MPD reshuffles 9 officials

The Manila Police District (MPD) has begun reshuffling  key officials in four police stations and three support units as part of its massive reorganization plan.

The revamp’s initial wave was approved by Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim through the recommendation of retired police colonel Felicisimo Lazaro, the mayor’s adviser on police matters, according to MPD director Senior Superintendent Danilo Abarzosa.

Abarzosa welcomed the changes and called on the reassigned officials to prove their worth since Lim expects a police force dedicated to the pro-active prevention and quick solution of crimes in the city.

The simple turn-over ceremony, held Saturday at the Rizal Hall of the MPD headquarters, was witnessed by Abarzosa, his directorial staff and Lazaro, who represented Lim.

Superintendent Rolando Miranda, chief of the Sta. Ana police station, took over as the new commander of the Raxabago, Tondo police station, replacing Superintendent Romulo Sapitula who was designated as the new chief of the Sta. Cruz police station.

Sapitula replaced Superintendent Rommel Cabagnot, who was transferred to the operations and plans division.

Superintendent Frumencio Bernal III, who was the chief of the MPD’s police community relations division, took over Miranda’s former post. Bernal was replaced by Superintendent Roberto dela Rosa.

Superintendent Ernesto Barlam, chief of the MPD’s operations and plans division, was named the new head of the Sampaloc police station. He replaced Superintendent Jose Asayo.

Superintendent Rodolfo Llorca was named chief of the MPD’s logistics division. Chief Inspector Rolando Tumalad is the new chief of the district mobile patrol unit, while Chief Inspector Chit Santos now heads the district’s criminal record and investigation division.

Lazaro said the ongoing police revamp is not a political payback after the May elections, but a comprehensive evaluation of the officials’ performance. He quoted Lim as saying that he puts aside the police officials’ political affiliation during the selection process.

“Let us leave the last election behind. Let us now work for a common vision of delivering better services to the people,” Lazaro quoted Lim as telling the MPD officials.

Abarzosa said more revamps will be announced after an international meet next month. – Nestor Etolle