Police Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), urged on Monday, Aug. 8, all policemen to be the catalyst of good governance and integrity in order to sustain what he describes as a hard-own democracy in the country.
In his speech during the 121st Police Service Anniversary, Azurin said policemen should also ensure excellence, professionalism and loyalty to the Constitution and duly-constituted authorities in dispensing law enforcement and public safety duty.
“On our 121st year, the greater challenge ahead for the police service is to sustain the gains of our hard won democracy,” said Azurin in his speech during a ceremony at Camp Crame in Quezon City wherein President Bongbong Marcos, Jr. was the guest of honor and speaker.
Azurin said the PNP, as an organization, should also work in line with the national strategy for economic recovery amid the adverse impacts of the Covid-19.
He said these are for food security, energy sufficiency, inclusive growth, sustainable development, education and public health.
“It will also be a year of continuing change for the organization as we remain resolute in improving police work and capabilities and cleansing our ranks of misfits and scalawags,” said Azurin.
During the activity, Marcos led the awarding of police units and personnel for excellence in the performance of their duty.
The Philippine National Police celebrates August 8 as Police Service Anniversary in commemoration of the joint founding anniversaries of the Philippine Constabulary established in 1901 and the Integrated National Police organized in 1975, both forerunner organizations of the contemporary PNP.