Manila dads endorse Rosales as MPD chief

At least 20 Manila councilors crossed party lines to endorse Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales as the new director of the Manila Police District (MPD).

In a two-page manifesto of support, the councilors said Rosales, a true Manileño and a well-decorated police officer, has the competence and capability to lead the MPD.

The councilors noted that Rosales was meritoriously promoted three times and was responsible for the arrest of Panukulan (Quezon) Mayor Ronnie Mitra who yielded 500 kilos of shabu.

Rosal was provincial director of Quezon from August 2001 to December 2002.

Deputy Director General Avelino Razon Jr., deputy chief for administration of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said the endorsement could boost the chances of Rosales of being named director of the Manila police.

"Tiyak makakatulong sa kanya ‘yan," said Razon, a two-term MPD director and current chairman of the Senior Officer’s Placement and Promotion Board (SOPPB).

Earlier, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza said he would like the new MPD director to have the endorsement of all concerned sectors of society like the church, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local officials.

However, Atienza said he does not want to be pressured in the selection of the next MPD commander. "I am studying the matter seriously. I do not want to be pressured to make a choice in 10 days or two weeks."

In the manifesto, the councilors noted that Rosales was born and raised in Sampaloc, Manila.

Rosales studied at P. Gomez Elementary School and Ramon Magsaysay High School before entering the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), where he graduated in 1978.

They said Rosales’ elder brother, Edgar, is the incumbent chairman of Barangay 511 Zone 50, where he is at the forefront on the war on illegal drugs.

The councilors added that Rosales’ mother is also a resident of San Diego Street in Sampaloc, where she is actively involved in church and charity work.

"A peaceful and orderly community guarantees progress. With Mayor Atienza’s development in the city, and with the many programs he wishes to pursue, a skillful, strong-willed, knowledgeable MPD director is a must to work hand in hand with the local executives to carry out all programs beneficial to all Manilans. Rosales has the credentials and passion to take the job," the manifesto said.

Among those who signed the manifesto were Councilors Alex Co, Benjamin Asilo, Pacifico Laxa, Victoriano Melendez, Richard Ibay, Carlos Castaneda, Lousito Chua, Honey Lacuna-Pangan, Cita Astals, Irma Alfonso-Juson, Rolando Valeriano, Isko Moreno, Martin Isidro, Arlene Koa, Bernie Ang, Amalia Tolentino, Robert Ortega Jr., Elizabeth Rivera and Danilo Victor Lacuna Jri. – Non Alquitran