No matter how spectacular the attraction may be, if people don’t feel safe in them, all the hype about the place will just come to naught. It could be the ultimate powdery white sand beach destination or a city with endless entertainment options to offer, visitors will no longer feel the desire to visit them if they know they will easily fall prey to unscrupulous creatures.
But the peace and order situation of the country’s main gateway for international tourists recently got a boost as retired police officer Elmer Jamias announced his candidacy for Mayor of Manila in next year’s elections.
More popularly known as “Barako ng Maynila,” this tough guy of the city gained recognition when he got rid, as in, wiped off from the face of the earth, the city’s Public Enemy Number One who was responsible for the murder of several police officers. Aside from that, he has championed the fight against illegal drugs towards ensuring a drug-free city.
Jamias always excelled in the various positions he occupied as the guardian of safety in the National Capital Region—Police Brigadier General at the National Capital Region Police Office; Head of Eastern Police District; Deputy Director for Administration of the Southern Police District; Chief of Police of Muntinlupa; Unit Commander of the Manila Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Office in the Port Area; and as Deputy Director of the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology Management.
Most importantly, Jamias envisioned a digitally transformed Philippine National Police to ensure effective and credible service by 2030.
The epitome of five core values (Dynamism, Innovation, Commitment, Transparency, and Methodology) which he will continue to uphold when elected, he was proclaimed one of The Outstanding Manilans of 1999, aside from being the Bayaning Pulis (People’s Choice) National Awardee, as proclaimed by Banco Pilipino. His generosity is beyond reproach as he donated all of the cash prize he received together with this recognition, split between the Manila Police Press Office and the wounded and retired members of the Manila Police force.
His interesting and enviable achievements and heroism were very well documented in the 2000 biopic, Jamias: Barako Ng Maynila, which had Jinggoy Estrada playing the title role.
When asked why he chose to serve in the police force, he readily relates how, in his growing up years, he witnessed “tough guys” lording it over on the streets, terrorizing residents, cowed by fear and helplessness.
All these made him resolute in his decision to help make the city safe and prosperous for its residents. He then enrolled in the Philippine College of Criminology and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Academy, and was later elected by his peers as the President of the PNP Academy Alumni Association.
As he declared his intention to run for the city’s top elective post, Jamias said that a real tough man puts his bravery in place. He should never be a terror but, instead, should always be an instrument of peace.
With this, I completely agree. It would certainly be nice, and be great for our Tourism Industry, if our country’s premier city will be completely safe for us, residents, and for our visitors as well. After all, the success of our Industry is always hinged on the safety of our stakeholders and our guests. Let’s ensure a desirable Peace and Order situation for Manila and give the task to someone who’s “been there, done that.”
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