Javier Sarmiento, 22, suffering from “Down Syndrome” becomes a “Police Lieutenant” for a day during a tearful ceremony at Camp Crame graced by PNP chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr, and NICA chief Ricardo F. de Leon.
PNP ‘cop’ for a day
A 22-YEAR-old man became a cop for a day after Philippine National Police chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. granted his wish to become a cop just like his idol “Ricardo Dalisay ” in ‘Ang Probinsiyano’ tele-serye.
Born with Down Syndrome, Luis Javier P. Sarmiento has been apprised to become a police officer inspired by the valiant ‘Ang Probinsiyano’ character being portrayed by actor Coco Martin.
On Monday, Gen. Acorda fulfilled the young man’s heartfelt wish which he made known through letters sent to the police force.
During the PNP flag-raising ceremony at Camp Crame, the PNP chief led the heartwarming ‘A Cop for a Day Program’ where Sarmiento was allowed to wear a police uniform and was conferred the honorary rank of Police Lieutenant.
“We honor Luis by conferring upon him the honorary rank of Police Lieutenant, allowing him to wear our prestigious uniform and experience firsthand the noble duties performed within the hallowed grounds of Camp BGen Rafael T Crame,” said Gen. Acorda.
According to the PNP chief, the presence and enthusiasm of the young dreamer should serve as an inspiration to all even as he urged everyone to support and encourage the younger generation in their pursuit of dreams.
“I am delighted by what Luis has done today. It shows how he looks up to our uniform. He wants to be part of us. It’s a simple symbolic act, something that the PNP personnel, the 232,000, and his family can be proud of. Let us applaud his aspiration to be a police officer,” he said.
