MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde on Wednesday urged the 190,000 men and women of the police organization to remember the heroism of those who fought for the country’s independence against foreign invaders.
In his Independence Day message, Albayalde urged the police officers to ignite their passion and heart for service so that the country may finally solve the ills of the society and achieve the change that it wants.
“Para sa Pambansyang Pulisya, panahong muli upang paigtingin ang ating pagkakaisa, at sama-samang isulong ang ating misyon tungo sa kaayusan, kapayapaan at kaligtasan ng bawat lansangan at komunidad sa buong bansa (For the national police, it’s about time to strengthen our unity and collectively fulfill our mission towards order, peace and safety of every street and community in the country),” said Albayalde in a statement read by Lt. Gen. Fernando Mendez Jr., deputy director for administration, shortly after the flag-raising ceremony held in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
Simultaneous flag-raising ceremonies were also held in various police camps nationwide for the celebration of the country’s 121st Independence Day with theme “Kalayaan 2019: Tapang ng Bayan, Malasakit sa Mamamayan.”
“Sa araw na ito, ipinagdiriwang natin hindi lamang ang kagitingan at katapangan ng ating mga bayaning lumaban para makamit ang kalayaan kundi ang ating makabagong bayani na patuloy ding naglilingkod at nag-aalay ng dugo’t pawis para sa kaligtasan, kaayusan at kaunlaran ng ating bayan. Ang araw na ito ay para rin sa kanilang lahat (On this day, we celebrate not only the gallantry and valor of our heroes who fought for our freedom but also that of our modern-day heroes who continue to serve and shed sweat and blood for the safety, order and development of our nation),” he added.
After the flag-raising ceremony at Camp Crame, Mendez, along with other top police officials and PNP personnel, released white doves and waved their flaglets in celebration of the Philippine Independence Day.
Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) head, Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, who joined the Independence Day rites at the Luneta Park on Wednesday morning with outgoing Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, said the occasion went smoothly noting that no untoward incidents were reported.
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