MPD chief warns men: Shape up or ship out

Manila Police District (MPD) acting director Senior Superintendent Danilo Abarzosa has issued an ultimatum yesterday to his 11 police station commanders and chiefs of police community precincts to be alert on their jobs or face relief.

His warning followed a verbal admonition he received from Manila Mayor Lito Atienza on the reported comeback of illegal gambling, illegal vendors and "hulidap" or police extortion cases in the city.

"Heads will surely roll if my officials fail to comply with my new directive. I was given instruction by Mayor Atienza to relieve any official found violating my ‘no-take’ policy," Abarzosa said.

Abarzosa specifically directed his warning to Meisic police station chief Superintendent Bernardo Diaz on reports that illegal vendors have started to mushroom along Juan Luna and Ilaya streets in Divisoria, resulting in a traffic buildup in the area.

Abarzosa added he will personally inspect the areas everyday to see for himself if Diaz is not remiss on his job.

Chiefs of the police community precincts, on the other hand, will be the first to be relieved if any illegal gambling operation is found in his area of jurisdiction.

"It’s strike one for the PCP chiefs and strike two for the station commanders on illegal gambling found in their areas."

In a recent forum with the Manila Police District Press Corps, Atienza told Abarzosa his dismay on the reported comeback of illegal gambling and vendors on busy streets.

He told Abarzosa to immediately act and prove that he was worthy of being appointed permanent director of the MPD.