In 1978, a man from Sorsogon brought his eight-year-old son to Luneta in the City of Manila to soak in the historical significance of where National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal was made to face a firing squad to die a hero on 30 December 1896.

That boy would return to Manila as a young man in 1998, still a true-blue probinsyano policeman who would profess to idolize tough cop and former Manila mayor Alfredo "Dirty Harry" Lim and former Philippine National Police chief and now Sen. Ronald "Bato" de la Rosa.

Fast-forward to 2022 and that tot who visited the Luneta and who pounded the beat patrol as a 28-year-old has emerged as the chief of the Manila Police District, formerly the Western Police District —- home of Manila's Finest where "men know how to die."

Last week, P/Brig. Gen. Andre Perez Dizon hosted the Manila City Hall Reporters' Association at the Century Seafood Restaurant to candidly exchange stories and jokes, a welcome break from the usually serious journalists-source interview.

"When my father brought me to Rizal Park, I never imagined I'd return to Manila as its chief of police. I believe that's part of God's plan for me," Dizon said in Filipino, his voice cracking as the room went silent, except for the sound of people eating, of china and spoon and fork and cutlery, fighting for attention against the general's account.

Having risen from the ranks to become a police general, Dizon said he's determined to give his best for Manila, and vowed not to disappoint those who helped shape him as a man and officer.

"I will not embarrass those who had served as my mentors, those who guided me as an officer of the PNP. I could not help but get teary-eyed today as I remember the great leaders like Mayor Lim and Senator Bato," Dizon said, his eyes welling.

"They're also easy to cry," Dizon said, referring to the late Lim and Senator Dela Rosa. "I, thus, count myself among them when it comes to public service, especially for the poor."

"Kayo kasi (it's because of you)," he tried to recover his bearing, laughing.

But Dizon said there have been challenges that had to be surpassed, including a low point in his life when he thought his career as a police officer had ended.

"Time came when I faced a big case and I thought I was finished already. But it was God's direction to make me a better officer," he said, saying the brouhaha had to do with something when he was a budget officer. The case against him was dismissed, he said, describing it a complete vindication.

"That's life. Things happen to teach us lessons and make us stronger. Now, I'm back here in Manila and I will always give my best. Ever since I joined the police force, I've been taught to provide quality service, in whatever capacity.

He said he considers himself a balikbayan in Manila and that serving the capital city is an honor since he believes in the saying, "Where Manila goes the rest of the country follows."