THE Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (PMAAAI) on Friday honored Philippine National Police chief, General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr., for his “outstanding leadership” and service to the country as its 28th national police chief.

During the PMAAAI’s annual general membership meeting at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center in Baguio City, Azurin received the Outstanding Achievement Award for his exceptional contribution to the country in general and the police force in particular.

The event with the theme “PMA Cavaliers: Sama-Sama sa Pag-unlad sa Kabila ng Pandemya at Kalamidad” emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation amid the challenges posed by the new normal triggered by the COVID-19 virus and other calamities which have struck the country.

Azurin received the PMAAAI “Outstanding Achievement Award,” which recognized his dedication to maintaining peace and order and his efforts to combat illegal drugs and other criminal activities while ensuring that the “rule of law and observation of human rights will always be followed.”

The member of the PMA “Makatao” Class of 1989 said he was humbled by the recognition he got from his fellow Cavaliers,” even as he said he wouldn’t achieve all of his accomplishments without the help of his men and women.

“This award is not just a recognition of my personal achievements but a testament to the hard work and sacrifices of the men and women of the Philippine National Police who tirelessly work to maintain peace and order in our communities,” he said.

The PMAAAAI led by its chairman and chief executive officer, retired Gen. Vidal E. Querol of PMA Class 1973, also recognized several distinguished alumni for their exceptional contributions to their respective fields during the said event.

They include former Armed Forces chief of staff, Lieutenant Gen. Bartolome Vicente O. Bacarro, an AFP Medal of Valor Awardee from PMA Class “Maringal” Class of 1988; Coast Guard commandant, Admiral Artemio M. Abu of PMA “Tanglaw-Diwa” Class of 1992; Navy Flag Officer-in-Command, Vice Admiral Toribio D. Adaci Jr., also of PMA Class 1989; and Philippine Air Force chief, Lt. Gen. Stephen P. Parreño, a member of PMA “Sambisig” Class of 1991.

Abu was appointed as the 29th Coast Guard commandant by former President Rodrigo Duterte on February 28, 2022.

Adaci joined the Navy upon graduation from Fort del Pilar and since then has specialized in naval operations, education and training, and personnel management and administration.

On the other hand, Parreño is a highly-skilled pilot who graduated salutatorian of PMA Class 1991. He is known for being the lone “Starman” of PMA Class 1991 or a graduate with high distinction as a cadet in both academics and conduct.

PNP Director for Investigation and Detective Management, Major Gen. Eliseo DC Cruz of PMA “Bigkis-Lahi” Class of 1990, also received the PMA Cavalier Award for Police Operations. A former PNP (Philippine National Police) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) director, Cruz got the award for his major accomplishments in the crackdown against criminality and terror, apart from solving a number of high-profile crimes and sending offenders to jail.

The PMAAAI also gave a plaque of meritorious recognition to retired Police Lt. Gen. Reynaldo V. Velasco of PMA Class 1971 for his being the chairman and administration of the Metropolitan Waterworks Sewerage System (MWSS).

Querol conferred the prestigious recognition to the awardees emphasizing the importance of recognizing outstanding alumni for their contributions to society.

The event highlighted the continued commitment of PMA alumni to the development and progress of the country, even amidst challenging times.