Ex-QCPD chief becomes emotional at turnover rites

Former Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Chief Superintendent Richard Albano (Facebook photo)

MANILA, Philippines – Former Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Chief Superintendent Richard Albano shed tears on Friday at the turnover ceremony for his successor Senior Superintendent Joel Pagdilao.

“From the bottom of my heart, maraming salamat (thank you very much),” the former chief said as he expressed gratitude for the support of the QCPD staff.

The Department of Interior and Local Government ousted Albano and four other Metro Manila district directors because of their supposed failure to control criminality.

The QCPD was involved into several controversial cases, including the “hulidap” along EDSA last September in Mandaluyong City.

Despite the sadness, the former chief accepted the decision of the higher authorities. He clarified that he was not resentful at being dismissed from his post.

“I honor the decision of our Honorable DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, and I know this is but a step forward in our mission of making a difference. As I’ve always said, crime prevention is everybody’s business. Together we can make this world a better and more peaceful place,” Albano said in his official Facebook page.

“My efforts may be humble, but I know these will never be in vain. The Divine Providence has always guided us and there is a special reason why each of us is at this point and time in our lives,” he added.

The former chief will be reassigned as his retirement is still due in 2016. But according to a report, it is still undecided as to where it will be.

Meanwhile, Pagdilao promised that he will apply the principles of leadership and administration in his new post.

“Kailangan i-motivate natin ang tao natin para gawin ang trabaho nila ng tama. (We need to motivate our personnel to do their job properly.),” he said.

With report from Cyra Moraleda