Metro police chief lauds Valenzuela

Newly installed National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Reynaldo Varilla, in his first visit to Camanava since assuming his new post, lauded yesterday the continuing efforts of the Valenzuela government to support the local police force even as he witnessed the turnover of more patrol cars and two-way radio units donated by City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian.

Gatchalian said that while he vowed to continue help equip the local police force under Superintendent Billy Beltran to enhance its crime-fighting capability, he reiterated the city government’s request for more uniformed cops to augment the city’s police force.

Gatchalian turned over two Isuzu Crosswind SUVs and a Kia van as patrol cars and a second set of 37 two-way Motorola radios to Superintendent Billy Beltran, city police chief, and witnessed by Northern Police District (NPD) director Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil and Varilla.

In November last year, Gatchalian gave two more brand-new Isuzu Crosswinds and seven big bikes to the Valenzuela City Police.

Prior to this, Gatchalian, through the City Peace and Order Council, already gave away nine Isuzu Crosswinds to the police for a total of 11 and two more big bikes for a total of nine.

This is part of the continuing capability buildup the mayor has pursued for the city government since assuming office in July 2004.

The mayor has also procured 20 handheld radios for the local police and 35 for the TMO, including a reliable radio repeater system for improved communication and faster and more cost-efficient delivery of basic services.

"While the city government has done its best to supplement the crime-fighting capabilities of our local police by providing them with additional vehicles, radios, computers and other necessary equipment, there is no denying our need for more police officers," said Gatchalian.

Varilla, for his part, acknowledged the city government’s support for the local police force and vowed to look into the request for more policemen in the city.

"It appears that the common request from Metro mayors is the deployment of additional police officers in their respective areas. We will study this matter to ensure the equitable distribution of available personnel," Varilla said.

Varilla’s visit came in an effort to check the overall preparedness of the police in Camanava.