Manila’s Finest to pay last respects to Barbers

Retired and active Manila policemen will pay their last respects to former Sen. Robert Barbers tomorrow at the Manila Police District (MPD) headquarters, where his remains will be brought for an overnight vigil.

Describing the senator as "benefactor of Manila policemen," lower ranked officers and their officials are keenly awaiting the arrival of the remains of their departed former colleague.

Retired Chief Inspector Pete Angulo, one of Barbers’ closest friends in the police service, said the former senator earned the respect and admiration of Manila policemen for his untiring assistance, including interceding for reinstatement to the Manila police force of those who were removed from the MPD for various causes.

"Many owe their return to the Manila’s Finest to Barbers’ intercession," he said.

Barbers had served as chief of the Ermita police station, chief of the intelligence and special action division (then known as the MPD’s ISAD), chief of the operations bureau (also called MPD’s ASOB) which were two former MPD divisions handling high-profile crimes, and the police special task force of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

"Napakagaling na hepe," recalled SPO4 Ed Paterno of the homicide section, who served under Barbers.

The former senator had risen from the ranks, starting as a Manila beat patrol before assumed sensitive positions in the Manila police force. He was also taken by Sen. Alfredo Lim to the NBI when he was appointed director.

"Loyal yan talaga kay Lim," Paterno said, adding Lim had a high regard or Barbers’ expertise in solving crimes.

Barbers was instrumental in the arrest of acknowledged drug kingpin Don Pepe Oyson and renegade soldier Col. Billy Bibit.

Paterno said Barbers always joined and led his men in the operations against criminals.

He added Barbers was a disciplinarian who would compel his erring men to ask for forgiveness for their victims of misdeeds.

"Minsan sa kalasingan ko, naasunto ko ang isang mamimimili ng alak na wala namang kasalanan sa batas. Nagalit si Barbers at pinahingi ako ng tawad dun sa mama," recalled Paterno.

Barbers’ colleagues at the MPD also remember his ardent devotion to the Sto. Niño.

Inside his office is a statue of the infant Jesus, called "Sto. Nino de Policia" and dressed as a Manila policeman.

He always saw to it that the image is brought out in a procession every last Sunday of January. Manila policemen said the activity shall be continued by Barbers’ sons.