Marcos to new PNP chief: Quell crime to strengthen unity, improve economy

Newly installed Philippine National Police chief Lt. Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. Photo Courtesy of Police Regional Office 1/Facebook Page

MANILA, Philippines — Strengthening unity in the country and helping improve the economy were among President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s marching orders to new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lt. Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr.

Citing Marcos’ State of the Nation Address (Sona) last Monday, July 25, Azurin said the PNP was urged to play its part in the government’s plan to boost the country’s economy by intensifying crime prevention and solution efforts.

“Ang marching orders sa akin ng Presidente na part ng kaniyang Sona is iyong economy and unity. For us to beef up or improve iyong economy natin…ay kailangan meron tayong kaayusan at may kapayapaan tayo rito,” he told reporters during a press conference at Camp Crame on Wednesday.

(The President’s marching orders to me, also based on his Sona, are centered on economy and unity. To beef up or improve the economy, we need peace and order in our country.)

Azurin then spelled out the PNP’s role in boosting the economy by safeguarding the country, particularly its known tourist destinations.

READ: PNP to strengthen security in PH tourist spots 

“If we will be perceived as a country that is peaceful and orderly then…darami iyong ating mga turista. Marami tayong mga tourist area dito eh. So kapag dumami iyong turista, definitely income iyan. And then, kapag dumami iyong investors, job opportunities [iyan] sa mga tao natin. The stability of a country depends on peace and security,” the top cop explained.

(If we are perceived as a peaceful and orderly country, we’ll attract more tourists. We have a lot of tourist spots here. And if more tourists visit the country, more income and investors will pour in, leading to more job opportunities for the Filipino people. The stability of a nation depends on peace and security.)

The chief’s orders

Azurin said he has similarly issued instructions to the PNP following his appointment as its head.

“Ang marching order ko sa ating kapulisan, they need to build a relationship with the community para nang sa ganoon, ma-intensify natin iyong ating crime prevention and crime solution programs,” he detailed.

(My marching order to the PNP is to intensify crime prevention and crime solution programs by building a relationship with the community.)

In addition, the top cop noted that every barangay or village must be informed of the prevalent crimes in their area to bolster the PNP’s efforts to crack down on criminal activities.

“There is certain information that we need to relay to them para alam natin kung paano sugpuin iyong krimen,” he said.

(There is certain information we need to relay to them, so we’ll know how to crack down on these crimes.)

Azurin then tied up his directive with Marcos’ marching orders: “In improving the economy, kailangan maayos ang peace and order natin. [Dapat] stable ang peace and order sa lahat ng barangay dito sa Pilipinas.”

(In improving the economy, we need peace and order. We need stable peace and order in every village in the Philippines.)

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