In a turn-over ceremony officiated by Northern Police District (NPD) District Director P/CSUPT Antonio L. Decano at the new Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) Headquarters, City Mayor Sherwin T. Gatchalian, the City Police Force and the people of Valenzuela bid farewell to their peace and order-keeping partner for more than ten months, VCPS out-going Chief of Police P/SSUPT Eric Serafin G. Reyes and welcomed the new Valenzuela City Acting Chief of Police P/SSUPT Wilben M. Mayor.

Mayor WIN described the City Government’s relationship with the Valenzuela City Police Station and its officers and members in one word—Professionalism.

“I demonstrated professionalism, being a manager in nature,” he said, “the new Acting Chief of Police could expect the same professionalism, support and accommodation the Local Government of Valenzuela bestowed his predecessor.”

During the past six years as City Mayor, Mayor WIN admitted to have worked with excellent Chief of Police, including Col. Reyes, who has done admirably well to protect the welfare of the Valenzuelanos.

Reyes, in his ever reserved manner, reminded his men in his well-applauded farewell speech of the 3S in Customer Service Delivery implemented in Valenzuela City.  “Para ang serbisyo sa pamayanan ay maisaayos kailangang maisapuso ang dati na nating ginagawa na Service excellence, Speed in the delivery and Simplified process na ipagpaptuloy ng bagong management ng VCPS.”

He thanked the Mayor for all the support to the local police force.  “With all the support,” he said, “ano pa ang balakid para makapagserbvisyo ng maayos? Ito ay ang ating mga sarili na.  Ang hamon nang maiiwan ay kung paano pa natin maisasayos ang ating mga sarili upang maibigay ang hinihingi ng pagseserbisyo sa pamayanan.”

For the first time, after three times of giving Mayor WIN the opportunity of choosing the COP, the City Government organized a Multi-Sectoral Selection Committee composed of select individuals coming from the church, Parents, Teachers and Community Association (PCTA), the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and the business sector, to involve the public in the selection process.   Col. Mayor’s good track record bested the other five recommendees of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to become the successor of Reyes, his classmate at the Philippine Military Academy batch ’85.

Both Mayor and Mayor WIN are known as disciplinarians.  For that reason, it is expected that the same shall be more intensely advocated in Valenzuela City to ensure honesty and integrity.  “Discipline transcends to respect, and respect transcends to cooperation,” Mayor said.  “It is our responsibility and authority to serve with utmost dedication and integrity.  With all the enhancement and support by the local government, it is but fitting to reciprocate these efforts with best service,” he added.

He reminded his new team of dedicated policemen that “everyone should be aware that he is contributing to the peace and order mission and vision of the Philippines.  We have the best of all facilities and equipment, we should now focus on the people manning this structure—us.  We should also be the best.”

Therefore, he said, his first thrust is to push for human resource development, training in investigation, search and rescue, shooting capability of the SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team, physical fitness, and the observation of human rights among ourselves. 

To meet the challenge to be the most-credible Police Station in the whole of the Philippines, Mayor WIN promises to allocate more funds for the training of police personnel.  “We are doing it in the name of public service.  We do it for all of us to improve,” he reiterated

Mayor WIN thanked Reyes for the ten months of productive partnership.  “Though short, it has been very colorful and fulfilling,” he reiterated.

Reyes’ admirable service to the people of Valenzuela is further highlighted by the recent achievement of the Valenzuela City Police Station of rescuing nine women from the claws of human traffickers.

- Lauro Zyan F. Caiña