President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday led in the installation of the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) as he rallied the new leadership to ensure maximum tolerance when it comes to criticisms against the organization.
Marcos, in his speech at the change of command ceremony of the PNP held in Camp Crame asked newly-installed PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. to always remember the core values of the police force.
He also called on Acorda to have more patience in dealing with critics and public scrutiny under his leadership.
“Serve the people with integrity, with accountability, and genuine justice. Always be open to public scrutiny, and practice restraint and maximum tolerance in the face of harsh criticism,” Marcos said.
“As a united police force, always strive to win the trust, respect and admiration of our citizenry, through an efficient, ethical and compassionate brand of police work,” he added.
Marcos also asked Acorda to make the police presence “felt in the streets.”
The president also tasked the PNP to protect the vulnerable sector, including the media and civil action groups.
“Make them safer. Defend our democratic institutions, our cherished ideals. 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 said.
Acorda meanwhile said he will continue with the works of his prdecessor.
“To my predecessor, Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr., thank you for the wisdom and exceptional legacy you have imparted in the organization,” he said
“Rest assured, Sir, that I will continue your advocacy in cleansing the PNP,” he added.
Prior to his appointment as next PNP chief, Acorda was the PNP director for intelligence.
He was a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sambisig” Class of 1991, Acorda hails from Ilocos Norte, the home province of Marcos.
Catherine R. Cueto
