Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, on Thursday reminded police officers to learn from their accomplishments and rise from misdeeds in order to live up to the public’s high expectation for public service.
“Indeed, everyday is a make or break day for the PNP. This may sound unfair but on a brighter side it reflects the high public expectation that we should live up to, not only as police officers but especially as public servants,” Eleazar said during the celebration of the 120th Police Service Anniversary in Camp Crame.
Eleazar added that being a police officer is the most challenging form of public service as a single mistake can tarnish the reputation of the whole organization.
“Kaya nga, isang pagkakamali lang ng isang pulis burado ang lahat ng mabuting ginawa ng mahigit 220,000 sa ating hanay (This is why a single mistake of one police officer can cancel out the good done by the more than 220,000 personnel in our ranks),” he said.
Eleazar urged police personnel to reflect on their accomplishments and good deeds in the past year to serve as an inspiration for the coming years.
“One of the biggest accomplishments that we achieved is the confiscation of more than PHP6 billion worth of illegal drugs and the accounting of more than 24,000 drug personalities including the neutralization of 11 big-time traffickers including the point man of the international drug syndicate in the Philippines during our recent accomplishment in Zambales, Bataan, and Cavite,” he added.
Eleazar said through this big drug haul, the PNP was able to showcase the importance of coordination and interoperability among the government’s law enforcement agencies.
He added that this started when they were able to come up with a coordination agreement with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) last July. Another accomplishment is the distribution of body-worn cameras in various police stations nationwide.
“But we should also recognize every good deed that did not only go viral but also showed the real meaning of police service,” Eleazar said.
These acts include police officers aiding in the deliveries of babies in far-flung areas, helping the sick get immediate medical attention, and giving medicines, food, and other assistance to areas hard hit by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, including the families of those who died in the line-of-duty so that others may live.
“Let us take time to honor them as well as those who succumbed in the fight against the coronavirus, those in the front-lines to win the fight against Covid-19 and special mention to our medical front-liners who have been tirelessly and unselfishly taking care of our personnel,” he added.
Eleazar said there is no better tribute for all police heroes but to follow in their footsteps and carry on with the gallant service and tradition of valor and sacrifice they have shown.
“But our police service anniversary is not only about accomplishments and good deeds in our ranks. It is also a reflection of what we failed to do and the things that put us in a bad light to serve lessons to improve our services to the Filipino people,” he added.
He said these acts range from simple misbehaviors, those caught in the act of extorting and participating in illegal cockfights, and those who have committed heinous crimes.
Eleazar said all these things should be factored in as they strive to further professionalize the PNP.
“It is only when we acknowledge that there is a problem that we could find the best solutions in order to prevent there repeat of these problems and eventually shield our beloved PNP from the repercussions,” he added.
Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año extended his congratulations to the PNP for keeping its legacy of upholding honor and valor and sacrifice.
“Today as you celebrate 120 years of outstanding police service I give my snappiest salute to the leaders, officers, and personnel of our country’s premier law enforcement for your unwavering commitment dedication, and professionalism in the conduct of your duties,” he added.
Año also lauded the PNP for persevering in its mandated tasks despite the threat of Covid-19 and criticisms.
“So today we give honor not only to the living heroes of this modern times but also to the fallen patriots who succumbed to the seen and unseen enemies of society as well as the unsung and untold stories of chivalry, gallantry, and selflessness displayed by our very own personnel of the PNP,” he said.
He also thanked PNP personnel who faithfully continue to do their jobs day in and day out by seeing to it that the government’s health standards and community quarantine protocols are strictly observed by the public, as well as manning checkpoints, quarantine and isolation facilities, and vaccination sites to ensure that peace and order are kept in the areas of their deployment.
Source: Philippines News Agency
