesterday he would not be pressured by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to choose the next Manila Police District (MPD) director within 10 days.

Atienza, a guest at the Newsstand Forum at the Ambassador Hotel, said he would write Metro police chief Director Vidal Querol and inform him that his choice would not be limited to the three nominees provided by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

He met Querol last Aug. 7 when the latter gave him a list of three names.

"I am studying the matter seriously. I do not want to be pressured to make a choice in 10 days or two weeks."

Atienza said he does not agree with the PNP process on selection. "I do not know why the PNP has to give a list of choices. I feel that I should make my own."

He refused to divulge the names of the three.

However, the mayor clarified that while he might object to the PNP procedure, he was not rejecting the PNP nominees and even jested that he might even actually give in and pick from the list. "But I will not accept the fact that my choice should be limited to those in the list."

Atienza said a police officer born and raised in Manila and has served the city for several years would be more suited to fill the position vacated by retired MPD director Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong. "Iba ang dating, iba ang commitment kapag Manileño ka."

In his letter to Querol, he would cite a section under Memorandum Order 77 that directs the National Police Commission to empower the mayors of all the cities and municipalities in the NCR to effectively carry out their responsibility of maintaining peace and order in their respective territorial jurisdictions. This was signed by President Arroyo on Oct. 1, 2002.

One of the provisions states that mayors of the cities and municipalities in the NCR shall choose the chiefs of police, station commanders or district directors from lists of qualified and eligible officers recommended by the district director (DD) or the NCRPO director, preferably from the same city or municipality.

The mayors may recommend to the DD or NCRPO director a name that may be included in the list of eligibles.

He added that even if Malacañang is located within the city, the President has not called to influence or interfere with his decision.

He admitted that he is still reviewing the background and qualifications of the nominees. "I will choose one who will deliver my expectations. The next MPD chief should be someone who can stop the extortion activities of the many rank and file police personnel assigned in the city."