Former Easter Police District (EPD) director Brig. Gen. Bernabe Balba formally assumed Wednesday his post as the new Manila Police District (MPD) chief.
Balba replaced Brigadier General Vicente Danao who was named as new head of the Region 4-A Police Office.
During the turn over ceremony at the MPD headquarters, Balba asked the Manila Police to give him the same support they have offered to the former MPD chief.
“I am here with all good intentions for our men in this unit but I cannot make this possible just by myself I need your all out support in the operation to make this work. I am asking you to extend the same eagerness and commitment that you have offered to General Danao,” he said during his speech.
“ Sa mga kapulisan natin sa MPD, sinasabi ko sa inyo at pinapakiusapan ko kayo na gawin nating mabuti ang trabaho alam n’yo naman ang tama sa mali, kaya gawin natin ang tama so ‘wag na natin gawin ‘yung mga nangyari in the past,” he added.
“We will not tolerate unsanitary and disorderly police stations.. kotong cops who engaged himself in illegal activities, bastos na pulis or those who are ill-mannered, those who abuse their police power, and those who are not sincere in their job,” he added.
Balba also vowed that they will continue to coordinate and assist in the clearing operations being conducted by the local government of Manila.
Balba said that he would not implement the one- strike policy for policemen, but they will undergo automatic “administrative proceedings. ”
Asked about war on drugs, Balba said he would only continue the effort of the MPD.
However, Balba said he would also give priority to small and basic violations of laws in Manila.
“We will give priority to that kasi ‘yung ibang crimes nag-i-emanate doon sa mga small and basic na mga violation of ordinances so i-implement natin ‘yun like drinking in public, curfew,” he said.
Balba belongs to the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1987. He also served as deputy director for administration of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. (Erma Edera)
