Philippine National Police Headquarters, Camp Rafael T. Crame, Quezon City
August 8, 2018

“Mga mahal kong pulis, saludo ako sa inyo,” said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as he led the 117th Police Service Anniversary at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Headquarters in Camp Brigadier General Rafael T. Crame, Quezon City.

In his keynote address, the Commander-in-Chief imparted that the occasion highlights the PNP’s success in “cleansing the organization’s scalawags”, who are hampering its efficiency in performing its mandate to enforce the law and serve the Filipino people.

“Your performance in the past two years speak well of your efforts in instituting reforms from within your ranks,” said President Duterte, adding that within two years, almost 1,160 illegal drugs personalities have been apprehended and more than 600 administrative cases involving the police have been resolved.

Reiterating his commitment to take full responsibility in the case of police officers that have been charged or suspended in the performance of their duties in the ongoing war against illegal drugs, the President said that he would provide them with lawyers and compensation during their suspension.

“When your life is in danger, you stick to the law…  But I will be here, I will as a President. I will never allow you to go to jail.  Just do your duty. Wala kayong isipin. I will provide the lawyer for you… I will pay you when you are suspended,” he said.

Earlier in the program, the President gave recognition to 28 police officers and units who have greatly contributed in the government’s fight against corruption, criminality, errant police personnel, and trade of illegal drugs.

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