PNP anniversary rites postponed due to Robredo's death

MANILA -- The anniversary celebration of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has been postponed anew as it mourns the death of Secretary Jesse Robredo.

The 111th PNP Service Day Anniversary was originally set on August 8 but was postponed due to the torrential monsoon rains and flooding in Metro Manila and the subsequent relief operations conducted by the police.

The anniversary rites were then set to August 24, Friday, but it will be moved yet again to a still undetermined date following the death of Robredo, the PNP Public Information Office told Sun.Star.

For more than two years, Robredo headed the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to which the PNP arm belongs.

Robredo and two companions died Saturday in a tragic plane crash off the coast of Masbate City. Robredo's police escort was the lone survivor in the accident.

In honor of Robredo, masses at the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame are held daily at 6:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 5:15 p.m.

PNP Director General Nicanor Bartolome said all PNP camps are hoisting the national colors at half mast "as an expression of the agency's great respect to a great man and a good leader who steered the DILG-PNP family through the straight and narrow path of proper public service."

Meanwhile, the highlights of the PNP anniversary celebration would include President Benigno Aquino III's conferment of the prestigious Presidential Streamer Award to the Police Regional Office 2 in the Cagayan Valley Region.

The said police unit bested 16 other PNP Regional Offices in the country, which were included in the search for outstanding administrative and operational accomplishments by PNP Units in 2011.

The anniversary of the PNP's law enforcement service celebrated every August 8 in commemoration of the founding of the Philippine Constabulary in August 8, 1901, and the Integrated National Police (INP) in August 8, 1975. Both organizations were forerunners of the PNP. (Emmanuel Louis Bacani/Sunnex)