"Aside from having poor performance ratings, the relief of the six officials and the designation of the new set of precinct commanders is in line with the MPD’s thrust of further improving the efficiency of the police in public trust and service," Abarzosa told The STAR.
He also announced an upcoming revamp of the 11 police station chiefs in the coming weeks.
Designated as new precinct chiefs are Chief Inspector Amando Mendoza for Delpan, Tondo; Chief Inspector Ganaban Ali for Alvarez, Sta. Cruz; Inspector Crescencio Viray for Hermosa, Tondo; Inspector Joselito Binayug for Zamora, Pandacan; Inspector Rodolfo Fajardo for Gagalangin, Tondo; and Inspector Alexander Navarrete for Singalong.
Abarzosa has earlier warned his commanders that they will be relieved if their performance did not improve after Manila Mayor Lito Atienza complained to him about the resurgence of illegal gambling and illegal vendors encroaching on city streets.
"Heads will surely roll if my officials fail to comply with my new directive. I was given instruction by Mayor Atienza to relieve any official found violating my ‘no-take’ policy," Abarzosa said, referring to officers on the take.
Precinct chiefs face relief if illegal gambling is found operating in their areas of jurisdiction while station commanders will get the axe if they get two strikes.
The MPD acting director also started implementing yesterday a hands-on management policy by personally inspecting areas in Divisoria where vendors were spilling into streets, causing traffic jams. Abarzosa found the streets clear of vendors to his satisfaction.
Chairman Lamberto Asayo, the head of the vendors’ organization, told The STAR that Divisoria, a shopping haven, has been more orderly since their group was formed.
Asayo said he maintains some 30 personnel to assist in directing traffic, proper waste disposal and maintaining law and order.
In a recent forum with the Manila Police District Press Corps, Atienza told Abarzosa his dismay on the reported comeback of illegal gambling and vendors on busy streets.
He told Abarzosa to immediately act and prove that he was worthy of being appointed permanent director of the MPD.