PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. on Monday renewed his call for unity and solidarity in the 226,000-strong police force as they continue to do their job with the support of the community and other government agencies.

The top cop issued the appeal as he was honored by the League of Municipalities (LMP) of the Philippines during the Pammadayaw Event in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.

Acorda was recognized by the LMP for his being appointed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. as the 29th PNP chief.

In his speech during the event, the “favorite son” of Bacarra expressed his gratitude to the LMP officials and the Bacarra local government led by Mayor Nicomedes dela Cruz Jr. as well as the people who have supported him throughout his career. The member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sambisig” Class of 1991 was born and raised in Bacarra municipality.

He also acknowledged the hard work and dedication of every member of the PNP, the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO) personnel, local government units (LGUs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and their other stakeholders who have contributed to the safety and security of communities.

“Today’s event is not just about me. More importantly, it is about the entire PNP and our dedication to serving the community. Thus, I want to acknowledge the hard work and sacrifice of every member of the police force,” he said.

“We have been entrusted with the immense responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of our people, and we take this duty with utmost seriousness. Despite the challenges that we face every day, our men and women in uniform remain steadfast in their commitment to serve and protect,” he added.

Acorda emphasized anew the importance of community partnership and intelligence gathering in ensuring effective law enforcement operations during the occasion, where he highlighted the PNP’s “Five-Focused Agenda” towards aggressive and honest law enforcement operations, boosting personnel morale and welfare, integrity enhancement, strengthening capabilities in information and communication technology, and expanding engagement and interaction with citizens.

At the same time, he called on the LMP to join the PNP in implementing these crucial programs, stating that their efforts are essential to achieving the goal of a safer and more secure Philippines.

“I believe that by focusing on these priorities, we can build a stronger, more effective, and more responsive Philippine National Police. But we cannot do this alone. We need the support and cooperation of our partners in local government, civil society, and the private sector. And that is why I am calling on the League of Municipalities of the Philippines to join us in our commitment to implementing these programs,” he said.

Acorda reiterated his call for what he termed as “Serbisyong Nagkakaisa” in the police force, describing it as a public service that is united in its commitment to provide equal access to justice and protection to all, regardless of social status or economic standing.

He also expressed his commitment to leading the PNP “with honor, integrity, and dedication, and to working towards a safer, more prosperous, and more united Philippines.”

As the country continues to face challenges in ensuring the safety and security of its citizens, Acorda said their “Serbisyong Nagkakaisa” serves as a reminder that the PNP needs the support and cooperation of all stakeholders in society to achieve a safer and more secure country.