MPD gets 12 brand-new police cars

MANILA, Philippines–Restore the city’s vibrancy and give more meaning to the tag “Manila’s Finest.”

This was Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada’s appeal to members of the Manila Police District (MPD) as he turned over 12 brand-new patrol cars on Monday at the MPD headquarters on UN Avenue.

Only recently, he handed out P27.8 million in allowances to 2,800 MPD employees in recognition of the improved security situation in the city. On Monday, he said that they would receive an increase in their allowances next year after the city was able to improve its revenue collection. Estrada, however, did not say how much the increase would be.

“In exchange, you have to repay us with honest service. It hurts me to learn of policemen asking bribes from vendors,” he said.

According to Estrada, when he became Manila mayor, he inherited a city that was “financially bankrupt and had a police force with low morale.”

“We have to show that under my administration, Manila is no longer the lawless wasteland it once was,” he added, citing the many instances in the past that Manila policemen were linked to crimes such as car theft and kidnapping.

He went on to say that ever since he entered politics, it has been his belief that “no city or country can prosper without peace and order” which is why he always prioritizes the improvement of the state of the police force.

In May, 10 Segway personal transporters were given to the MPD to increase police visibility in busy areas in the city, particularly the Divisoria area.

Manila, which has a daytime population of four million and two million at night, is home to 475 banks and 145 colleges and universities, according to a document obtained by the Inquirer.

It showed that in the month of June, there is often an increase in crime incidents because it coincides with the opening of classes.

MPD director Chief Supt. Rolando Asuncion said that for the second quarter of the year, they were able to record a six-percent decrease in crimes or a reduction of 283 cases compared to the first quarter. He attributed the fewer cases to improved police visibility.

“When we assumed the post in February, we revitalized the department’s mobile patrol unit,” Asuncion said. “We had at least a dozen patrol cars plying the streets of Manila. Though they were old cars, [their presence] gave a sense of security to the public.”

In March, he added, at least 41 tourists were victims of various crimes in the city. A month after they deployed their patrol units, they reduced the number to 14.

“Hopefully, we’ll be able to duplicate [our success in eliminating crimes] once we roll out these patrol cars,” Asuncion said.