The Manila Police District (MPD), Manila's Finest, marked its 122nd founding anniversary on Tuesday, Feb. 21, with a firm resolve to fight criminality in the capital city.
"Today, we are all here to commemorate the work, evolution, achievements, and enduring legacy of the Manila Police District, the home of Manila's finest," said Col. Raul Tacaca, MPD Director for Administration.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., MPD Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon, and Manila Mayor Honey Lacuña-Pangan led the wreath-laying ceremony at the MPD headquarters in Ermita, Manila.
Azurin commended the MPD officers and awardees for their determination and steadfast commitment to protecting Manileños.
"The MPD has made a positive and lasting impact on the lives of the people of Manila. On this day, as we recognize the Manila Police District as Manila's finest, we also pay tribute to the courage of all fallen and living personnel as well as collaborators of MPD, especially the long line of our awardees who have devoted to preserving the supremacy of the law ensuring public safety and safeguarding the citizens of the country seat of power," he said.
In line with the celebration, which was themed "Serbisyong may Malasakit para sa Kaayusan at Kapayapaan Tungo sa Kaunlaran ang Handog ng Pulis Maynila sa Taong-bayan," the MPD presented plaques of appreciation to police personnel and stakeholders who have shown outstanding service in different police departments.
Azurin also urged the police district to intensify the anti-criminality campaign in the city.
"Pag ang tingin po ng karamihan ay maayos, tahimik, mapayapa ang Maynila, marami po (ang) darating na mga turista dito sa atin. (When people think that Manila is peaceful, many tourists will come to us) When tourists start to flock to and visit Manila, it means income to the city or to the government of Manila and income to our national government," he said.
MPD, previously named as the Metropolitan Police Force in 1901, is the oldest police district organized in the country.