Field more cops to secure Metro streets, new NCRPO chief told

Former QCPD director Chief Supt. Joel Pagdilao takes over leadership of 18,000-strong Metro Manila police on Wednesday. Photo courtesy of PNP PIO.

FIRST task of the new chief of the National Capital Region Police Office – deploy more policemen on the streets of Metro Manila.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ricardo Marquez challenged newly minted NCRPO head Chief Superintendent Joel Pagdilao to increase the number of police officers patrolling outside their stations.

He made the call in a speech after he formally gave the blessing to Pagdilao to lead the 18,000-strong NCRPO in a simple ceremony at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City on Wednesday. Pagdilao was formerly the director of the Quezon City Police District.

Addressing hundreds of policemen at the camp, Marquez said that since he took office as PNP chief two weeks ago, there are still fewer policemen seen doing patrols.

“To reduce crime, we have to reduce fear first. I want us to be where we matter. I want to see you on the bus stops, jeepney stops, MRT stations where many commuters line up everyday,” he said.

“The people of NCR deserve a better police force who can secure the streets and allow them to enjoy the perks of life,” Marquez said.

Pagdilao responded to Marquez’ challenge in an ambush interview after the ceremony. He said he has talked with station commanders in Metro Manila to send their men to the streets as soon as possible.

“Hindi naman natin agad mape-perfect ‘yung pagbaba ng pulis kung ilan ang dapat ibaba. Ang bottomline dito, dapat mas marami ang mga pulis sa kalsada kaysa sa opisina,” Pagdilao said.

Pagdilao, like in earlier speeches of Marquez, vowed to weed out rogue cops and misfits in the police force, particularly officers in Metro Manila involved in illegal activities.

“Illegal behavior has no place in our ranks. These few officers are a disgrace to the NCRPO. They have no place in the NCRPO. Hence, they should be kicked out and dismissed from the police service,” he said in his speech.

Pagdilao’s brother, ACT-CIS Rep. Samuel Pagdilao, was also present in the ceremony.

The younger Pagdilao thanked the congressman, whom he considers his mentor. “Thank you sa lahat, kuya. Thank you sa lahat ng paalala mo sa akin,” he said.

Pagdilao was named as the NCRPO director after it was vacated by retired Police Director Carmelo Valmoria, who bowed out of service last July.

He is a member of Philippine Military Academy “Maharlika” class of 1984. Among his prominent classmates were former QCPD director chief Superintendent Richard Albano, Special Action Force head Police Director Moro Virgilio Lazo, and former PNP spokesperson and Logistics Support Service head Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac.