“As long as we are united by our common goal of protecting our people and ensuring that the rule of law reigns supreme, we are on track towards a safe, secure, and empowered Bagong Pilipinas” — PBBM
In a historic celebration of accomplishments and breakthroughs, the Philippine National Police has once again imprinted in history its significance, following its precursors, as the country’s bastion for peace and order and public safety. This year’s commemoration with the theme “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, ang gusto ng Pulis, Ligtas ka” highlighted the transformative journey of the PNP organization in delivering trustworthy and dependable police service, committed to uphold the rule of law with full respect to human rights. President Ferdinand Romualdez “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr., personally graced the said occasion as the Guest of Honor and Speaker, accompanied by Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos Jr., the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (SILG), on the 8th of August 2024 at the PNP National Headquarters in Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City.
Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, PNP Chief, officially signaled the onset of the 123rd Police Service Anniversary as he delivered his welcome remarks, reflecting on the PNP’s journey across history, emphasizing the organization’s pivotal role in shaping the country’s countless stories of triumphs and resilience. “As we reflect on our storied past, we are reminded of the PNP’s crucial role in shaping our nation’s narrative. From humble beginnings to our current stature, we have been a cornerstone of peace and order, continuously adapting to meet the needs of society,” he stated.
General Marbil also underscored the PNP’s continuing advancement in its operational capabilities, innovations, and frontline services, which have significantly contributed to the reduction of crimes, specifically in the country’s focus crimes and cybercrime incidents. He also highlighted the organization’s significant achievements in its intensive fight against illegal drugs, to include the historic seizure of Php9.68 billion worth of illegal drugs.
Relatively, beginning in August of this year, PNP has implemented a much more recalibrated strategy to address the continuing threats of illegal drugs in the entire country, focusing on intensified intelligence operations and in increasing community engagements to identify and eventually dismantle drug trafficking networks. The new approach is targetted to put an end to the country’s drug supply chain focusing on its root-causes, not just contented with the simple arrest of the street-level drug pushers and users. More importantly, this new strategy’s objective is to be more effective and less violent, giving emphasis on the rule of law and respect for human rights.
This year’s Police Service Anniversary would not be complete without giving due recognition of the exemplary performance and dedication of PNP personnel across the country. Among the recipients were PCol Samuel S. Delorino (PRO4A), Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer for Administration; PCol Jess B. Mendez (NCRPO), Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer for Operations; PLtCol Baldwin F. Sokoken, Jr. (PROCOR), Best Junior Commissioned Officer for Administration; and PMaj Renante N. Arambuyong (PRO 5), Best Junior Commissioned Officer for Operations. Also awarded were PEMS Rodalyn P. Sorongon (PRO6), Best Senior Police Non-Commissioned Officer for Administration; PSMS Nomer I. Sabacan (PRO9), Best Senior Police Non-Commissioned Officer for Operations; PCpl Al-Benyashier M. Sahibbal (PRO9), Best Junior Police Non-Commissioned Officer for Administration; and PCpl Reygie A. Lamera (PRO6), Best Junior Police Non-Commissioned Officer for Operations. NUP Edna P. Baclayo from PRO 4B was also recognized as the Best Non-Uniformed Personnel (Supervisory Level), together with NUP Marites O. Sergio from the PNP Finance Service who was hailed as the Best Non-Uniformed Personnel (Non-Supervisory Level).
Special awards were also presented to various outstanding PNP units and offices as well as the different stakeholders and other select individuals. This included the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) which received the Special Unit Award (PNP Unit-PRO Level); Davao del Norte PPO, Special Unit Award (PNP Unit-PPO Level); The Member Church of God International, Special Unit Awardee (NGO); PCol Jenny DC Tecson, Special Individual Award (PNP Personnel); and Ms. Josefa Prado Callos, Special Individual Award (Private Individual).
Local government units were also acknowledged for their invaluable contributions to the PNP organization. These were the Office of the 1st Congressional District of Ilocos Norte, Special Unit Award (LGU-Congressional District); the Provincial Government of Cavite, Special Unit Award (LGU-Provincial Government Level); together with Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Special Unit Award (LGU-City Government Level).
The Police Region Office 2 was also commended for having the Highest Number of Arrested Wanted Persons based on Percentage; followed by the National Capital Region Police Office which was recognized for the Most Number of Arrests on Illegal Drugs (PRO Level). The Southern Police District, NCRPO also received the award for the Most Number of Arrests on Illegal Drugs (District Level); together with the Cavite Police Provincial Office, for the Most Number of Arrests on Illegal Drugs (PPO Level).
Various Police Stations were also recognized for their outstanding performances in drug-related arrests such as the Dasmariñas Cavite CPS (PRO 4A), for the Most Number of Arrests on Illegal Drugs (CPS Level Class A); Cavite City PS (PRO 4A), for CPS Level Class B; and the Kabankalan City PS (PRO6), for CPS Level Class C. Also recognized were San Mateo Rizal MPS (PRO 4A) for MPS Level Class A; Ipil MPS (PRO9), for MPS Level Class B; and Amadeo Cavite MPS (PRO 4A) for MPS Level Class C. Station 6 (Taguig City) of SPD NCRPO, also received the award for the Most Number of Arrests on Illegal Drugs (Numbered PS Level).
President Marcos lauded PNP for its long-standing dedication in maintaining the country’s peace and order, and public safety, emphasizing the organization’s commitment in positively transforming its image and in prioritizing public welfare. “Sa ilalim ng bagong Pilipinas, ang ating mga kapulisan ay maaasahan, malalapitan, at mapagkakatiwalaan,” he reiterated.
It is notable that under the leadership of Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, PNP consistently made significant strides, including enhanced patrols, decreased crime rates, and improved emergency response times. Also, the establishment of the PNP Cybersecurity Operations Center and effective measures against illegal activities have further strengthened police capabilities.
The President urged the police force to uphold discipline, transparency, and fairness, encouraging all PNP personnel to support General Marbil’s leadership. PBBM, however, commended the PNP’s steadfast commitment in building community trust, and has assured his continued support to the organization through its Comprehensive Capability Enhancement Program and other additional resources.
The Police Service Anniversary commemorates the founding of the Philippine Constabulary, established as the country’s insular police force on August 8, 1901.
Under the stern leadership of PGen Marbil, the Nation’s Peacekeeper is no less than determined to bring positive transformations for the country’s law enforcement, making it more disciplined, transparent, and fair towards a safe and empowered Bagong Pilipinas!
