PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief, General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. on Friday made his last visit to the Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) headquarters in San Fernando City,La Union ahead of his scheduled retirement on Monday, April 24.
PRO1 is special to the 28th PNP chief since he used to command it and he recognizes the critical role its men are playing in maintaining peace and order to spur progress in the Ilocos-Pangasinan region.

In his speech, Gen. Azurin underscored anew the importance of avoiding involvement in the use, possession, manufacture, trade, or sale of illegal drugs, as it not only compromises the individual but also the organization and the appointing authority.

He stated that with the exceptional efforts officers and men of the PRO1, the police force has demonstrated unwavering dedication to public safety, the rule of law, and the well-being of our communities.

“Ang tanging hiling ko lang ay sana, all PNP personnel, at any level, should never be involved in the use, possession, manufacture, and the trade or sale of illegal drugs. Habang nasa serbisyo tayo, huwag na huwag nating hahayaan na madungisan tayo because we are going to compromise not only ourselves but also the organization, or worse, maybe even the appointing authority,” he said.

Gen. Azurin expressed his gratitude to the PRO 1 personnel for their dedication and support of his programs. He shared his sentiment of feeling at home when standing on the podium in the region where he initiated various projects, such as MKK=K and KASIMBAYANAN.

The PNP chief also led the inauguration of the PRO 1 Rider’s Nook with PRO1 director, Brigadier Gen. John C. Chua; his Senior Executive Assistance, Brig. Gen. Wilson D. Soliba; and PNP Public Information Office chief, Colonel Redrico A. Maranan.

Gen. Azurin served as PRO1 director from May 11, 2020 to February 1, 2021.

The member of Philippine Military Academy ‘Makatao’ Class of 1989 also visited the Area Police Command Northern Luzon (APC-NL) in Clark Freeport Zone, Mabalacat City, Pampanga on Friday.

In his message to the APC-NL troops led by Lieutenant Gen. Felipe R. Natividad, he expressed his gratitude for the hard work and dedication of the men and women who keep the community safe and maintain law and order in the region.

Gen. Azurin also served as APC-NL commander before he was designated as PNP chief by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. in August last year.

The PNP chief acknowledged the challenges that the APC-NL and the entire PNP have faced in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and various internal security threats such as insurgency and terrorism.

Despite these challenges, he praised the APC-NL for their resilience and tenacity in the face of danger and their unwavering zeal to work towards a safer and more secure community.

He also highlighted the PNP’s commitment to supporting the APC-NL and ensuring that they have the resources and support they need. He mentioned various programs and initiatives aimed at capacity building, such as training programs to enhance skills and the provision of better and new equipment to keep them safe.