President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. wants the police force to have the same or even higher sense of commitment as in the previous years in preventing and solving crimes under his watch.
In his remarks during the 121st Police Service Anniversary in Camp Crame on Monday, Aug. 8, Marcos recognized the work of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the previous years and told them to duplicate and even double it.
"In the previous years, the PNP has proven its seriousness and intent to prevent criminality and solve crimes for peace to reign supreme in our land," Marcos said.
"In the same breadth, I would like to witness the same or an even higher sense of commitment, determination, and cooperation from all, now that the new PNP has been installed," he added.
In doing so, the President reminded the police officers that "the use of force must always be reasonable, justifiable, and only undertaken when necessary."
He emphasized that as uniformed men, it is a must that the application of their mandate is firmly grounded on moral principles, integrity, accountability, and honesty to ensure continued support from the public for the PNP.
"Execution of authority must be fair, it must be impartial, it must be devoid of favoritism or discrimination regardless of race, gender, socio-economic status, political affiliation, religious belief, and the like," Marcos said.
"It is only then that you can effectively sustain with great respect and wide support the authority that you possess as uniformed servicemen of the Republic," Marcos added.
The President during his speech also vouched for new PNP Chief, Lieutenant General Rodolfo Azurin Jr., saying he is confident that he has chosen the "right leader" to head the police force.
"He is a well-rounded officer, having served in the PNP as commander of both northern and southern Luzon areas. I am confident that we have chosen the right leader in his person to head the PNP so that it continues to evolve, continues to grow, and to develop into a well-balanced institution — effective and capable of steadfastly rendering faithful service to our sovereign nation and all its citizenry," Marcos said.
The Chief Executive also reminded Azurin that his rise to the helm of the PNP will be difficult, noting that he will be attacked from left and right with "baseless and unfair criticisms."
So, he gave the new PNP Chief his confidence that "we will overcome and triumph in the end despite all odds."
"The obstacles in front of you will be difficult. Let us not try to say that they will not. They might be overwhelming at times. They will put your resolve and patience to the test. Baseless and unfair criticism will be forthcoming and this will come from the center, the left, and the right," the President said.
"And these attacks, warranted or not, unfortunately will be relentless. But I know that you are made of sterner stuff," he added.
The President also enjoined the police officers to "give it your best as you always have without sacrificing your integrity as servants of the people."
During the anniversary celebration of the police service, Marcos also led in the recognition and giving of awards to deserving police officers.