OUTGOING Philippine National Police chief General Debold M. Sinas yesterday thanked his officers and men for a job well done in the last six months when they succeeded in keeping criminality down while going all-out to help the government further curb the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus in the country.

“Today is my last Press Conference as chief of Philippine National Police before I pass on the mantle of leadership to my worthy successor who will be appointed by President Rodrigo R Duterte in the coming days,” he said in a prepared statement.

The PNP chief kept mum on who will succeed him this week but told the Journal Group he was to meet the President yesterday afternoon.

He also said he would be leaving to the sound judgement of his successor the decision to enhance all the good programs they already have now.

“I could not comment on the recommendation of the SILG. Whoever will be recommended, the PNP is professional enough to follow,” Gen. Sinas said as he brushed off speculations and described as pure intrigue reports that he has applied for an extended term.

“Let me take this opportunity to thank all the men and women of the Philippine National Police for doing their job well. Sa aking mga Regional Directors, Provincial and City Directors, Municipal and City Chiefs of Police, maraming maraming salamat sa pakikiisa ninyosa adhikain kong mabago ang ating public image at corporate culture,” he said.

According to the member of Philippine Military Academy ‘Hinirang’ Class of 1987 who will be turning 56 this Saturday, he owes a lot to his officers and men since he became the 25th PNP chief on November 10 last year.

“If I, as your Chief, took this organization further and higher than others, know that I did it by standing on your collective shoulders. Ang lahat ng accomplishment na ipinagmamalaki natinngayong araw na ito ay nagmula lahat sa inyo,” he said.

The PNP chief said that every accomplishment of the PNP lies the story of the 221,000 police men and women of the Philippine National Police who heeded his call to fight illegal drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism.

“I believe we have been able to deliver more than what we promised to the President and the public, simply because everyone kept faith with me, from the highest officer in our headquarters to the last beat patroller in the streets,” he said.

The PNP chief also paid tribute his gallant personnel who did their job amid the pandemic, with 56 deaths recorded in the force since March last year and more than 20,000 already contracting the dreaded virus to date.

“Napilay man ng panandalian ang atingorganisasyon, araw-araw ay pinaalala ko saating kapulisan na kaya nating ibalik ang tiwalang taong bayan, basta’t tayo ay magtitiwala saating mga sarili at magkaisa sa ating adhikain,” he said.

Gen. Sinas thanked his men who went all out in their war on drugs and the all-out campaign against criminality in the streets and terror while helping the public in times of need.

“My journey ends here as the Chief, PNP and I’m truly thankful that we showcase our will to overcome obstacles, our dedication to duty despite the odds, our travails and triumphs, our love for God, country and people,” he said.