MPD probes absence of tourist cops in Rizal Park

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Police District director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla formed yesterday a panel to investigate the absence of tourist police in Rizal Park.

“A probe is in order to pinpoint those responsible for the procedural lapses, including the station commander, police community precinct head and other concerned policemen for their failure to secure their outpost at Luneta which was personally observed by President Aquino,” a visibly irked MPD chief told The STAR.

The panel, headed by Senior Superintendent Alex Gutierrez, deputy chief for administration, will file administrative charges against all those concerned for their lapses, according to Rongavilla.

The MPD chief also relieved yesterday Luneta PCP commander Chief Inspector Efren Pangan and replaced him with Chief Inspector Randy Maluyo, while Chief Inspector Rogelio Gabad was designated tourist police supervisor. “Major Pangan will be confined temporarily at the Ermita police station while investigation is ongoing. Heads will surely roll for their lapses,” Rongavilla said.

President Aquino, during a meeting with various government agencies on its preparation for the Holy Week, narrated that he and his convoy had passed by Rizal Park twice and noticed the absence of tourist policemen and an empty tourist police outpost in the area.

He warned police officials that there must be people who would be relieved the next time he passed by the area and “nobody’s present.”