WPD ‘walkout’ belittled

Metro Manila police chief Director Edgar Aglipay belittled yesterday the threat of members of the Western Police District (WPD) to "walk-out" of their assignments due to his alleged "martial rule" leadership.

"They will not be walking out against me but the peace-loving people of Metro Manila who are asking for police service," said Aglipay.

Earlier, the WPD rank-and-file, dubbed Manila‘s Finest, threatened to stage a "walk-out" to protest Aglipay’s early morning roll call and formation before deployment to crime-prone areas.

Aglipay applied this new track when he reassumed his post last Nov. 22 which resulted in the curbing of kidnapping-for-ransom, bank and payroll robberies and cellphone snatching.

Under Aglipay’s system, policemen who incur three absences from the roll call and formation would be transferred out of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO). At least 400 policemen were thrown out of the NCRPO for allegedly ignoring Aglipay’s system.

The Manila policemen claimed Aglipay’s roll call and formation system has a semblance of martial rule. They claimed they are diligently doing their duties but are punished instead.

Aglipay explained that what he was asking his men was to provide police service to Metro Manila and prevent criminals from having a heyday, especially during the Christmas season.

Because of the initial success of his new program, Aglipay said Metro Manilans are giving their full support for the police visibility program.

A recent survey conducted by the Office of Chief Superintendent Rowland Albano, NCRPO deputy chief for administration, showed that Metro Manilans are in favor of Aglipay’s system, which vastly improved peace and order .

Aglipay pointed out that erring policemen can ask for reconsideration and the NCRPO would rescind their transfer outside Metro Manila if their reasons are valid enough. "We re willing to listen to them," he said. "If we find them following up papers, appearing in court or doing duties at police headquarters, then they are excused and we will stop their transfer.

But Aglipay emphasized that there’s no reason for him or WPD head chief Superintendent Nick Pasinos to talk to the Manila’s Finest over their "walk-out" threat. "If they don’t want to serve the public then it’s up to them," said Aglipay. "We will act accordingly once they push through their threat."