MADELO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Wednesday, September 20, vowed to beef up the Philippine National Police’s fighting capacity, including their intelligence network.
The President, in a ceremony in Malacañan, administered the oath of newly-elected Philippine National Police Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (PNPAAAI) Board of Trustees.
In his speech, President Duterte disclosed his new plan to improve the intelligence community.
“Ang sabi ko naman kasi sa inyo, if you need something to improve your fighting capacity and to protect your own men, sabihin ninyo sa akin. Hindi ako nagkulang ng bili,” he said.
The President also expressed his resolve to leave the presidency with a strong police and a strong army, citing the fronts the country is facing such as the fight against terrorism.
“But I said, you will have the best of the police and the military during my time. May priority kayo,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Duterte said he is not interested to appoint barangay captains, if village elections are postponed.
“Disabuse your mind about Duterte holding so much power,” he said, addressing the members of the Congress.
He then reiterated his previous statement that the country is now a narco-state, noting that 40 percent of barangay leaders are involved in drugs.
“Kung sinabi ninyo, nagtanong kayo, ‘Is it good to hold an election?’ ‘Bahala kayo.’ Kung sabihin ng ibang mga senador na, ‘Don’t you think that it is dangerous to place too much power in the hands…?’ Ano bang makuha ko diyan? What? Boto?” he said.
During his speech, the President also reiterated his determination to stop graft and corruption.
“Wala akong palusutin… friend or foe,” Duterte said, adding that he has already fired a number of government officials.
The President also told policemen that they can call him should they need any assistance.
“Look, ganito. Kung may problema kayo at mabigat and… the headquarters cannot solve it — you call Bong. Kilala ninyo si Bong and we will talk, and invite you for coffee and we will talk about your problem. ‘Yan ang pangako ko sa inyo. Any problem at all,” he said.
Among those who took their oath were PNPAAAI Board of Trustees Chairman PCSupt Cedrick G. Train, Vice Chairman PSSupt. Orlando O. Yebra Jr., President PCSupt. William S. Macavinta, and Vice President PSupt Serafin F. Petalio II.
The PNPAAAI was organized in June 1981 by the PNPA Pioneer Class of 1980 in Camp Vicente Lim, Calamba, Laguna. | PND
