Marcos to PNPA graduates: Serve with high moral integrity

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos urged yesterday the country’s new police officers to be morally upright and commit themselves to protecting the rights of every person to restore the public’s trust in the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Speaking at the 44th PNP Academy’s commencement exercises in Silang, Cavite, Marcos reminded the “Masidtalak” Class of 2023 to fulfill their duties and responsibilities with fairness and impartiality.

“As the citizens’ peacekeeping force, be just, be morally upright and commit yourself to protecting and defending the rights of our people, notwithstanding the current challenges faced by the PNP organization,” the President said.

“I also ask you to be catalysts for restoring public trust in the PNP, and to be recognized as protectors and defenders of peace, order and human rights; the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), as safekeepers of the general welfare of those persons deprived of liberty and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), as protectors of the nation from fires and other emergencies,” he said.

“Live up to the name of your class – MASIDTALAK – Maaasahang Tagapagsilbi ng Inang Bayan na may Dangal at Katapatan na ang Layunin ay Kapayapaan,” he added.

This was the President’s first attendance at the PNPA graduation rites as Commander-in-Chief and honorary member of PNPA’s “Tagapagbuklod” Class of 1989.

Of the 208 graduates, 186 will join the PNP, 11 will serve under the BFP and another 11 under the BJMP.

Valedictorian

Police Cadet Francis Geneta from Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, the class valedictorian, received the Presidential Kampilan from Marcos and the Chief PNP Kampilan from Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, officer-in-charge of the PNP’s office of the deputy chief for administration.
Speaking on behalf of his classmates, Geneta said they will demonstrate their sincerity in protecting and serving the people by remaining honest in public service.

“We will serve with compassion while adhering to the principles of truth and fairness and as always, doon lang lagi tayo sa tama (we stand only with what’s right),” he said.

Geneta added that their inspiration is the President’s “affirmation that the aspirations of every Filipino is yours as well.”
For Marcos, the graduates deserved to be lauded for successfully completing their cadetship program despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also commended the officers and personnel of the PNP, BFP and BJMP in providing assistance and services in far-flung areas, especially at the height of the pandemic.

“I also convey my appreciation to the officers and personnel of the PNP, BFP and BJMP for dedicating your lives in the fulfillment of your obligations, especially at the peak of the global health crisis,” he said.

The President also hailed the PNPA for providing educational assistance programs for the beneficiaries of active personnel who were killed, wounded or permanently disabled and incapacitated in the line of duty.

Bantag ‘in the house’

Present at the rites was former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director-general Gerald Bantag who was there for his son’s graduation.
As Bantag and his son Seal went up on stage, Marcos briefly looked at the former BuCor chief.
Bantag, who wore sunglasses, also glanced at the President, but the two of them did not speak.
Brig. Gen. Ramon Zagala, commander of the Presidential Security Group (PSG), who was seated at the back, did not take his eyes off Bantag until the latter left the stage.
Bantag, who was appointed as BuCor chief during the Duterte administration, has been implicated in the killing of radio broadcaster Percy Lapid and criminally charged under Marcos’ administration.

Apart from being charged with Lapid’s murder, Bantag is also facing plunder and graft charges for alleged anomalies during his stint as BuCor chief.

Lt. Col. Loui Gonzaga, PNP spokesperson, said in a message on Viber that Seal Bantag is among this year’s 11 graduates joining the BFP. – Emmanuel Tupas