By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday hailed the Philippine National Police (PNP) for conducting lawful, humane, and bloodless police operations in its bid to weed out criminality.
Speaking at the 123rd Police Service Anniversary, Marcos acknowledged the strong determination of the police force to maintain peace, security, and harmony across the country.
Commending the leadership of PNP chief General Rommel Marbil, Marcos said “noteworthy reforms and achievements” were achieved in recent months.
“Our crackdown on illegal drugs, smuggling, illegal gambling, private armed groups, human trafficking, and criminality has also strengthened significantly in ways that are not only effective but legal and lawful,” Marcos said.
“Indeed, police operations are now conducted as humane, as truthful, and as bloodless as possible,” he added.
The President said the PNP’s partnership with the military has led to the neutralization of some 1,951 members of local and communist terrorist groups.
He also cited the police force’s intensified patrol operations and increased police deployment that contributed to lower crime rate, as well as the improved cybersecurity capability of the PNP.
“These achievements were made possible because [of] the PNP’s resolve to uphold the rule of law and the unparalleled dedication and service of our police officers, led, of course, by our Chief PNP General Marbil,” he said.
The Chief Executive also called on the 228,000-strong police force to support the leadership of the PNP.
“I trust that you will sustain your current initiatives and take care of the people’s increasing confidence in the PNP’s abilities,” he added.
Preserving human life
For his part, Marbil said the PNP remains dedicated to preserving human life while pursuing fights against illegal drugs in the country.
“Our battle against drug abuse transcends mere law enforcement. It fundamentally aims to uphold the very fabric of our society as we pursue our anti-illegal drug campaign targeting high-value targets and identifying drug sources,” Marbil said in his speech.
“Our efforts ensure the well-being and dignity of every member of the community,” he added.
Marbil said around P36.5 billion worth of illegal drugs were seized since President Marcos assumed the presidency in July 2022.
“Our anti-illegal drugs campaign has made remarkable strides, with the value of drugs seized increasing to approximately P36.5 billion between July 1, 2022 and July 31, 2024 to include the P9.68 billion in Alitagtag, Batangas, the largest haul in history and the highest recorded seized,” Marbil said.
In his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22, President Marcos pledged to continue the bloodless campaign against illegal drugs in the country.
Marbil said the new approach to combat illegal drugs has been effective in earning the trust and confidence of the people.
He said this was proven by the continuing downtrend in crime volume across the country.
Citing PNP data, he said there was a significant decrease in rape, carnapping, and robbery, along with 21.09% reduction in cybercrime incidents.
New vehicles, firearms
Meanwhile, Marbil also showed President Marcos the new acquisition of P553 million worth of firearms and mobility assets to strengthen the PNP’s capacity to maintain peace and security in communities.
This consists of 20 units of personnel carrier 4×4, 299 units of light motorcycles, 193 units of light transport vehicle, 75 units of patrol jeeps, and 155 units of 5.56 mm light machine guns, and procurement valued at P505.53 million, Marbil said.
“These upgrades have significantly enhanced our operational capacity, ensuring more effective and efficient responses in bolstering community safety,” Marbil said.
“We have intensified our modernization efforts and advancement. The digital threats the establishment of the cyber security operations center represent a pivotal advance in ensuring modern infrastructure,” he added. (with a report from Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)
