By Brian Campued
“Let our people feel your presence, feel the presence of the law enforcers, feel the presence of the law.”
Such was the reminder of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Sinaglawin Class of 2025 in Silang, Cavite on Tuesday as he rallied the new police officers to serve with dignity and protect the Filipino people.
“Our country and our people continue to face trials and hardships, but as law officers, you are here to help overcome those challenges through service, honor, and justice,” the President told the 206 graduates.
“Always take [into] heart your oath to our Republic; your duty to uphold and defend the Constitution; your responsibility to the citizens of our country,” he added.
Marcos, likewise, reminded the graduates to remember why they chose to be cops, especially during the times when their principles and convictions would be put to test.
“Sa mundo natin ngayon, madalas pinagtatalunan ang katotohanan at madaling maligaw ang katapatan, hinihiling ko sa inyo: Piliin ang marangal kahit walang parangal at ang paninindigan na tama kahit walang nakakakita,” the Chief Executive said.
“My dear officers, this country will never ask you to be perfect. But it will ask you to be present. Be there. Let our people feel your presence, feel the presence of the law enforcers, feel the presence of the law,” he added.
The class name, which comes from “sinag” (ray of light) and “lawin (hawk), reflects the cadet corps’ mission to be watchful, brave, and full of hope as future law enforcers. “Sinaglawin” also means “Simbolo at Instrumento na Gagabay tungo sa Lideratong Angkop at Wasto para sa Inang Bayan.”
The graduates of the Sinaglawin Class of 2025 are also the first batch to be fully commissioned as police lieutenants following the full implementation of Republic Act No. 11279, which places the PNPA under the PNP.
Among the graduates, PCDT. Marc Joseph Vitto from Oriental Mindoro was named the class valedictorian and was also given the Presidential Kampilan Award, Journalism Kampilan Award, and the Plaque of Merit.
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