President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, June 13, called on policemen to ensure strict enforcement of the law as he swore in 59 newly promoted personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
In his speech, the President said he wants the newly promoted officials to embody the highest standards of excellence and selfless leadership at all times and not to settle for anything less.
He stressed that they should not be afraid to go after the criminals. The President likewise advised them to remove drug addicts and thugs from the country’s streets.
“Ang mga kriminal dapat diyan, ang mga durugista, they are not supposed to be there. So my directive is ‘pag mag-istambay-istambay diyan sa, umuwi kayo,” Duterte said.
“You be strict. Part of confronting people who do not do nothing and just idling around, they are potential trouble for the public, he added.
The President also asked the help of the newly promoted officials to realize his campaign promise of eliminating illegal drugs, corruption, and criminality.
He said that while the government has accomplished a lot since it started its journey almost two years ago, there is still more to be done as the administration continues its crusade against the root causes of poverty, corruption, terrorism, criminality and illegal drugs.
“Join me in this quest. I assure you that you have my full support as you contribute to our efforts in advancing the common good and promoting the safety and well-being of our people,” Duterte said.
“May this momentous occasion strengthen your dedication and commitment to help the government in achieving genuine and lasting peace and progress across the nation. Together, let us build the foundations of a better life for all Filipinos,” he said.
President Duterte confers Order of Sikatuna on outgoing Norwegian envoy
President Duterte on Wednesday also received outgoing Norwegian Ambassador Erik Førner in a farewell call in Malacañan.
The President conferred on Førner the Order of Sikatuna for his efforts in furthering cooperation between Norway and the Philippines to advance peace, progress and prosperity in the country and in the region.
The award was also given for his steadfast involvement in the advancement of resource development in the Philippines, particularly in the maritime industry.
The Order pf Sikatuna was likewise awarded to him for his role in promoting peace in the Philippines.
Norway is the third-party facilitator in the peace process between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) since 2001.
Norway also takes part in the International Monitoring Team (IMT) and the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) in Mindanao in connection with the Bangsamoro peace process.
The Order of Sikatuna is one of the highest diplomatic merit of the Philippines, awarded to individuals who have rendered exceptional and commendable services to the country.
Also, Ambassador Førner said Norway is part of the recently ratified Philippines- Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which entered into force in June 2018.
Førner, who served in the Philippines for four years, will move to Europe to become Norway’s Ambassador to Switzerland and the Vatican. ### (PND)
