By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. on Wednesday called on police officers to abhor crimes and uphold their duty to protect the country’s peace and progress.
During the PNP’s pre-launch of the “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign at Camp Crame, Quezon City, Acorda also urged members of the force to ditch any divisiveness among the ranks.
“Let us work together towards a common goal. A vibrant, progressive and just Bagong Pilipinas for every Filipino people,” he said in his speech.
Acorda said the PNP’s launch of the Bagong Pilipinas kick-off rally symbolizes their commitment to accountable and dependable governance towards a transformed nation.
He said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has set the stage for a profound transformation in all sectors of society and government, noting that the role of the PNP is paramount in safeguarding peace and order that form the foundation of this transformative journey.
“Together let us strive for a Bagong Pilipinas, one characterized by resilience, prosperity, a government that remains firm in its duty to the well-being of our Filipino people. As we approach the kick-off rally on Jan. 28 at the Quirino Grandstand, let us embrace the spirit of change and progress,” he added.
National Intelligence Coordinating Agency director general Ricardo de Leon, the event’s guest of honor, also pledged support for the PNP’s transformation for it to be aligned with the Marcos’ administration brand of governance and leadership embodied in the Bagong Pilipinas campaign.
De Leon, a retired police general, also reminded police officers to anchor their duties to the institution’s core values of service, honor and justice.
“We are optimistic that the campaign, with its focus on pagmamahal sa bansa, maayos na trabaho, respeto sa kapwa, stands as the beacon of change and progress within the PNP,” said de Leon, who is also chair of the PNP’s National Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development.
2 ranking cops promoted
Meanwhile, two ranking police officers were promoted to their star rank.
Col. Restituto Arcangel, director of the Police Community Affairs and Development Group (PCADG), and Col. Arnold Thomas Ibay, director of the Manila Police District (MPD), have both been elevated to the rank of Brigadier General.
“I have complete confidence in your ability to face the challenges that lie ahead,” Acorda said during the oath-taking and donning of ranks rites at Camp Crame.