Metro PNP district heads given 6 months to show their stuff

The four new police district directors in Metro Manila have been given six months to show their worth.

The first marching order given by Metro Manila police director Chief Superintendent Edgar Aglipay is for them to surpass the achievements of their predecessors in six months time.

"It's a big challenge for them to do better. If they fail to live up to expectations then somebody else must be in their positions," said Aglipay in a telephone interview.

The new district directors, Aglipay said, should give priority to the goals of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Deputy Director General Panfilo Lacson, specifically crime prevention through police presence. "They must spearhead the weeding out of inept, corrupt and undisciplined (ICU) policemen," Aglipay said.

Chief Superintendent Avelino Razon Jr. was installed as the new Manila police chief last December. Last Tuesday, Chief Superintendent Jose Bandong and Senior Superintendent Manuel Cabigon took over as director of the Northern Police District (NPD) and Southern Police District (SPD), respectively. Chief Superintendent Victor Luga will assume command of the Central Police District (CPD) on Monday.

The remaining old face, Chief Superintendent Rowland Albano, Eastern Police District (EPD) director is expected to be pulled out of his post anytime this month, heading for either Central Luzon or Ilocos Norte.

The newly designated police commanders were chosen for the sensitive Metro Manila posts because of their service reputations and records.

Aglipay said his staff at the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCPRO) recommended their names to Lacson "for the advancement of those leaving and being relieved."

Of the four new police district directors, Cabigon has the tough job of surpassing the achievements of his predecessor, Chief Superintendent Romeo Maganto, who was "promoted" to deputy chief of the PNP directorate for plans.

Records furnished The STAR showed that Maganto topped the NCRPO's 1999 annual district performance evaluation and rating with an overall mark of 75.54 percent. The EPD came second with 74.73, closely followed by the CPD, NPD, and WPD, in that order.

According to Aglipay, he will personally evaluate the performance of the new district directors after six months and recommended relief of those remiss in their duties.

Aglipay expects them "to see to it that our policemen in the street are performing their assigned tasks to the satisfaction and respect of the people."

He advised them to inspire their men to work harder and provide what is due them in terms of equipment and support.

"If we are fast in giving punishment, we must also be fast in giving awards and promotions to deserving ones," Aglipay emphasized.

He urged them to solve the problems of peace and order brought to their attention while they are still small and manageable.