Acorda: Moral ascendancy big factor in PNP promotion, placement

Newly-installed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. vowed on Monday, April 24, to observe merits and moral ascendancy in the promotion and placements of key posts in the organization amid the ongoing controversy of cops’ alleged involvement in illegal drugs activities. “Under my leadership, rewards and punishment will be quick and decisive. We shall be fair and impartial and due process shall be observed, we will establish unity, promote patriotism and uplift morale, strengthen coop, and instill discipline in the organization,” said Acorda in his assumption speech. “As we give a premium to the morale and welfare of our men and women in the organization, assignment and positioning will be based on merit, ability and moral ascendancy, “ he added. Acorda said he would push to prove that the PNP could serve with dignity and professionalism through cooperation with various stakeholders, including critics, whom he said, would serve as an independent source of checks and balances to bring out the truth. He expressed gratitude to his predecessor, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr., saying he would continue what the latter started in cleansing the PNP. Issues pertaining to involvement of policemen in illegal drugs activities is one of the main issues that hounded Azurin’s tour of duty as chief PNP, capped with the allegation from Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos himself that there was a massive cover-up attempt to spare the policeman tagged in the confiscated 990 kilos of shabu in Manila last year. Azurin denied the allegation and said that the Manila operation opened the can of worms as to the policemen involved in illegal drugs activities, including alleged game plan of illegal drugs syndicates to set up confiscation of large quantities of shabu with the help of their cohorts in the PNP. Earlier, Azurin said he would leave to his successor the remaining tasks on the evaluation of third level PNP officers who were all asked to submit a courtesy resignation amid the illegal drugs issues hounding the PNP. But retired PNP general and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said they prefer Azurin to be the chairman of the five-man committee conducting the evaluation of more than 900 PNP senior officers. The evaluation of the PNP third level officers is expected to be completed in the next two week, according to Magalong. Meanwhile, Acorda said his stand on illegal drugs is clear: “My stand on anti-illegal drugs is clear: No police should be involved in pushing, using or whatever means of illegal trade. You will be charged and removed from the service.” “This is my warning to everyone, our fight will be holistic in prevention and aggressive in operation,” he added. In order to make sure that his message is well understood on the ground, Acorda vowed to lead by example as he encouraged all the members of the 228,000-strong PNP to ensure to always do what is right in enforcing the law and in serving the public.

Philippines | National

Acorda: Moral ascendancy big factor in PNP promotion, placement

By Aaron Recuenco

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