NEGROS Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said he reaffirms the vital and significant role of the Philippine National Police (PNP) as the central element in preserving law and order, during the 119th Police Anniversary celebration spearheaded by the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) held at Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City Monday, August 3.

Lacson was the guest of honor and speaker during the program.

"To all our men in uniform, please accept my appreciation for your selfless and courageous service, especially in time when you are in the face of danger as a consequence of law enforcement, and thank you for your bravery and commitment to service," said Lacson.

"As we face this pandemic and its multifarious consequences, we rely on your continued and unrelenting support to mitigate all its ill effects," the governor added.

Lacson also said that the police work requires a great balancing act between law enforcement, preservation of liberty, and public scrutiny, and the need for resilience has gone beyond the question of choice and has become a necessity.

During the program Monday, August 3, an awarding ceremony was also held for deserving police stations.

Silay City Police Office was recognized as top performing City Police Station for the campaign against illegal drugs; Hinoba-an Police Station as Top Performing Municipal Police Station in the campaign against illegal drugs; Bago City Police Station as Top Performing City Police Station in the campaign against wanted persons; La Castellana Police Station as Top Performing Municipal Station in the campaign against Wanted Person; Kabankalan City Police Station as Top Performing City Police Station in the campaign against loose firearms; Isabela Police Station as Top Performing Municipal Station in the campaign against loose firearms; Victorias City Police Station as Top Performing City Police Station in the campaign against illegal gambling; Manapla Police Station in the municipal category in the campaign against illegal gambling; La Carlota City Police Station in the Unit Performance Evaluation Rating for the first semester and Hinigaran Municipal Station in the same category for Municipal Police Station.