OUTGOING Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ed Año said it all on Monday when he thanked the 225,000-strong police force for a job well done in keeping peace and order under the Duterte administration and at the same time called on the country to remember the 307 policemen who have died in the line of duty since 2016.

The former Armed Forces chief-turned DILG secretary praised the good work of the PNP specifically amid the pandemic brought about by the COVID-19, the past three years having kept the force busy fighting the virus themselves while seeing to it that the public will fully comply with measures to prevent its further spread specifically the mandatory wearing of face masks in public and observance of physical distancing.

The DILG head since 2018 cited the heroism displayed by members of the police force during his tenure. One of them, Senior Master Sergeant Jason Magno was killed in a grenade explosion at the Initao Community College in Misamis Oriental in November 2019.

During the scuffle to subdue the suspect, a grenade was thrown from the hands of the suspect and landed on the cemented ground. However, Magno paid the ultimate sacrifice by covering the grenade with his body to prevent further damage and injury to the people in the area.

“Magno’s bravery is a story like no other as he showed his willingness to save many others—even if he knew that such an act would take his own life,” said Sec. Año.

Then there is the case of Senior Master Sergeant Conrado A. Cabigao Jr. of the Police Regional Office 4-A who was killed while acting as a ‘poseur-buyer’ in a buy-bust operation in Calabarzon region also in June 2019.

Cabigao was shot in the neck by the suspect. Año said that Cabigao’s death “is indeed a classic example of how life-threatening drug operations are but our policemen still brave the operations for our war on drugs.

Then in February 2020, he cited the killing of Captain Efren Espanto in a gunbattle with New People’s Army rebels in Janiuay, Iloilo. The official said Espanto “demonstrated exceptional sacrifice by offering his life to the country.” “He was shot dead in a long and intense firefight while conducting major combat and clearing operations.

According to the DILG chief who used to be Philippine Army Army and later Armed Forces chief, Espanto’s account of heroism is a solid proof of how dedicated our personnel are—even if that means giving everything they can for the neutralization of Communist Terrorist Groups,” he said.

“Magno, Cabigao, and Espanto are just three among the 307 fallen troops who sacrificed their lives in the name of public service—56 of them were killed in the anti-drug war, 160 in anti-criminality campaigns, while the other 91 succumbed in their counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism drives,” he said.

“ Pambihira ang kanilang inialay para sa bayan kaya palakpakan din po natin sila. May we also dedicate a moment of silence and say a little prayer for them. Indeed, these are inspiring stories and remarkable showing of boundless gallantry, outstanding service to the people, and hard-earned trust and confidence,” he said in his speech during last Monday’s flag-raising rites at Camp Crame.

Despite all the mud being thrown on the police force by government critics and the Left, the DILG chief underscored the fact that police have continued to show sincerity, hard work and determination in fully doing their sworn duties and responsibilities amid the watchful eye of the public.

The member of Philippine Military Academy Class 1983 said he has been deeply touched by the kind words and well wishes he has received and has been receiving in the waning days of his stint as DILG chief.

“Today is my turn to say thank you. Thank you for courageously putting your lives on the line—day in and day out—to ensure that our peace and order campaigns are not only gaining sturdy grounds but are also slowly winning the people’s trust and confidence in our men in uniform,” he told officers and men of the PNP led by Lieutenant General Vic Danao.

“Much gratitude to you for not yielding to backbreaking responsibilities but instead continuing to embrace far-ranging roles—including responding to health emergencies and extending helping hands during calamities. And for relentlessly rising to be a vanguard of safety and security despite the prevailing peace spoilers and amid the host of other social ills, we give you our sincerest appreciation. As well, thank you for keeping me driven, diligent, trustworthy, and strong-willed through it all,” he said.

The brilliant military tactician who also survived three bouts with COVID 19 over the past two years likewise cited the extraordinary courage and commitment by the police force which he said have made gallant strides in their duty to serve and protect the people during the past six years.

“ In a space of six years, our boards show that we have maintained a consistent downward trend in our crime situation. Reflected in such claim are the dwindling Average Monthly Crime Rate, National Index Crime Rate, and Crime Volume. A wide array of campaigns against illegal gambling, loose firearms, private armed groups, wanted persons, communist terrorist groups, local terrorist groups, kidnap for ransom and illegal drugs have also turned the corner, significantly contributing to the improved crime prevention that we have unremittingly bannered in the Duterte administration,” he said.

Sec. Año said that yet, these audable achievements were not realized without the stories of struggles that the Philippine National Police had to face one at a time—and then overcome at the right time.

For that, he commended Lt. Gen. Danao and the other PNP heads who worked with him: now retired Generals Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, Oscar Albayalde, Archie Gamboa, Pikoy Cascolan, Debold Sinas, Gilor Eleazar and Dionards Carlos.

“A snappy salute and rousing round of applause for a job superbly done. I owe all of you a deep debt of gratitude. You all have demonstrated the competence and character fitting and expected of a policeman. Above all, your tenacity has become your weapon as we combat the threats to peace and order, and fight to better the PNP’s good name,” he said.

The outgoing DILG secretary at the same time called on the police force to continue supporting the programs set to be laid out by President-elect Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and incoming DILG chief Benhur Abalos.

“Hangad ko rin maipakita at maipagkaloob ninyo sa kanila ang parehong respeto at suportang inialayninyo sa aking pagkakaupo. In return, I am very optimistic that the incoming administration will also channel their backing and commitment to continually steer our beloved Philippines into safer, more peaceful and more progressive horizons,” he said.

Well said Mr. Secretary.