By Pearl Gumapos
President Duterte on Friday thanked dedicated advocacy groups and force multipliers, highlighting their important role in helping the Philippine National Police (PNP) fulfill its mandates and restoring and reinforcing public trust in the country’s police force.
“We cannot overemphasize the invaluable role of the PNP in deterring crime and maintaining peace and order in our society. But we also cannot deny the fact that, if we are to totally eradicate criminality and terrorism, we need the active participation of our people,” the President said during the launching of the International and National Coalition of Lingkod Bayan Advocacy Support Groups and Force Multipliers.
The President also recognized the role of the PNP in deterring crime and maintaining peace and order during the launch which was held at the PNP Multi Purpose Center in Camp Brig. Gen. Rafael T. Crame.
“The formation of this coalition is a testament to the desire of private citizens and our
communities to take part in the difficult task of achieving lasting peace across the nation,” he said.
He also mentioned the government’s fight against communist groups in the country, saying that the anit-communist operations by the police and military force have weakened the communist organization.
“I’d like to congratulate the AFP and PNP for their drive. It’s a dwindling ragtag bandits, robbing there, killing there for money or for whatever without any direction or any ideology at all,” he said.
“I’m protecting my country. It is my duty as President to protect and serve the people of the Republic of the Philippines,” he said. -rir
