Cops pause to remember slain colleagues

The Manila Police District paid tribute yesterday to departed personnel in a simple Mass at MPD headquarters in commemoration of All Souls’ Day.

Led by Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong, the MPD extolled the unyielding commitment of the deceased Manila police personnel, most of whom were killed in the line of duty.

The Mass proper included a minute of silence as the Manila policemen offered their prayers for the salvation of the souls of their colleagues in uniform.

"As we carry on our mandate to uphold the rule of law as part of our unyielding commitment to the governance of Manila Mayor Lito Arienza, the MPD momentarily pauses this minute to remember the noble deeds of our uniformed personnel to perform their utmost duty to serve and protect during their lifetime," Bulaong said.

Filipinos traditionally commemorate the souls of their loved ones through prayers and Mass offerings during All Souls’ Day, which follows the western-inspired tradition of All Saints’ Day.

"We dedicate this day in honor of our brave men and women in uniform who lived and died serving our country in the name of public safety," Bulaong said.

Based on records, the MPD has lost a total of 71 policemen since 2002.

Fifteen Manila policemen died in 2002, 19 in 2003, 25 in 2004 and 12 this year, including Sta. Mesa police station chief Superintendent Manolo Martinez who was shot as he stepped out of car in front of the police station.

As this developed, Bulaong expressed gratitude to the Manila city government for its continuing support to the MPD by providing free funeral services to its deceased personnel.

Despite the lack of manpower, Bulaong stressed that the MPD shall continue to enhance its law enforcement capabilities through various programs which include the "At Yur Serbis, Pulis na Mabilis, Opis na Malinis" and the MPD-SmartTxt 700-PIT for immediate police assistance.

The MPD has a total of 3,164 policemen, way below the 4,800 personnel in 1985.

However, Bulaong said the MPD was still able to bring down the crime rate in the last few months.