EXECUTIVE Secretary Lucas Bersamin yesterday told the members of the PNP to renew their pledge of commitment to duty to be able to stand proudly at the forefront of the fight against criminality and lawlessness, and morally lead the campaign to stifle any threat to the peace and order in the country.
Bersamin, during the 33rd PNP Foundation Day and flag-raising ceremony held at Camp Crame, said the police force should also be advocates of the rule of law at all times, tirelessly and relentlessly protecting the people and ensuring everyone’s safety and faithfully discharging their duties without fear or favor.
He said the police force should also wear their badges proudly and guiltlessly while avoiding self-interest to stain them.
“The PNP has gone through so many formidable challenges and severe tests but the ranks of the PNP, both the uniformed and non-uniformed, have enabled the organization to overcome the challenges because of their professionalism and to survive the tests because of their unswerving commitment to duty. Thus, the PNP has emerged more resilient and become more agile,” he said.
Bersamin also acknowledged the leadership of Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., whom he said is instrumental in the PNP’s remarkable strides to contain criminality and in the implementation of an innovative five-focus agenda. The five-point agenda prioritized the key areas of anti-criminality, internal cleansing, transformational leadership, institutional capability development and community engagement.
He said the comprehensive strategy will guide, inspire and direct the police force, as it pursues the objectives of the PNP for a safer and more secure Philippines.
“Thus, truly the performance and the sincerity of the uniformed police officers in their work define the effectiveness of their law enforcement and measure the credibility of police activities. Thus, I urge every uniformed and non-uniformed personnel of the PNP to intensify the thrust and support by faithfully discharging your duties without fear or favor and by continuously performing your assigned tasks to the utmost of your abilities.
Moreover, you should wear your badges proudly and guiltlessly and not let self-interest stain them,” he added.
Bersamin also led the recognition of the outstanding performance of some members of the PNP.
He said the awards given recognized the bravery, self-sacrifice and competence displayed by the uniformed personnel.
“On behalf of the President, therefore I express our profound appreciation and sincere acknowledgment of your personal and professional achievements as members of the PNP.
May your exemplary deeds be emulated by others in the ranks of the PNP,” Bersamin said.
Acorda reaffirmed the PNP’s commitment to “service and to honor the ideals that shape our beloved nation.”
Acorda made the commitment during the celebration of the PNP’s 33rd foundation anniversary at Camp Crame, with the theme “Serbisyong Nagkakaisa at may Malasakit sa Kapwa, Tungo sa Maunlad at Ligtas na Bansa.”
“This theme encapsulates the heartbeat of a Bagong Pilipinas” a vision meticulously crafted by President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. It paints a vivid tapestry of our aspirations — not merely a nation that endures, but one that flourishes; where there is unity and diversity – and the rule of law are exalted and celebrated,” said Acorda.
Acorda said that in celebrating the PNP anniversary, “we do not simply mark the passage of time; we celebrate a legacy of service, sacrifice, and dedication.”
He said the policemen are the “sentinels of justice, standing as bulwarks against the tempests of crime and illegal drugs, natural disasters, and societal discord.”
“Their service is not just a duty, it is a resolute commitment etched into the very soul of our national security,” said Acorda. — With Victor Reyes
