MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday appealed to the country’s police force to support the leadership of the newly installed chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.
Marcos made the appeal during the change of command ceremony in Camp Crame in Quezon City, where he assured the police force of the administration’s support for the organization.
“As President, I will ensure the entire PNP is given the Administration’s full support for the organization, and its plans, its programs that seek to boost the morale of its personnel, hone their skills, and advance their capabilities,” he said in his speech.
“I enjoin the entire police force and law enforcement agencies to support the leadership of Police General Benjie Accorda as our new PNP chief,” Marcos added.
Marcos told Acorda, the 29th PNP chief, to guide the agency to its “desired path towards rebuilding and strengthening, continuous improvement and capacity-building.”
He also said that the PNP should enhance operational ties with other law enforcement agencies — both on local and national levels.
“Ensure integrated, coordinated, and systematic approaches in addressing our peace and order and internal security issues,” the President told the police force.
He further instructed the PNP to make their presence felt in the streets and defend democratic institutions and ideals.
“Protect the people, especially the weak, the vulnerable, and those who indirectly work with us in the same cause, such as journalists, civic action groups, civil volunteers, [and] the like,” Marcos said.
“Finally, serve the people with integrity, with accountability, and genuine justice. Always be open to public scrutiny, and practice restraint and maximum tolerance in the face of harsh criticism,” he added.
“As a united police force, always strive to win the trust, respect, and admiration of our citizenry, through an efficient, ethical, and compassionate brand of police work,” the President continued.
Marcos likewise thanked former PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., who retires from the police force on Monday, for his service to the country.
READ: Marcos names Benjamin Acorda Jr. as new PNP chief