MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reminded the Philippine National Police to always uphold professionalism, discipline, and service to the people as he joined the 200,000-strong police force in marking PNP Day on Thursday.
In a video message, Marcos reiterated that he expected an organization which recognizes that “peace and order remain fundamental for growth and public confidence.”
“I ask every member of the PNP to focus on what matters most: visible presence, disciplined conduct, and service that communities can trust,” he said.
“These are the actions that steadily rebuild the confidence and give meaning to the badge that you wear,” he added.
The chief executive also recognized the hard work of the dedicated and outstanding officers and units who are set to receive awards for their exemplary performance.
“The work of the police has become more demanding. The Filipino people expect effectiveness, require our police to arrive and provide help quickly and demand respectful and competent law enforcers. the work of the police has become more demanding. The Filipino people expect effectiveness, require our police to arrive and provide help quickly and demand respectful and competent law enforcers. Many have risen to the challenges of these demands,” he said.
“The awards conferred today honor personnel who delivered results on the ground through effective operations, improved service delivery, and leadership that raised standards within their units. These examples matter because they show that professionalism is built through daily decisions and authority is exercised with restraint and with fairness,” he added.
The president likewise reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upgrading police capabilities through better training, faster response systems, and accountability mechanisms “that protect both the public and the honest police officer.”
Marcos has been placed under medical observation due to diverticulitis, or the inflammation of irregular bulging pouches in the wall of the large intestine, and as a result, has been forced to skip some of the Palace events, notably the opening of the Asean Tourism Forum in Cebu where he was represented by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, and PNP Day, which Executive Secretary Ralph Recto will attend.
Marcos himself late Wednesday said he was "back in harness."