QCPD named best police district

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) was named the "Best Police District" in yesterday’s ceremony marking the 16th founding anniversary of the Philippine National Police (PNP) held at Camp Crame.

QCPD director Senior Superintendent Magtanggol Gatdula dedicated the award to Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

Gatdula received the award from President Arroyo during yesterday’s ceremony.

"This award was made possible through the financial, logistical and moral support extended us by Mayor Belmonte. We are dedicating this award to him," Gatdula told The STAR in an interview.

Gatdula expressed hope that the award would inspire the men and women of the QCPD to work harder to maintain peace and order in the city, especially in the coming May elections.

Gatdula will receive the same award from PNP chief Director General Oscar Calderon when the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) celebrates its own anniversary at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City today.

Calderon would be assisted by newly promoted NCRPO chief, Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla, in handing out honors to various units and individuals for their outstanding accomplishments last year.

"We have a lot of criteria for selecting the winners and accomplishment comprise 30 percent of the figure," according to Senior Superintendent Isagani Cuevas, NCRPO chief of staff.

He said the QCPD bested the Manila Police District (MPD), but the NCRPO chief of staff did not cite figures. The QCPD garnered three other awards at the NCRPO level.

Senior Superintendent Federico Laciste Jr., the QCPD’s chief of staff, was adjudged as the "Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer for Administration" while Judy Clemente was chosen as the "Best Non-Uniformed Personnel."

The QCPD Special Weapons and Tactics was named the "Best District SWAT Unit."

The Valenzuela City police edged the Mandaluyong City police in the race for the police station category.

However, Superintendent Ericson Velasquez, Mandaluyong City police chief, ran away with the "Best Police Senior Commissioned Officer for Operations" award.

Station 11 of the MPD in Mesic was selected as the "Best Numbered Police Station" and the NCRPO Engineering Office as the "Best RHQ Support Unit."

The Makati City police was cited for the "Best Best Police Station SWAT" and the "Best Women and Children Concern Desk."

Police Officer 2 Deogracias Basang, of the Regional Special Action Unit, would be honored with an award for gallantry in action.

Inspector Ferjen Torred of the Las Pinas police was named "Best Police Commissioned Officer"; Senior Police Officer 2 Rodolfo Grama of the NCRPO as "Best Senior PNCO"; Police Officer 1 Emelson Madronio of NCRPO as "Best Junior PNCO," and Superintendent Lilian Castillo of the MPD as the "Policewoman of the Year."