CAMP CASTANEDA, Cavite, Philippines? (UPDATE) The topnotcher of the Philippine National Police Academy has vowed to fight corruption among police ranks and called on fellow graduates to do the same.

Speaking during the graduation rites of the PNPA "Mabikas" Class 2010, Cadet Caesar Ian Binucal called on the 198 graduates to be like a "salmon fish" and "go against the current of corruption."

?We are like salmon fish. As we go?together, and with the help from heaven above, we shall take an active part in making this country our great mission. Just like the salmon going against the current, we shall traverse the strong waves and fight against corruption,? Binucal said.

?The world, so as our country, has been suffering from the earliest and worst social illness: corruption. And now, as we join the older generation in leading this country, together let us take one step at a time in bringing this country towards the greater good. The advocacy of this present administration to fight the corruption cannot be won without us, without our support, the community, the private sectors, and of course in the cooperation of the media,? Binucal said in his speech.

At the same time, he also called on his fellow graduates to stand by the name of their class and be "snappy."

?The reality that we shall be facing may be far from what has been taught. Yet we shall not tremble nor be dismayed. But instead, as one, we shall help each other in bringing the reality closer to what we learned, what we believe is right and proper,? Binucal said.

Binucal, a son of a tricycle driver and housewife from Maragondon, Cavite, earlier said he wanted to join the elite Special Action Force Unit of the PNP to help fight terrorism.

Binucal vowed that the new batch of graduates will be free from corruption.

?Gone are the days of military and police adventurism. It is now time for us to realize that our government, the authority over us, cannot run without the blessing from heaven. And with that we shall take full responsibility as coddlers of our society,? Binucal said.

?Let us stand firm against all adversaries and remember we simply do not have the luxury of doing nothing. The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for us to do nothing,? he added.

Of the 198 graduates, 159 will go to the PNP, 21 will go to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and 18 will go to the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno was the guest of honor.