President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to make the streets safer and serve Filipinos with integrity, accountability, and genuine justice while being open to public scrutiny and criticism. *President Marcos greets the new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police Major General Benjamin Acorda Jr. (RTVM Screenshot)*

Marcos said this as the PNP welcomed its 29th chief, [Police Major General Benjamin Acorda Jr.](https://mb.com.ph/2023/4/24/marcos-appoints-acorda-as-29th-pnp-chief), during the change of command ceremony in Camp Crame on Monday, April 24. In his speech, the President acknowledged that many challenges confront Acorda's leadership but asked the PNP to support him toward the organization's rebuilding, strengthening, improvement, and capacity-building. "Make your presence felt in the streets-- make them safer. Defend our democratic institutions, our cherished ideals," he said. "Protect the people, especially the weak, the vulnerable, and those who indirectly work with us in the same cause, such as journalists, civic action groups, civil volunteers, [and] the like," he added, The Chief Executive likewise urged the police to serve the people with integrity, accountability, and genuine justice. "Always be open to public scrutiny, and practice restraint and maximum tolerance in the face of harsh criticism," he said. "Always strive to win the trust, respect, and admiration of our citizenry through an efficient, ethical, and compassionate brand of police work," he added. With the PNP's help, Marcos expressed confidence that the Philippines could have a more peaceful, just, and humane society leading to Filipinos living comfortably. He likewise assured the police of his administration's support. "We must ensure, all the more, that our law enforcement agencies—especially our police force—remain to be strong and formidable. They must be effective in their intelligence and investigations, operations, the enforcement of accountability, and, of course, the rule of law, without fear or favor," Marcos said. "As President, I will ensure the entire PNP is given the Administration's full support for the organization, and its plans, its [programs] that seek to boost the morale of its personnel, hone their skills, and advance their capabilities," he added.