New MPD chief urges officers to ‘hold the line’

MANILA, Philippines — The newly appointed Manila Police District (MPD) chief, Brig. Gen. Bernabe Balba, on Wednesday reminded all his officers to “hold the line” and “be role models [for] subordinates.”

During the turnover ceremony held at the MPD headquarters on UN Avenue, Balba urged them to directly supervise their men on the ground.

“We should always be mindful that even our small mistakes [would] lead to the demoralization of men down the line,” he added.

He warned them that he would not tolerate “kotong cops” or those who engage in illegal activities and were disrespectful or ill-mannered, abusive or insincere in the performance of their duties.

The new MPD district director is a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s “Maringal” Class of 1988.

He served as Eastern Police District chief until March when he was relieved for command responsibility.

Balba was then appointed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s deputy director for administration.

He succeeded Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., who was appointed Calabarzon police regional director. —Nikka G. Valenzuela