Speaker Lord Allan Velasco on Monday, July 19 underscored the important role members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) played in the country’s fight against the devastating effects of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID 19) pandemic.
Velasco personally offered his thanks to the PNP personnel who risked their own safety as he joined them in celebrating the 26th Police Community Relations Month with the theme, “Pulisya at Pamayanan, BARANGAYanihan sa Hamon ng Pandemya at Laban sa Krimen.”
Addressing the PNP during the event held at the PNP-National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) headquarters in Taguig City, Velasco recognized the role of the country’s police force in keeping communities safe during the pandemic.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa malaking ambag ng ating mga pulis upang mapanatili ang kapayapaan at kaayusan sa ating bansa. Batid po natin na lalong tumindi ang trabaho ng ating mga pulis dahil sa umiiral na pandemya (I thank the police for their huge contribution in ensuring peace and order in the country. I know that their job has become even harder because of the ongoing pandemic),” he said.
The House leader noted that many policemen died and became sick of COVID 19 in order to keep the public safe from COVID-19.
He emphasized the importance of the police and local communities working together to ensure peace and order and address criminality.
According to Velasco ensuring the cooperation of the citizens and communities makes law enforcement truly effective.
“Kailangan natin ang kooperasyon ng ating mamamayan upang lalong mapagbuti ang pagmamatyag laban sa krimen, iligal na droga, at terorismo,(We need the cooperation of our citizens to further improve our guard against crime, illegal drugs and terrorism),” he said.
“Kailangan ang kritikal na pakikipagtulungan hanggang sa hanay ng barangay upang masiguro natin na mas magiging payapa ang ating mga kabahayan at komunidad. (Critical cooperation down to the barangay level is needed to ensure that our households and communities are more peaceful),” the House speaker explained.
The Police Community Relations Month is celebrated each year in July, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 764. The month-long celebration aims to develop closer interaction between the police and the communities they serve in handling peace and order concerns.
NCRPO chief Police Major General Vicente Danao Jr. had invited Velasco as guest of honor and speaker at the celebration, which coincided with the regular flag raising ceremony at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City.
Part of the celebration is the awarding ceremonies for deserving PNP personnel and stakeholders, and regional winners of the Sining Bayanihan Arts and Culture Competition.