MANILA, Philippines — Politicizing the security force can lead to the dysfunction of institutions and a state’s downfall, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. warned as he urged the country’s law enforcers to “remain professional” and always “uphold the rule of law.”
Acorda’s wake-up call came after several lawmakers and public officials expressed varying opinions on former President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for Mindanao’s independence from the rest of the country.
In his speech during PNP’s Monday flag-raising ceremony and awarding of Philippine contingents for the United Nations, Acorda shared that he read various books on failed states — all of which collapsed after their security forces got politicized.
“As I read books about failed states, there is one thing in common: the dysfunction of institutions; the number one problem there is politicizing the security forces. Failure of states starts there,” the PNP top official said in a mix of English and Filipino.
“That’s why I urge those who are part of the security force; let us remain professional and always uphold the rule of law. We should earn the trust of our fellow Filipinos,” Acorda told his personnel.
READ: PNP chief: Chaos likely if Mindanao separates, but no worries for now
Last month, Duterte expressed his dissatisfaction over the actions taken by the current administration, particularly the talks on amending the constitution through people’s initiative.
According to the former president, local political forces would be regrouping within the region to start a movement for a separate and independent Mindanao, adding that the separation won’t be bloody and will follow processes established by the United Nations.
READ: Duterte now wants ‘separate, independent’ Mindanao
Davao del Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, spearheading the breakaway movement, said that Mindanao is in a “toxic relationship” with the Philippines and should break up with it. He also pointed out that the country is now a “sinking ship” due to a lack of reforms and budgetary woes.