Police chiefs told to shape up

Despite receiving a presidential pat on the back, Western Police District (WPD) director Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong still asked his police chiefs to shape up, saying he has formed a board to evaluate the performances of his men’s efforts in crime prevention and solution.

Bulaong said the board will assess how Manila’s 11 police chiefs have performed since their appointment to their post.

"Station commanders still have until after Christmas to shape up. The board will come up with their assessment by January," said WPD spokesman Chief Inspector Gerry Agunod.

Although the result of the assessment will be revealed in January, Agunod clarified that Bulaong would not hesitate to relieve station commanders from their post if they are found to be ineffective ahead of the board’s recommendation.

Bulaong will head the board, which is composed of WPD deputy directors, Senior Superintendent Juanito de Guzman, Senior Superintendent Rafael Corpuz and Chief of Staff Senior Superintendent Conrado Martinez.

Last Monday, President Arroyo commended Bulaong and the WPD for clearing a total of 280 barangays of illegal drugs. — Cecille Suerte Felipe