MPD chief to give up post for deputy

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Police District director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla will relinquish his post to his deputy for administration, Senior Superintendent Alex Gutierrez, on Thursday, a source told The STAR yesterday.

Rongavilla, who is set to retire on Nov. 20 upon reaching the mandatory age of retirement, will be on a non-duty status until his last day. Retirement honors will be bestowed on him on Nov. 18 by the Philippine National Police.

He served as MPD chief for more than a year, after being designated by the PNP when the MPD was reeling from two fiascos: the alleged torture of a detainee at a police outpost by a police official, followed by the bloody rescue of Chinese tourists held hostage by a deranged former Manila police official.

Gutierrez will serve as officer-in-charge until he gets his “star” to become the MPD chief.

Gutierrez is reportedly a protégé of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, who personally lobbied to have Gutierrez as MPD chief. Lim prefers policemen who are residents of Manila to serve at the MPD.