Aquino challenges 252 PNPA graduates to effect reforms

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III urged on Friday the 252 graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy's (PNPA) "Tagapamagitan" Class 2013 to help the government in effecting reforms for the benefit of the people.

In his speech keynoting the 34th commencement exercises of the PNPA held at Camp General Mariano N. Castaneda, the Chief Executive told the graduates to always focus on being public safety officers for the betterment of the society.

"Ang atas at hamon ko sa ating Tagapamagitan Class of 2013: Huwag n’yong bibiguin ang ating mga Boss—ang sambayanang Pilipino. Umaasa akong sa harap ng kaliwa’t kanang tukso ng salapi’t kapangyarihan, uunahin ninyo ang kapakanan ng mga naisasantabi," Aquino said.

"Higit pa sa pagiging tagapagtanggol, kayo ang magsisilbing tagapamagitan: ang maglalapit sa mamamayan sa ating mga unipormadong hanay, ang tulay na maghahatid ng kaayusan at ligtas na pamumuhay; at magbibigkis sa bawat Juan dela Cruz sa kabila ng anumang pagkakaiba at di-pagkakaunawaan sa lipunan," he stressed.

The President asked the graduates not to follow the steps of some policemen who followed the wrong path, such as those whom he relieved from their post last year in Caraga region for allegedly allowing the illegal logging activities to proliferate.

He also said that he is closely monitoring the multiple murder cases filed against some police and military personnel who were involved in the alleged rubout of 13 people in Atimonan, Quezon last January.

At the same time, Aquino asked the graduates not only to remain competent in their own fields but at the same time dedicated to the community.

"Lagi ninyong isipin kung ano ang makakabuti sa nakakarami, at maging patas kayo sa pagtugon sa problema ng inyong ahensya; pulis ka man, bumbero, warden, o kapwa nagsisilbi sa bayan," he noted.

The President assured his administration's unwavering support for the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the Bureau of Fire Protection to strengthen the capabilities of their officers and members in the performance of their mandate.

"Mapalad kayo dahil nasa harap ninyo ngayon ang napakagandang pagkakataon para pumasok sa serbisyo. Tapos na ang panahon na tila dagdag-pasakit pa ang gobyerno sa mga nagmamalasakit sa bayan," he said.

"Kaya naman bago matapos ang taong ito, target nating mapasakamay na ang halos 74,800 na unit ng 9mm pistol na binili natin sa ilalim ng PNP Capability Enhancement Program. Tutugunan nito ang ipinamana sa ating 50 porsyentong kakulangan sa pistola, upang tuluyan nang makamit ang 1:1 ratio sa bilang ng mga pulis at baril," he stressed.

He also pledged that the government would continue to provide equipment to strengthen the capabilities of the public safety officers to better serve the public.

Most of the PNPA graduates will enter the PNP while only a number of them will join the BJMP and the BFP.

The top 10 graduates of the PNPA include Jhon Felix Gutierrez Pascual Jr. (class valedictorian), Christian Palustre Javier, Davis Vicente Dulawan, Mohammad Fahad Dinampo Julwadi, Markson Solomon Almeranez, Aiman Jumlani Kamlon, Mark Francis Tupaz Bauya, Nino Villanueva Aquiatan, Aiman Khuzaimah Pagayawan Pantaran and Zynon Aclinen Paiking. (SDR/Sunnex)