Manila cops have new acting director

An early Christmas gift.

This was how Senior Superintendent Alex Gutierrez described his appointment as the new acting director of the Manila Police District (MPD).

The former MPD deputy director for administration will be replacing Chief Supt. Roberto Rongavilla, who will be retiring next month.

Support

While official turnover ceremonies will be held at the MPD headquarters Thursday, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim announced the appointment Wednesday to express his support for the city’s new police head.

“I congratulate [Gutierrez] and I am certain, based on what I know of him in his fulfillment of duties, that he is an effective and good official,” Lim said.

Gutierrez has been the acting MPD officer in charge since receiving the appointment on Monday, as Rongavilla started his nonduty status.

Grateful

Rongavilla, for his part, thanked the city government, his “men in uniform,” and  the media for supporting his administration.

Rongavilla was appointed head of the MPD after Chief Supt. Rodolfo Magtibay was relieved for the botched hostage rescue at the Quirino Grandstand in August last year.