FULL TEXT: Inaugural Speech of new PNP chief Marquez

By: 9 years ago

SPEECH OF NEW PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE CHIEF DIRECTOR RICARDO MARQUEZ
PNP Change of Command ceremony and assumption of position
Camp Crame, Quezon City | July 16, 2015

I stand before you today as the 20^th Chief of the Philippine National Police, grateful for the trust and confidence of our leaders, humbled by the highest honor any police officer can hope for, inspired to take up the greatest challenge of my career, but at the same time mindful of the sacrifices of our fellow officers, some of whom have dedicated their very lives upon the altar of peace.

Batidko pong napakalaking responsibilidad ang nakapatong ngayon sa aking mga balikat. Ang pinakamataas na karangalang ito ay may kaakibat na mga hamong dapat harapin, mga isyung kailangang bigyan ng pansin, at mga pagkakamaling dapat ituwid.

While we have developed the methodology to deliberately reduce crime, as evidenced by the decreasing trend in crime statistics in certain areas, the reality is that the fear of crime remains in the hearts of our citizens especially our mothers.

Ang pangunahing isyu na dapat harapin ng kapulisan ay crime prevention o paghadlang sa krimen. While we have developed the methodology to deliberately reduce crime, as evidenced by the decreasing trend in crime statistics in certain areas, the reality is that the fear of crime remains in the hearts of our citizens especially our mothers.

Naroroon pa rin ang takot at agam-agam ng mga magulang tuwing umaalis ng bahay ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay. Ito ang nais nating baguhin. Gusto nating masiguro na bawa’t anak, kapatid, o kasambahay ay ligtas sa kapahamakan at makakabalik na ng maayos sa kani-kanilang tahanan.

We have tried several crime prevention measures in the past without much success. I believe it is high time to go back to the basics of policing and institutionalize the implementation of patrolling nationwide.

Ako’y naniniwalanaang pagpapatrolyang kapulisan sa mga komunidad ay nagdudulot ng maraming benepisyo, kabilang na ang mga sumusunod:

Una, ang tinatawag na police presence for crime deterrence. Pagpalagi ang nakikita ang kapulisan sa isang komunidad, magdadalawang-isip ang sinuman nagumawa ng krimen.

Pangalawa, tatatag ang ugnayan ng kapulisan at komunidad o ang police-community relations. Sa pagpapatrolya, ang pulis ay magiging isang pamilyar at kilalang personalidad sa komunidad, at dito magsisimulang manumbalik ang pagtitiwala ng taong-bayan.

Pangatlo, magkakaroon ng pananagutan ang pulis sa komunidad na kanyang binabantayan, at mangingimisya ng gumawang katiwalian o anumang bagay na magdudulot ng kahihiyan.

At pang-apat, sa paglipas ng panahon at sa pagtutulungan ng pulis at taong-bayan sa mga gawaing makabubuti sa komunidad, matututunan nilang magkapit-bisig sa pagsugpo ng krimen.

For the last several years, I have been patiently advocating the indispensability of patrolling in policing and have involved dozens of people in various offices from Nueva Ecija PPO, to PRO1, and to the Directorate for Operations to propagate the concepts and to develop a manual for police stations. This manual is now ready for distribution after its approval by PDDG Espina last May.

To make patrolling effective, I hereby order the immediate and systematic dispersal of personnel from the national, regional and provincial offices to our front-lines – the Police Stations – based on a well-conceived and properly developed Patrol Plan.

Nasabi ngating pangulo noong 2011 na nais nating ipatupad ang mga reporma sa kapulisan upang makamtan ang minimithi ng bawa’t Pilipino: ang gumising araw-araw nang walang pangamba, at mapayapang makapamuhay kasama ng kanyang pamilya, dahil tiwala siyang may Kuyang Pulis at Ateng Pulis na nagbabantay sa kanyang seguridad sa lahat ng oras. Naniniwala akong ito ay posible sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatrolya.

The challenges brought about by implementing a new Firearms law is another concern requiring serious consideration. It has obviously caused untold sufferings on the part of licensed gun holders. While the provisions of the law are indeed harsh, we can bring licensing and registration activities closer to their doorsteps.

I therefore order the Directorate for Operations and FEO-CSG to develop a comprehensive plan to decentralize these activities to the Regional Centers and major urban areas as provided for by law. Also, I am earnestly requesting the National Police Commission for the immediate approval of our recommendation to set up Regional Offices in preparation for decentralization.

As a deliberate, programmatic and sustainable approach, Oplan Lambat Sibat aims to regularly audit crime incident reports at the police station level and use the data thus generated to identify “crime hot spots” and “crime patterns” where and when intensified police interventions are necessary. These interventions include strategically placed checkpoints, foot and mobile patrols, focused and intel-driven operations against most wanted persons and member of criminal gangs.

To address the issues of accurate crime incident recording, effective crime fighting operations and efficient crime solution, the PNP has finally adopted a new anti-crime model. After years of experimenting with local variants of the New York Crime Control Model or the CompStat, without much impact on the crime situation, we are now implementing “Oplan Lambat Sibat” with very impressive results.

We are grateful to the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government for this breakthrough in crime fighting. As a deliberate, programmatic and sustainable approach, Oplan Lambat Sibat aims to regularly audit crime incident reports at the police station level and use the data thus generated to identify “crime hot spots” and “crime patterns” where and when intensified police interventions are necessary. These interventions include strategically placed checkpoints, foot and mobile patrols, focused and intel-driven operations against most wanted persons and member of criminal gangs.

As a result, the validated weekly robbery/theft figures in Metro Manila are currently at 308, down from a high baseline figure of 794 a year ago. Likewise, murder and homicide cases are also down to 21 from a high of 30 during the same period.

Given its resounding success, we shall make Oplan Lambat Sibat the bible in crime-fighting operations. We shall cause the thorough and immediate cascading of its major components, concepts and methodologies, and best practices to all units, giving priority to the country’s urban centers which are the most crime-prone.

Kasabay ng pagpapatupad ng Oplan Lambat Sibat, kinakailangang pa igtingin din ng PNP ang kampanya laban sa pinagbabawal na gamot.

A nationwide survey conducted some years back states that the police should give utmost priority in addressing the issue on illegal drugs, and sadly this problem continues to wreck havoc on Filipino families today. It is time we address this vigorously now.

I therefore order the reinstatement of our barangay based anti-drug campaign in close coordination with the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC), which is currently being re-organized by the SILG. As in the past, we will clear drug-affected areas, barangay by barangay until the whole town or city becomes drug-free.

As part of the PNP’s contribution in advancing our country’s interest and in abiding by the Presidential instruction of “zero incident” during major international events, we will continue to provide not only forces and resources but also leadership and experience to the National Joint Task Force.

We must likewise give priority to securing major events that put our country under international scrutiny.

We are currently hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC–the second time since 1996. As part of the PNP’s contribution in advancing our country’s interest and in abiding by the Presidential instruction of “zero incident” during major international events, we will continue to provide not only forces and resources but also leadership and experience to the National Joint Task Force.

At this point, allow me to acknowledge my colleagues at the APEC-National Organizing Council for their unqualified support and adherence to the concept of the Whole of Government Approach and for making the first 15 APEC meetings in 5 sites a resounding success. Let us continue to trust the strength of our collective resolve as we prepare for the APEC Summit in November when the 21 heads of economies converge in Manila.

In about 10 months, we have Election 2016 to look forward to. An election is always a test of our determination as a people to uphold and defend our democratic ideals, and the international community takes a keen interest in the process.

As a major actor in any election security operations, we shall implement best practices for a secure and fair election, as we did in 2010 and 2013. More importantly, the PNP will continue to remain non-partisan as it maintains peace and order throughout the election period and strives to keep election-related violence to a minimum.

[I]t is but fitting that I make meritocracy the hallmark of my administration. We will raise the bar for performance and accountability, so that excellence is rewarded and mediocrity receives its just desserts.

Last month, when news reports included my name in the short list for this position, a friend reminded me that becoming Chief of the PNP, like becoming President of the Philippines, is matter of destiny. No one receives this kind of blessing unless it is given from heaven.

I agreed, but I also consider this appointment as the triumph of meritocracy, the recognition of 33 years of hard work, dedication and passion for public service. Therefore, it is but fitting that I make meritocracy the hallmark of my administration. We will raise the bar for performance and accountability, so that excellence is rewarded and mediocrity receives its just desserts.

I envision meritocracy in the PNP as a proverbial double-edged sword.

Its first cutting edge addresses not only the imperative for excellence, but also the perceived bias against non-PMAyers (Philippine Military Academy) for appointment to key positions. Ang masasabi ko sa ating mga kapatid mula sa PNPA at iba pang paaralan, sa ilalim ng pamumuno ko ay makakaasa kayo ng makatarungang pagturing sa usaping ito.Sana tandaan natin na magkakaiba man tayong pinanggalingan, iisa ang ating layunin bilang mga taga-paglingkod at mga taga-pagtanggol, iisa ang institusyong kinabibilangan natin bilang pulis.

I hereby order the DPRM (Directorate for Personnel and Records Management) to constitute a study group composed of representatives from all sources of Commission, plus a Human Resources expert from the private sector, to work on the mechanics of a competency-based selection, placement and promotion system that is suitable, fair and reliable. This shall guide higher authorities in making informed decisions when they appoint police commanders.

The sword’s second cutting edge deals with the usual suspects – the misfits and scalawags.

We know that our main mission as law enforcers is to fight crime. However, when crime fighters coddle criminals or become criminals themselves, our citizens learn to distrust, and even condemn, not just those few erring cops, but the whole organization as well.

Sa mga kapulisang matino at malinis ang hangaring maglingkod sa bayan, hindi ba kayo nagngingitngit tuwing naririnig ninyo yung pasaring na “palibhasa pulis” kapag may nangongotong o naghu-hulidap? Gaya ko, sawang-sawa narin ba kayo sa ganitong pananaw sa atin ng publiko?

Oo naman. Nakakapikon ang paulit-ulit na pagkakasangkot ng mga kapulisan sa illegal na gawain.

I therefore order the immediate review of our disciplinary mechanism. We shall re-focus not only on the accountability of our supervisors but their indispensable participation in exacting discipline at all levels of the organization. We shall re-invent the Internal Affairs Service and make sure that improvements are incorporated in the Modernization Bill currently being crafted at the House of Representatives.

Sa buong kapulisan, let me make this very very clear: Do your job well and you will be rewarded. If you are threatened or endangered in the line of duty, I will be there for you, walang iwanan. BUT…Betray your oath and violate the law, sisiguraduhin kong may kalalagyan kayo.

As I said in the beginning of this speech, being appointed as Chief of the Philippine National Police is the highest honor and the greatest challenge of my career. I humbly submit that this was made possible by the grace of God and through the support of some very special people.

I wish to extend my sincerest gratitude to His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III for putting his trust and confidence in me to lead this 160 thousand-strong organization. Let me assure His Excellency of the PNP’s unwavering commitment to “Daang Matuwid” and his administration’s programs.

Noong Agosto 2011, sa ating pagdiriwang ng ika-isandaan at sampung taong anibersaryo ng serbisyo ng pampulisya, binigkas ng Pangulo ang mga katagang ito:

“Ako po ay may ambisyon sa pagbabako sa puwesto sa Hunyo 2016… Maiiwan ko po ang kapulisan na masasabing tunay na may tapang at tunay na may dangal… Tinitingala ng buong sambayanan.”

Mahal na Pangulo, sa natitirang isang taon ng inyong pamumuno, gagawin ko po ang lahat ng aking makakaya para maisakatuparan ang mga mithiing ito.

My special thanks to Secretary Mar Roxas for giving me the opportunity to grow and mature as a police officer by allowing me to serve the PNP in various capacities.

Maraming salamat po sa inyong matiyagang paggabay sa amin sa pagbuo at pagsakatuparan ng Oplan Lambat Sibat.

To my one and only wife Luz and my children, thank you for being my sanctuary for the past 30 years. Your unconditional love has been the source of my strength. Today I ask for your patience and understanding as I assume the role of father to a much bigger family, the PNP.

To my dear departed parents, maraming salamat sa pag-aaruga at sa paghubog ng aking pagkatao. Sa inyong halimbawa ng simpleng pamumuhay, natutunan ko ang kababaang-loob, tiyaga at pagpapahalaga sa tamang gawa.

To the Filipino people, thank you for this chance to prove ourselves worthy of your trust. Hinihingi po naming ang inyong pakikiisa sa aming layuning pangalagaan ang kapayapaan at kaayusan. Kaya po nating masugpo ang krimen kung magtutulong-tulong tayo.

To God Almighty, I am forever grateful for making all good things like this one possible.

To the men and women of the PNP, thank you for choosing to be part of this noble organization. Mayroon mangilang pasaway sa ating hanay, buo ang paniniwala ko na mas nakararami ang marangal at malinis ang hangaring maglingkod sa bayan.

The more difficult work begins today. As I embark to bring this organization to even greater heights, I call on all the members to contribute their share not only to rebuild the PNP but also to make it even stronger. I am reminded of what the author of one best-selling book says about breakthrough in organizational performance. He said, “it can only be attained when all its elements are doing one – just one little good thing every day, without fail.” This is what I ask of you from now on.

We have come a long way in our journey of transforming the PNP into a more capable effective and credible police organization. We are grateful to those who have boldly taken part in this journey for the last ten years. And I would want to make particular mention to the selfless contribution of our civilian partners and advisers like the National Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development (NAGPTD) and their local counterparts. Under my watch the journey continues as we strengthen the transformation process and focus these efforts in the core business of policing.

Finally, we all know that fighting crime and making our communities safe is everybody’s responsibility. Kaya nais ko pong hingin ang patuloy na supporta at kooperasyon ng bawat mamamayan. Magtulungan po tayo. We will surely take the initiative this time. Gagawin po ng inyong kapulisan ang lahat upang kayo ay mapangalagaan at maprotektahan sa mga masasamang elemento ng lipunan. Ngunit kailangan din po naming ang inyong tulong upang tuluyang masigurado ang inyong kaligtasan at kapakanan.

But we are in this together. And together we can have high hopes for the PNP as well as our country. I am optimistic that together we can rebuild this organization to better contribute to nation-building.

Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat, mabuhay ang Philippine National Police, mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino.

Nawa’y patuloy tayong pagpalain ng ating Poong Maykapal.

All orders and instructions shall remain undisturbed until they are rescinded or amended.