SPD, security agency share honors

Outstanding policemen in the Southern Police District (SPD) and a security agency and its workforce shared honors in a tribute given to them Monday by the anticrime watchdog group Volunteers against Crime and Corruption (VACC).

Dante Jimenez, founding chairman of the VACC, commended the SPD’s “exemplary performance,” particularly that of the Makati police, at SPD headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

On the other hand, National Capital Region Police Office head Director Leonardo Espina cited several policemen who were instrumental in resolving a number of high-profile criminal cases as worthy of the prestigious “Medalya ng Papuri” award, along with members of the Southbend Security & Investigative Services Inc., who helped catch the killers of George Anikow, a US Marine.

Makati is “a model of quick response” and the “epitome of a successful system in crime-fighting,” Espina said.

“Their response time—15 seconds—was faster than the policemen in the Connecticut school shootout, which was 10 minutes,” he said.

Espina added that the coordination of Makati police and Southbend Security through radio was “crucial” in apprehending the Anikow suspects.

Espina said that there are still many other deserving policemen. “There are a lot of unsung heroes among our ranks.”

He also noted SPD Director, Chief Supt. Benito Estipona’s “exemplary” leadership in the security agencies, on the other hand, are “force multipliers” that watch over public and private buildings and that  coordination with them is vital in resolving criminal cases, Espina said.

Jimenez added the police can accomplish their tasks a lot faster when they work with barangay (village) tanod and security guards.

Among the accomplishments of the law enforcers cited by the VACC were: the rescue of kidnap victim Amina Mangondato by Senior Supt. Rolando Asuncion and members of the SPD Special Operations; the arrest of Ozamiz gang members  involved in a string of robberies, including one at Alabang Town Center, by Senior Supt. Conrad Capa and members of SPD Special Operations; the arrest of the Onad gang, which is involved in car theft and robbery cases, by Chief Insp. Michael Chavez and members of the Paranaque Police; the arrest of suspects in the robbery of Thai national Warapon Supanyee last Nov. 1 by the Pasay Police; and the quick arrest of the suspects in the George Anikow case by the Makati police.

Jimenez also called Espina, a “man who believes in professionalism.”

“Under his leadership, we can easily communicate with the police chiefs in the district. Cases are also processed faster,” the VACC head added.

He also commended Espina’s efforts to clean up the force, which  “resonates positively down the ranks of the NCRPO.”

For Jimenez, fighting crime is achievable, “depending on leadership and strategy.”