By Brian Campued
“Our security is weakened when the hands sworn to protect are tainted.”
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. made a stern warning to erring cops as he reminded the new graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) of their sworn duty to serve and protect the Filipino people.
At the 47th Commencement Exercises for the “Silang Paglaom” Class of 2026 at the PNPA campus in Silang, Cavite on Friday, the President urged the graduates to help cleanse their ranks and regain public trust, noting that the wrongdoings of a few does not tarnish the reputation of the entire police force.
“Alam kong marami pa rin sa ating mga mamamayan ay may alinlangan sa kapulisan… Kaya dapat baguhin natin ito,” he said.
Marcos Jr. underscored the importance of enhancing police visibility to ensure peace and order in communities, as well as keeping a zero tolerance on corruption and human rights abuses committed by cops.
“There is no room in this profession for those who bend or break the law,” he said.
To strengthen internal accountability, the President directed the PNP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to conduct prompt and objective investigations into erring officers.
According to Marcos Jr., thousands of investigations have already been conducted across police ranks, resulting in disciplinary actions against those found violating their oath.
He also highlighted nationwide “moral recovery sessions” aimed at reinforcing ethical standards among officers.
“Ginagawa natin ang lahat ng mga ito dahil ang tunay na lakas ng ating kapulisan ay nasa kalinisan ng inyong dangal at prinsipyo… Public trust in law enforcement and enhanced citizen engagement will increase as long as you demonstrate integrity and professionalism in your work,” he continued.
Before closing his speech, the President congratulated the 326 graduates of PNPA “Silang Paglaom” Class of 2026, expressing confidence that they would help strengthen the credibility of the institution and ensure safer communities despite geopolitical conflicts that threaten peace and security.
“Talagang may dahilan kung bakit kayo ang ‘Silang Paglaom’: Sinanay Na Alagad Ng Kapayapaan Na Maglilingkod Sa Pilipinong Mamamayan,” Marcos Jr. said.
“Sa mga miyembro ng “Silang Paglaom” Class ng 2026, taas-noo ninyong harapin ang inyong katungkulan. Magsilbi kayong liwanag sa gitna ng pagsubok at pag-asa sa bawat Pilipinong inyong pinagsisilbihan.”
During the ceremony, class valedictorian Police Cadet Van Marie Editha Gundaya Cagasan from Baybay City, Leyte was awarded the Plaque of Merit, the Presidential Kampilan, the Chief PNP Kampilan, and the Best in General Education.
-jpv
