Belmonte to cops: Never forget people’s rights

MANILA, Philippines — Police officers should never forget their duty to protect people and their rights, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said yesterday.

In her speech during the 40th death anniversary of Maj. Gen. Tomas Karingal, Belmonte told members of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) that they should never waver when it comes to observing people’s rights.

“Always remember your mandate of serving and protecting our people, their rights and the nation as a whole,” she said.

The QCPD’s headquarters in Barangay Sikatuna Village was named after Karingal, a war hero who became one of the leading commanders of the Philippine Constabulary.

He was killed by members of the Alex Boncayao Brigade, the former urban hit squad of the New People’s Army, in a restaurant in Quezon City in May 1984.

Belmonte urged police officers to use their skills and talents in contributing to the improvement of communities in the country.

She said Karingal’s legacy may serve as a guiding light for current and future generations of police and other law enforcement officers, “reminding us all of the immense power that lies in the hands of those who choose to serve others with courage, honor and unwavering dedication.”

Belmonte said Karingal showed his dedication to public service wherever he was assigned.

“His unwavering commitment to duty and unyielding courage in the face of adversity served as an inspiration to all who knew him and to countless others who came to learn of his remarkable story,” she said.