MANILA, Philippines – Police Brigadier General Joel Bernabe Balba has on Wednesday, 23 October 2019, formally assumed office as Manila Police District director following a short but formal turnover rites at the MPD Headquarters in Aroceros, Manila.

Outgoing former MPD director P/Brig. General Vicente Danao Jr. attended the turnover rites together with Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.

The former actor mayor appealed to the new leadership at Manila’s Finest to help him with the city’s peace and order efforts and its fight against criminality.

Balba accepted the challenge and promised to do his best capacity not only on Manila’s campaign against criminality like illegal drugs proliferation but as well as on its clean and beautiful Manila thrust.

He also urged utmost cooperation from Manilenos because Manila’s Finest has nothing in mind but to obtain a peaceful and progressive city.

He also said his first marching order among the ranks of the city’s police force is to implement a “one-strike policy” and “no-take policy.”

Danao, meantime, has been appointed Region 4A (CALABARZON) Regional Director. (BCuaresma/IAMIGO/CNS)