BATANG MAYNILA
Mayor Isko Moreno
I would like to take this opportunity to once again congratulate the men and women of our country’s premier police force, the Manila Police District (MPD) now headed by Gen. Leo Francisco, on the occasion of its recent 120th founding anniversary.
I and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna joined the celebration and are one in expressing our heartfelt gratitude for all the assistance and cooperation being fully given by the MPD members to the city government of Manila and its citizens.
Especially in these times of the pandemic, the role that the MPD plays not only as part of our vital frontline personnel but more so as keepers of the peace and order is something we are so grateful for.
In addition to this of course, is the significant assistance being lent by our MPD policemen to ensure that the ordinances relative to the efforts of the local government to keep COVID-19 cases at bay are fully and effectively implemented all over the city. All the lockdowns and mandatory health protocols would not be successfully enforced if not for the help of the police.
Alongside this, the MPD members are also on their toes implementing my standing orders for them to continuously hunt down criminals and fugitives from justice because I do not want them to use Manila as their haven.
On this note, it is worth mentioning that the MPD policemen are highly commendable for exercising extreme tolerance and patience while hunting down criminal elements in the city.
Notably, of the total number of criminals arrested or hunted down by the MPD, at least 95 percent of them have been caught alive, brought to justice, and are now either serving their sentence or attending hearings as their cases pend resolution in various courts.
It is in this light that I reiterate my stern warning to criminals and fugitives from justice to stay away from Manila because they will be pursued to the end.
I and Vice Mayor Lacuna will stop at nothing to make sure that the citizens of our beloved city get to live in the peaceful and safe environment that they so deserve and not with criminals in their midst.
It is a fact that we cannot just stop on their tracks criminal-minded individuals from doing their thing. Of course there will be instances when these criminals may be able to get around the law or elude authorities.
However, let me assure that if one decides to commit a crime in Manila, we will leave no stone unturned to solve it and bring the criminal to justice.
As I have been stating, these criminals will die of sleeplessness because we will pursue them wherever they may hide, even way outside of Manila, and make sure that they are held accountable and pay for their crime.
I know people make mistakes and I, for one, stumble and fall from time to time –
which is why out of humane reasons, I am willing to give those who wish to reform another chance to turn over a new leaf. I am also ready to be as diplomatic as possible.
However, I cannot allow these criminals to make the city and its authorities a laughing stock by committing a crime and just getting away with it, like it is nothing.
Time and again, I have stressed that we already have a government in Manila and if you challenge the system, we are more than ready to respond accordingly and I am certain that the MPD is up to that challenge at all times.
After one year and six months as city mayor, with Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna by my side, I continue to believe in the MPD and to be proud of it.
One thing is for sure. Vice Mayor Honey and I can’t do everything alone and having the MPD’s full support and cooperation is such a big boost in all the programs that we planned and implement for the benefit of the citizens of Manila.
Truly, the MPD continues to be worthy of its tag as ‘Manila’s Finest.’
Once again, to all the members of the MPD, congratulations on your anniversary and in behalf of all the officials of the Manila city government and the city residents, here’s looking forward to our continued partnership and more fruitful years ahead.
Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts and let me assure that the government of Manila will do everything within its means to reciprocate the support in every possible way.
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Gaya ng paulit-ulit kong sinasabi, kailangan ko ang tulong ninyong lahat. Walang magmamalasakit sa Maynila kundi tayo ding mga Batang Maynila. Manila, God first!***
For updates on latest developments in the city of Manila, please visit my Facebook account--- ‘Isko Moreno Domagoso.’