Chief PNP’s First Traditional Monday Flag Raising
Police General Benjamin Casuga Acorda Jr. assumed his post as the 29th Chief of the Philippine National Police, on April 24, 2023, following the retirement of his predecessor, Police General Rodolfo S. Azurin, Jr. From then on, the Chief PNP immediately laid down his top priority goals and pronouncements which the nation’s peacekeeper will religiously implement during his leadership stint.
During his assumption, PGen Acorda reechoed President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr’s call for unity and cooperation in addressing national issues and concerns. With his mantra “Serbisyong Nagkakaisa”, PGen Acorda challenged the entire rank to constantly strive to deliver the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service relative to the performance of its mandate complemented with the dynamic collaboration and active partnership with the different stakeholders of the community.
On May 8, 2023, the newly installed Chief PNP had his first Monday Traditional Flag Raising Ceremony at the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. That morning, he officially laid down and recapitulated his 5-Focused Agenda to all the men and women of the Philippine National Police.
The Chief PNP enumerated his five-point action plan towards the attainment of a safer and more secure Philippines. PGen Acorda reiterated that his leadership will be guided with a clear vision and a solid action plan which centers on five-key areas which are critical to the success of the organization’s mission.
The 5- Focused Agenda are: Aggressive and honest law enforcement operations; Personnel morale and welfare; Integrity enhancement; Information and communication technology development; and Community engagement. The Philippine National Police vows to prioritize these areas as essential pre-requisites and requirements for the organization’s productivity and efficiency, looking clearly on the way forward of the Philippine National Police.
Under the “aggressive and honest law enforcement operations”, PNP will make sure to aggressively implement every law enforcement operation with utmost honesty and respect for human rights regardless of economic and social status, physical attributes, gender preference, professional or educational attainment and all other aspects of life. Under Police General Acorda’s watch, the nation’s peacekeeper is expected to intensify all forms of anti-criminality campaigns and other illegal activities while upholding the highest standards of integrity and transparency. This simply means that PNP shall remain on its toes in battling criminality and all other forms of irregularities in accordance with the law.
The second key area is “Personnel morale and welfare”. The Top Cop assured every man and woman in the rank that his administration will prioritize the personnel’s morale and welfare by providing career development, personnel support, recognition, promotion opportunities and proper placement to build a valued and empowered workforce dedicated to giving outstanding police service to the community. He also stressed that under his leadership, no PNP personnel should be publicly shamed nor experience public humiliation for any form of infractions or misdemeanors. If given the situation, they will be apprehended, and if possible, be jailed for their mistakes without suffering from unnecessary humiliation.
The third key area is “Integrity enhancement”. This is the foundation of the PNP organization. And as law enforcers, they should serve as instruments to prevent corruption and in promoting transparency and adherence to the highest ethical standards of professionalism. Likewise, Acorda said that the Philippine National Police will strengthen its internal mechanisms to ensure that everybody will not be tolerated of any misconduct and all officers will be held accountable for their actions at all levels.
The fourth key area is “Information and communication technology development”. Under this area, PNP will maximize every available technology which will be useful and of great significance in police administration and law enforcement activities. PNP will invest more on ICT development to enhance the organization’s capabilities in crime prevention, investigation and law enforcement; as well as on modern equipment and training to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of criminal activities.
The last key area is “Community engagement”. The PNP organization recognizes the critical importance of community support and trust in the maintenance of peace and order, and in crime prevention and deterrence. Under his leadership, the Nation’s Peacekeeper will double its commitment and devotion in building stronger ties between and among the members of every respective community. PNP will continue to promote community engagement programs, in collaboration with its stakeholders and the different sectors of our society. By doing so, we can have a safer and secure environment for everyone.
“As we progress into the upcoming week, let us always keep in mind the noble purpose of our profession,” said PGen Acorda.
“Let us work together towards a common goal of providing ‘Serbisyong Nagkakaisa’ – a united and excellent service to our people. Together, we remain an outstanding exemplar of service, not just in the Philippines, but also across the globe. I am confident that together, we can make PNP a stronger and more effective organization that serves the best interests of our country and our people”, he added.
The Philippine National Police remains optimistic in its journey towards a progressive and excellent peacekeeping. With these concrete vision and plans, the new leadership envisions to keep the organization at its best in making the community live and experience significant changes brought about by the new era of modern policing where the community and the police are smoothly working hand-in-hand in support to the government and its programs.
Mabuhay ang PNP