By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
QUEZON CITY — The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) marked its 85th Founding Anniversary on Monday (Nov. 25) here at the M.I.C.E Center in Quezon City Hall with the theme: “Tayo ang QCPD : May Dangal, Disiplina, at Kasanayan, Kaagapay ng Pamayanan Tungo sa Ligtas at Maunlad na Bukas”.
Mayor Ma. Josefina “Joy” G. Belmonte, in her speech, noted that the QCPD was tenporariy led by Tomas Morato.
Quezon City was then the nation’s capital.
Belmonte became City Mayor in 2019 and since then she has provided Cctvs, digital forensic system, various trainings and skills upgrade for police.
Belmonte noted the QCPD report that there was an increase in some index crimes such as Illegal gambling and illegal drugs.
She urged the men and women of QCPD to be compassionate.
“Discipline should be in the core of the police may nakatingin man o wala,” Belmonte said.
“Gamitin ang panuntunan ng batas sa paggawa ng tama,” she added.
The city chief executive urged the QCPD to raise the “bar”.
“Sama-sama tayong pagtagumpayan ang kapayapaan at katiwasayan sa Quezon City,” Belmonte said.
She cited Col. Buslig for his transparency and for updating her of the peace and order situation in Quezon City everyday.
She added that there are many outstanding women in the QCPD as well.
Meanwhile, the QCPD Karingal Awardees were Lt. Col. Vicente Bumalay, Jr., Maj. Don Don Llapitan, MSgt. Nestor De Guzman, among others.
Ma. Josefina Belmonte Award was bestowed on. Lt. Col. Leonie Dela Cruz.
Among others, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit was adjudged as the Best District Operating Unit, Best National Administrative Support Unit was awarded to Medical and Dental Unit.
Police Col. Joel Villanueva, Acting Chief Directorial Staff, was feted with a plaque of appreciation as well as Dexter Cardenas, among others.
Brig. Gen. Elmo San Diego was awarded with the Kaagapay Leadership Award, as well as the Quezon City Press Corps, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., and the Quezon City Council.
Police Col. Melecio M. Buslig, Jr., QCPD Acting District Director, extended his utmost gratitude and appreciation to Mayor Belmonte such that without the support of the Quezon City local government unit, the QCPD’s 85th Founding Anniversary will not be successful.
Buslig noted that Mayor Belmonte is a staunch advocate for the protection of women, children, and the LGBTQIA community, as well as for sustainable environment.
Present were Quezon City Department Heads, City Councilors from District 1 to District 6, Majority Floor Leader Dorai Belarmente, Rep. Michael “PM” Vargas, former Mayor and erstwhile House Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte, Jr., Atty. Michael Amurung, and former QCPD Directors, among others.
