Mayor Sherwin T. Gatchalian lead city officials and members of the local Peace and Order Council during the turnover of Php 21,749,495 million worth of firearms and vehicles to the Valenzuela City Police at the new Valenzuela City Police Headquarters.

Mayor WIN Gatchalian presented 47 long firearm units of Caliber 5.56mm rifles, 45 units of Caliber 40 firearms and 5 units of brand new Crosswind motor vehicles to Valenzuela City Chief of Police, PSSUPT Eric Serafin G. Reyes.

In his welcome remarks, the local police chief expressed his full gratitude on the efforts of the local government in partnering with the PNP in keeping Valenzuela City a safe and orderly place to live and do business with. “The support shown by the local government, what more can we do in return but to exert equal service to the citizens of Valenzuela City.” He said.

Mayor WIN, in his message, mentioned the timeliness of the turn-over in the long vacation season. “Our people can spend their vacation at ease knowing that police visibility is more than sufficient in our city.”

The local chief added that police infrastructure and equipment comes only second in law enforcement. “What tops our priorities is to boost the morale of our local police. If we uplift their dignity and restore the respect that is due to them, we can expect them to perform their duties better. Rest assured that we (the City Government) and the City Council will continue investing in the safety and security of our fellow Valenzuelanos in this manner.” He concluded.

In response to the action of the local government, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Regional Director, PDIR Nicanor Bartolome, vowed to support the local police by assigning additional officers to keep up with crime prevention and security. “We will initially add 20 officers to the Valenzuela City Police force plus a few more from our roster of new recruits anytime this year.” PDIR Bartolome said. He also noted the partnership of the PNP and the City Government of Valenzuela as a model in law enforcement throughout the country.

Currently, Valenzuela City is monitored by 366 uniformed police officers including commissioned officers as well as 10 non-uniformed personnel performing clerical tasks.

SPO1 Jaime Felicen, a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit member, was impressed with the high-quality firearms that were turned-over by the City Government. “Dito sa Valenzuela, masasabi natin na hindi tayo lumulusob sa giyera na walang handang armas. Sa kalidad ng mga gamit at sa dami ng mga sasakyan natin, mag-iisip muna ng makailang beses ang mga masasamang-loob bago gumawa ng hindi maganda dito. (Here in Valenzuela, we can make the claim that we do not go to battles empty-handed. With the high grade equipment and vehicles we have, potential criminals will think twice before making any wrongdoings here.)” He was quoted as saying.

The event was attended by members of the Valenzuela City Peace and Order Council, the judiciary, various department heads of the City Government offices, City Councilors as well as representatives from the religious sector.

- Michael Urieta