New MPD chief targets criminals on motorcycles, illegal drugs

Finally, my time has come.

This was the initial statement made by the newly appointed officer in charge of the Manila Police District (MPD) as Chief Supt. Roberto Rongavilla on Thursday formally relinquished his post to his former deputy director for administration.

In a speech following the turnover ceremony, Senior Supt. Alex Gutierrez said he would be a “working district director,” adding that the MPD would focus on cases involving criminals on motorcycles and illegal drugs.

At the same time, he reminded Manila policemen to be steadfast in protecting and serving the public to whom he issued this appeal: “Subukan ninyo po kami (Try us out).”

When asked about his initial statement, Gutierrez said that he has been with the MPD for close to 30 years. “Who doesn’t aspire for this position (district director)?” he asked reporters.

The police official has been the second officer in command at the MPD since 2010 when then Chief Supt. Rodolfo Magtibay was removed as Manila police chief over the Quirino Grandstand hostage taking. Senior Supt. Francisco Villaroman took over from Magtibay until Rongavilla was appointed to the post.

Gutierrez said that he has only a year and five months left in the service although he vowed to do everything so that his remaining time in the service would not go to waste.