MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has expressed sorrow over the death of former Manila mayor Alfredo Lim whose tough stance against criminals earned him the moniker “Dirty Harry.”
The Palace lauded Lim for his legacy of law and order.
Lim died on Saturday, a day after it was reported that he was confined in a hospital due to the coronavirus disease 2019. He was 90.
“We express our condolences to the family, loved ones, friends and supporters of former mayor Alfredo Lim. The nation, particularly the city of Manila, remembers him for his tough stance against crime and drugs,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said on Saturday night.
Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Lim had a dynamic political career as a mayor, interior secretary and senator.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III described Lim as a staunch advocate of peace and order.
NBI honors Lim
Philippine flags at the National Bureau of Investigation headquarters in Manila and regional offices will be flown at half-mast today in honor of Lim.
Lim served as director of the NBI from 1989 to 1992 before he was elected mayor of Manila.
“The NBI expresses its deepest sympathies for the passing of former director Alfredo Lim,” NBI officer-in-charge Eric Distor said.
The Manila Police District (MPD) and city hall will also fly flags at half-mast today.
Lim served as director of the Western Police District, now MPD, from 1986 to 1989.
He instituted reforms at the NBI and lobbied for pay hikes for agents and other employees.
Lim was elected Manila mayor after his stint at the NBI in 1992 and was reelected in 1995.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) expressed appreciation for Lim’s devotion and love for the police service.
“The PNP will always be grateful for the legacy of efficiency left by General Lim, that shall serve as our standard of performance in the police service.”
Lim also served as superintendent of the PNP Academy.
“His undying words: ‘The law applies to all, otherwise, none at all,’ reminds us that we live under a regime of law where the law is supreme and nobody is above the law,” the PNP said.
“The PNP is honored to pay him our last respects and accord him the final honors befitting a police veteran and a statesman,” it added.
Lim headed the Department of the Interior and Local Government from 2000 to 2001. He was elected senator in 2004. – Rey Galupo, Neil Jayson Servallos, Cecille Suerte Felipe