President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday called for a strong and formidable Philippine National Police (PNP) in the country amid flagrant assaults against persons and property rights in the country.
“In the face of all these, we must ensure all the more that our law enforcement agencies—especially our police force—remain to be strong and formidable,” President Marcos said on Monday during the PNP Change of Command Ceremony and Retirement Honors for Police Gen. Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. in Camp Crame.
“They must be effective in their intelligence and investigations, operations, in the enforcement of accountability and of course, the rule of law, without fear or favor,” the President said.
President Marcos said he expects Major General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr., the new PNP chief, to lead by good example and guide the organization to the desired path towards rebuilding and strengthening, continuous improvement and capacity- building.
The chief executive directed the new PNP leadership to enhance operational ties with other law enforcement agencies, both on the local and national levels as well as ensure integrated, coordinated and systematic approach in addressing our peace and order and internal security issues.
“Make your presence felt in the streets, make them safer. Defend our democratic institutions, our cherished ideals. Protect the people, especially the weak, the vulnerable, and those who indirectly work with us in the same cause, such as journalists, civic action groups, civil volunteers, [and] the like,” the chief executive said.
“Finally, serve the people with integrity, with accountability, and genuine justice. Always be open to public scrutiny, and practice restraint and maximum tolerance in the face of harsh criticism,” the President pointed out.
President Marcos also assured the entire PNP of the administration’s full support for the organization and its plans and programs that seek to boost the morale of its personnel, hone their skills and advance their capabilities.
At the same time, the President urged the PNP to always strive to win the trust, respect and admiration of the people through an efficient, ethical and compassionate brand of police work.
The chief executive also expressed confidence that with each of the PNP member’s resolve and determination, the organization can overcome all the challenges that lie ahead.
PBBM honors Azurin
In his speech, President Marcos thanked outgoing PNP chief General Azurin for his leadership, particularly in his role in advocating for the refinement of the ideal peace and security framework for the country, Malasakit, Kaayusan, Kapayapaan, tungo sa Kaunlaran.
The President recognized Azurin’s efforts in forging partnership with religious organizations, through the “KA-SIMBA-YANAN” program, focusing on the core principle that peace and order is everybody’s concern.
During his tenure, the PNP made substantial accomplishments in the area of peace and order, most notably in the campaigns against terrorism, carnapping, loose firearms, child abuse, gambling, smuggling, and other illegal operations, the President said.
New PNP chief
Acorda, the new PNP chief, is a distinguished police officer and a humble servant who hails from a family of outstanding public officials in Ilocos Norte, graduated from the Philippine Military Academy “Sambisig” class of 1991 and has a Master’s Degree in Management from the Philippine Christian University.
Acorda held various leadership positions in the national police and has a long list of accomplishments and recognition in his career, including extensive knowledge in intelligence and operations.
The new PNP chief also earned numerous accolades including the Bronze Cross Medal, a prestigious single grade military decoration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which is awarded for heroism involving risk of life and several presidential citations, awards and decorations.
Acorda served as the former chief of staff of the PNP Civil Security Group and was also one of the officials who pioneered the creation of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group.
As Director for Intelligence of the Philippine National Police, Acorda has supervised operations that resulted in the neutralization of high-ranking NPA officials nationwide.
Acorda is also a member of the United Nations Blue Helmets having been deployed twice as a member of the Philippine contingent in the United Nations Police Peacekeeping operations in Haiti where he occupied directorial position. #
