Pubdate: Tue, 13 Sep 2005
Source: Philippine Star (Philippines)
Copyright: PhilSTAR Daily Inc. 2005
Contact:  http://www.philstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/622
Author: Christina Mendez
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PNP CHIEF CELEBRATES 56TH BIRTHDAY WITH DRUG REHAB PATIENTS

Young actor Mark Anthony Fernandez led hundreds of former drug users
who greeted Philippine National Police chief Deputy Director General
Edgar Aglipay as he celebrated his 56th birthday last Sunday night at
the Center for Ultimate Rehabilitation of Drug Dependents (CUREDD) in
Camp Bicutan, Taguig.

On the eve of his birthday, Aglipay spent time with street children
and drug rehabilitation patients before proceeding the next day to his
hometown in Cagayan Valley to celebrate with his family and friends.

"I just want to share quality time with my family at my home province,
where I started my career," the PNP chief said, who has yet to get his
four-star rank pending the resolution on some questions on the
legality of his promotion.

He shrugged off criticisms of his extended term as PNP chief, saying
that he serves at the pleasure of the President.

It can be recalled that Aglipay was appointed as top police chief on
Aug. 23, barely a month upon reaching the mandatory police retirement
age of 56.

Prior to his appointment as PNP chief, Aglipay made significant
accomplishments as commander of the Anti-Illegal Drugs-Special
Operations Task Force (AID-SOTF) with the neutralization of shabu
laboratories and the arrest of Chinese drug traders all over the country.

In Taguig, Aglipay was accompanied by his wife Marinette, top police
officials and their families in distributing gifts and food packs at
the drug center the other day.

The couple also donated personal checks to help the center in working
with the victims of illegal drugs.

The celebration started at around 5 p.m. with a Mass attended by all
the patients. They also held a variety show where drug patients
including Fernandez, performed.

Fernandez is the son of film stars Rudy Fernandez and Alma
Moreno.

After the variety show, Aglipay and his guests joined the street
children and drug patients for a brief chat and snacks.

According to CUREDD officials, Aglipay has been celebrating his
birthday at the center even before he was designated by President
Arroyo as PNP chief. He also gives donations to the center during
Christmas Day and New Year.
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MAP posted-by: Derek