National Police chief Gen. Archie Gamboa enjoined policemen on Thursday to adhere to their mandate of serving the country and Filipinos in the sustained effort of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to evolve into a world-class organization.
“In honor of our legacy, we will continue performing our mandate with renewed strength and continue building a resilient and stronger PNP,” Gamboa said during the celebration of the PNP’s 119th year of police service anniversary.
In line with President Duterte’s vision of change, Gamboa said the police force “will confidently rewrite the PNPs new narrative and be a world-class law-enforcement agency—a source of national pride.”
President Duterte delivered his virtual message during the celebration, which was attended by top police and other government officials led by Interior Secretary Eduardo Año.
Gamboa paid tribute to current and former officers and men of the PNP who have spelled a name for the organization and contributed to the building of the police force’s great standing and steered it to where it is now.
“As we celebrate this momentous event, let me take this privilege to honor and to thank the strong men and women of our organization for heroism offered and faithful services rendered in the pursuit of our mandate,” he said.
“May we also give our respect to the lives and services of our fallen heroes, who gave their lives in the name of the service. And there is no greater way to honor them, than by carrying on the work that they left behind,” he added.
The PNP chief underscored the efforts of policemen in the national battle against the Covid-19 by serving as frontliners, and as such, “were selflessly sacrificing and risking their lives in the delivery of our mandate to serve and protect the people.”
He said that the contagion, at the same time, was also providing the PNP the critical opportunity to learn more “about the essential principles underpinning large-scale transformative change and innovative solutions” to survive the pandemic.
“Together as a team, we will win this war,” Gamboa said.