PMA extols top cops

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Saturday conferred the Cavalier Award on Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde and National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Guillermo Eleazar during the PMA’s annual alumni gathering.

Albayalde and Eleazar were among the 11 alumni of the PMA who received the award — the highest recognition given to a PMA alumnus or alumna with outstanding achievements in their respective fields.

The PMA cited Albayalde (PMA Class 1986) for his command and administration as head of the NCRPO and for his drive to cleanse the ranks of the PNP as its head.

“As Metro Manila’s Top Cop, PDG Albayalde strictly implemented practical programs for crime prevention and suppression, an intensified campaign against criminality and illegal drugs, and a sustained internal cleansing of NCRPO’s ranks which proved to be an answer to the worsening crime situation in Metro Manila,” the PMA said.

“As PNP Chief, he focused his leadership on achieving a truly disciplined organization while implementing a massive internal cleansing program anchored on firm discipline and respect for oneself and the public,” the PMA added.

The Daily Tribune had earlier cited Albayalde as “Peace and Order Personality of 2018” for performing his duties effectively with a single-minded determination and without fanfare.

Meanwhile, Eleazar was recognized for his efforts against illegal drugs and organized crime as then district director of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).

“He pushed a relentless drive against illegal drugs and other forms of criminality in Quezon City, getting big criminal groups along the way. By late 2017, QCPD was chosen as the Most Trusted Police District per Napolcom surveys,” the PMA said.

Nine other PMA alumni also each received the Cavalier Award: Ronnie Gil Gavan (PMA Class 1993, for Coast Guard Operations); Philippine Army Sniper Task Group Commander Harold Nemeño (PMA Class 1998, for Special Operations); SEAL Unit Commander Gilbert Villareal (PMA Class 1998, for Naval Operations); Ramon Flores (PMA Class 1994, for Army Operations);Director for Operations of 5th Fighter Wing Rolando Peña III (PMA Class 1997, for Air Operations); Leo Angelo Lieuterio (PMA Class 1998, for Alumni Affairs); Jesus Lomeda Jr. (PMA Class 1980, for Special Field); Fernando Mesa (PMA Class 1975, for Public Administration) and Louie Ticman (PMA Class 1976, for Private Enterprise).