LUNA, Apayao -- Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr. challenged the police force here to strengthen its coordination and partnership with the municipal and provincial governments with appropriate strategies to suppress any anti-development threats in the localities.
The PNP chief made the challenge as he graced the inauguration and blessing of the newly-constructed Apayao Police Provincial Headquarters in Barangay Sta. Lina, Luna in Apayao on Sept. 16.
"This is the time for us to be united,” said Azurin, whose visit here is part of his on-going rounds in the country to proclaim President Marcos Jr.’s peace and order directives by engaging ground troops, local officials, religious sector, communities and other stakeholders.
The President’s directive is for these stakeholders to ‘work hand-in-hand with the PNP’ under its national banner program ‘KaSimbaYanan (Kapulisan Simbahan Pamayanan tungo sa Kaunlaran) under the Malasakit, Kaayusan, Kapayapaan tungo sa Kaunlaran (MKK=K) framework.’
“Let us organize and mobilize our people in favor of development," added Azurin while stressing that the PNP men are the ‘ambassadors of peace and security.’
During his visit, Azurin also turned over 95 units of 5.56mm assault rifle, six units of 9mm service pistol, eight units enhanced combat helmet, two units automated night vision camera and ICT equipment that included 12 units desktop computer, five units laptop computer, one android tablet and 12 units of printers.
The provincial government of Apayao headed by Governor Elias Bulut, Jr., warmly welcomed Azurin and his staff with traditional dances ‘Taddo & Talip’ performed by the Apayao Cultural Group, before a short program was held at the ECBJR Multipurpose Building and Evacuation Center in San Isidro Sur, Luna, Apayao.
Joining Azurin during his visit were PNP Directorate for Logistics MGen. Ronaldo Olay and wife; Directorate for Controllership MGen. Jesus Cambay, Jr. and wife, PROCOR Regional Director BGen. Mafelino Bazar and Deputy Regional Director for Administration BGen. John Chua.