FORT DEL PILAR--Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ricardo Marquez was honored recently for his exemplary contributions.
"We are awarding the outstanding PMA alumnus award to retiring alumni with significant achievement and exemplary performance. As for General Marquez, the PMA is giving him the award due to him being the PNP chief and his excellent service," PMA Public Affairs Chief Reynaldo Balido told Sun*Star Baguio.
Marquez assumed the top post of the PNP July 16, 2015 following the retirement of then PNP Officer-in-Charge deputy director general Leonardo Espina.
Under his command, the PNP was able to launch the Oplan: Lamba-Sibat which aimed at arresting criminality in the streets.
The 20th PNP chief was also able to lead 170,000 police personnel in combating crime in the country.
Marquez's leadership was tested during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit and proved his worth after the volume of crime in the country dropped by 10% from the recent 37%.
Prior to his appointment, Marquez was the chief of PNP's Directorate for Operations (DO), Police Task Force commander for the 2015 Papal Visitand a former director of Region 1.
Marquez was awarded the Pope Francis Service Medal for his works in ensuring security of the Pope. And also received four PNP distinguished service medals, 12 PNP outstanding achievement medals, seven PNP special service medals, four PNP heroism medals, three bronze cross medals, 16 PNP merit medals, eight military merit medals, 50 PNP efficiency medals, 29 PNP commendation medals, two military commendation medals, one military civic action medal, four PNP good conduct medals, four campaign medals and ribbon, two Presidential Unit citation badges and an honor graduate award.
Marquez graduated 16th in PMA class 1982 and has a master's degree in Management from the Philippine Christian Academy.
During his acceptance speech Marquez, acknowledged the academy, advised the cadets to be guided and keep their courage, integrity and loyalty as the country's vanguard of peace.