2 police officials get scolding from Atienza

"Tong" collection by unrepentant cops continues unabated in Manila.

Manila City Mayor Lito Atienza cracked yesterday the whip and called two police commanders in Divisoria for a dressing down at his office at the city hall for what he called "anarchy" in the area, which could only be traced to a flourishing protection racket.

Atienza has since recommended to Western Police District (WPD) director Chief Superintendent Avelino Razon Jr. the relief of some 18 cops in two police detachments belonging to Station 2 headed by Superintendent Harrison Tolosa, and Station 11 headed by Superintendent Elmer Jamias.

"We have reason to believe that "tong" collection is going on. The obvious laxity by the police (in enforcing the ordinances on illegal parking and illegal vending) could mean only one thing," Atienza said.

Atienza found himself in an embarrassing situation where he had to spare Jamias and Tolosa while sacking their subordinates who apparently were only receiving orders from their superiors.

Atienza said Jamias and Tolosa could find themselves sacked if they are not able to put order in their areas of jurisdiction.

"We are giving fair warning to the police commanders even as an investigation is now being made by WPD headquarters. We are making the commanders answerable. From what I saw, vending in the middle of the street and triple, quadruple parking of vehicles under the noses of the police -- it is clear there is connivance. Meron ditong lagayan," Atienza said. -