“MAKE your presence felt at all times.”

This was the call made by Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim as he met with key officers of the Manila Police District (MPD), saying they have to ensure that their  presence is always felt in their respective areas of jurisdiction, especially during times of calamities and emergencies.

During the meeting presided over by Lim in city hall and attended by MPD director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla and his deputy Senior Superintendent Alex Gutierrez, the mayor’s chief of staff and media bureau chief Ric de Guzman and ret. Col. Franklin Gacutan who heads the mayor’s complaint and action team as well as commanders from the MPD’s 11 police stations, Lim also told the officers to always take it upon themselves to extend all possible assistance within their means whenever the situation requires for it.

Lim cited the recent typhoons where he said traffic enforcers under Manila traffic district enforcement unit chief Lt. Col. Reynaldo Nava and the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau under Nancy Villanueva, did an exemplary job by being visible on the streets and maintaining traffic flow amid heavy rains.

The mayor commended MPD-Station 7 commander Col. Ernesto Barlam, whom he said even personally helped clear the roads of fallen trees and electric posts at the height of the typhoon.

Lim said that as chiefs of their respective stations, the commanders must employ a hands-on policy and make sure that they are visible during periods of calamity.

“Maging ang mga tauhan ninyo ay mahihiya na sumilong o huwag kumilos kapag nakikita na kayo mismo ay kumikilos,” Lim told the police officers.

“It must also be incumbent upon all of you to borrow or commandeer vehicles that can wade through floodwaters so you can help ferry stranded commuters.  Iba ’yung nakikita kayo ng tao na nagmamalasakit sa oras ng pangangailangan because the people anticipate the police to do their jobs,” he added.

Lim also told the police officials not to hesitate in coordinating with the barangays and seek their cooperation on all matters that will redound to the benefit of the residents.

He expressed optimism that barangay officials will not think twice about giving their full assistance and cooperation when it comes to public service.