28TH POLICE-COMMUNITY RELATIONS MONTH CELEBRATION KICKS OFF
THE Philippine National Police on Monday kicked off the 28th Police Community Relations Month celebration with a grand ceremony at Camp Crame attended by retired general-turned Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong.
In the program, PNP chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. and Mayor Magalong led the awarding of outstanding personnel of the PNP Directorate for Police-Community Relations who became known for fostering positive relationships with the community.
Gen. Acorda highlighted the fundamental principle of the police profession when he spoke during the affair.
“As police officers, it is our sincerest desire to be regarded with respect and admiration, rather than feared, by the communities we serve,” the top cop said.
The PNP chief also acknowledged the unfortunate reality that fear has sometimes overshadowed the desired relationship between the police and the community.
The theme for this year’s celebration, “Serbisyong Nagkakakaisa para sa Ligtas at Maunlad na Pamayanan,” reflects the vision of the PNP to forge stronger bonds and collaborative efforts with other government and non-government organizations, said PNP Public Information Office chief, Brigadier Gen. Redrico A. Maranan.
Gen. Acorda called upon the members of the community to actively participate in the PNP’s endeavors, emphasizing their support and cooperation as invaluable contributions to achieving shared goals.
For his part, Mayor Magalong emphasized the significance of good governance in creating a safer and more prosperous society.
“The essence of true public service lies in the spirit of being ‘men and women for others.’ We are not merely here to enforce the law but to be a beacon of hope. Let us embrace diversity and inclusivity to build stronger and more resilient communities that thrive on the richness of our differences,” Mayor Magalong expressed.
Presidential Proclamation No. 764 signed on January 24, 2005 declares the month of July every year as Police Community Relations Month to develop closer interaction between the police and the community in handling peace and order concerns.
