MANILA, Philippines – On the 112th Police Service Anniversary of the Philippine National Police (PNP), President Benigno Aquino III had a simple message: work together, and work for the people.

Aquino called for an end to individualistic efforts in the police force and challenged them to work together towards public service and the progress of the PNP.

“Kaya po ngayong magkakasama tayo, ito ang hiling at hamon ko sa inyo: magtulungan tayo sa pag-aangat ng dangal at kalidad ng serbisyo ng PNP,” he said on Tuesday, August 13. “Tuldukan na natin ang kalakaran ng pagkakanya-kanya. Panahon na ng pakikilahok upang iangat ang isa’t isa.”

(So now that we are all together this is my wish and challenge for you: let’s all help each other to lift the dignity and quality of the service of the PNP. Let’s stop the individualistic nature of system. The time has come to get together and lift each other).

He also reminded them of the surefire “key to success.”

“Iisa lang po ang susi para magtagumpay tayo sa ating hinaharap na mga suliranin at problema. Kung kasangga natin ang taongbayan, wala pong tatalo sa atin,” he said. “Kaya po, pag-isipan natin kada araw na tayo ay lalabas sa ating tahanan, magtatrabaho: para sa taumbayan ito, kasama ang taumbayan, at sila nga ang susi ng ating tagumpay.”

(There is only one key for us to triumph over the challenges and problems that face us. If we are with the Filipino people, nothing will defeat us. So every day we leave our homes to work, let’s think: this is for the people, with the people and they are the key to our success).

Warning

While Aquino celebrated the achievements of the police force and praised the improvements of their service since his term, Aquino issued a warning and expressed his disappointment over officers who “instead of follow the law, are champions of violence.”

“Mulat po tayo sa katotohanang mayroon pa ring mga skalawag na kailangang purgahin mula sa inyong hanay. Hindi ko nga po maiwasang isipin: Bakit nga ba nagsusulputan itong mga kasong mismong mga pulis pa ang sangkot? Tuloy, ang kagagawan lang ng ilan, para bang pinagbabayaran ng buong institusyon,” he said.

(We are aware of the truth that there are still those misfits we need to purge from your ranks. I cannot help but think: Why are these still cases involving the police themselves surfacing? Because of the misdeeds of some, it’s as if whole institution has to pay for it).

Meanwhile, PNP Chief Alan Purisima also promised in his speech to “continue disciplining our ranks,” to ensure the police achieve the goal of being “true public servants and defendants of the people.”

Aquino vowed to continue supporting the PNP and its 2013 Operational Transformation Plan, which extends until the end of Aquino’s term in 2016.

“If citizens rely on the good service of the police, is it not right then for the government to focus on their welfare?,” he said, adding the days of neglecting the police are over.

Aquino emphasized the P9-billion budget allotted for the modernization and reforms in the PNP, P2.86 billion of which has just been approved for release by the Department of Budget and Management.

In an interview after the event, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas told reporters the usual budget was P2-billion a year before he came in, but his review of the “needs and processes” of the PNP made it clear to him a much bigger budget was needed to accomplish the police force’s goals. Aquino approved his proposal.

Among the program’s plans are the hiring of 30,000 non-uniformed personnel to replace the police officers performing administrative functions in order to come closer to achieving the 1:500 police to civilian ratio on the field; the procurement of 945 patrol jeeps for police stations nationwide; the purchase of 13,537 N14 rifles; and the procurement of additional equipment for firearms identification system and 4,997 mobile radios.

The second phase of the housing project for 14,000 police officers is also underway.

Eight officers were recognized during the event for their service to the police force. They are Metro Manila police chief Marcelo Garbo Jr, Malolos City Warrant PNCO Webster Liwag, Region 9 Director Juanito Vaño Jr, Highway Patrol Group Director Arrazad Subong, Agusan del Sur Provincial Director Alexander Sampaga, Batangas acting Provincial Director Omega Fidel, Ilocos Sur RSOTG Commander Dennis Basngi, and Lanao del Sur Provincial Director Nickson Muksan. – Rappler.com