Lim supports new Manila Police District chief

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim welcomed the designation of Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay as officer-in charge of the Manila Police District, as he expressed his full support of the general’s assumption of the leadership of the city’s police force in simple turn-over ceremony yesterday at the MPD headquarters.

In his speech at the ceremony, Lim admitted his earlier apprehension on Magtibay, saying just like former MPD director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales when he assumed the post, they were both unknown to him. “Medyo me kahalong agam-agam tulad din ni Rosales. Kinakabahan ako (dahil) di ko sila kilala. Can they deliver?,” Lim asked.

Lim said in spite of his apprehension, Rosales’ achievements speak for itself. “Magaling sa di lang magaling. I gave him my highest respect,” Lim said, referring to Rosales’ handling of the MPD. Lim is optimistic that he can work well with Magtibay if the latter will follow “the footsteps of Rosales.”

There are unconfirmed reports that Magtibay is not acceptable to Lim, since the mayor prefers a “true-blooded” Manila policeman to replace Rosales. Magtibay hails from Batangas, and was the deputy regional director for administration of the Police Regional Office 4-A. Despite not having been assigned in Manila, Magtibay is the personal choice of President Arroyo to head the MPD.

Lim revealed that a number of prominent personalities have called him up and vouched for Magtibay’s character including the latter’s kababayan, Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza and former Highway Patrol Group chief Danilo Mangila, who happens to hail from Lim’s San Miguel town in Bulacan. Lim said the callers were people of esteemed character, so he knows that they will only be vouching for the person with the same character.

For his part, Magtibay vowed to duplicate, if not surpass, the achievements of his predecessor, and be part of the Manila’s Finest.