CIDG chief and exemplary family man ‘serves, protects’ sans fanfare

PAGDILAO

Although police Director Samuel D. Pagdilao Jr. may have won numerous awards and citations, he considers the most recent one—The Outstanding Filipino or Tofil award—a fitting end to his more than 37 years in the police service.

The two-star general and chief of the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has been recognized for his achievements as a law enforcer, the first Tofil awardee to be cited for police or military work.

He was lauded in particular for his contributions to the government’s anticrime efforts and the innovations he introduced in police administration, operation and community relations.

The award, according to Pagdilao, was not just in recognition of his work as a police official but of the service rendered by the PNP to Filipinos as well.

“I am deeply grateful and proud of this award which I  share with the police organization. This is the ultimate recognition and expression of appreciation for the work we do for the country,” he said.

He added: “It only means that the services we render are being recognized. What makes the award more special is that it came from a reputable organization outside the PNP,” he pointed out.

As he retires from the police service in February, Pagdilao said he doesn’t regret his decision to join the police service despite his share of frustrations.

One of these is the highlighting of misdeeds committed by erring policemen or those who tarnish the name of the organization. “Forgotten are the majority of policemen who do their jobs without fanfare and live by the motto of the PNP—to serve and protect,” he told the Inquirer in an  interview.

He hopes that with his recognition as an outstanding Filipino, he will be able to inspire his colleagues to carry on with their task of maintaining peace and order in the country with honor and integrity.