Grandstand, PNP Transformation Oval, Camp Crame, Quezon City
August 9, 2017

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte graced the 116th Police Service Anniversary of the Philippine National Police (PNP) with the theme, ‘Buhay ng Pulis Handang Ibuwis Para sa Katahimikan at Kaayusan ng Bayan’ at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

“You know, policemen killed in police operations, drug related, I have lost 83 lives of policemen. The AFP, including the raids in Mindanao where they are met with M16 and bazookas, I have lost 289 assisting in the police in the war against drugs,” he said during his speech.

The President added that he is aspiring for a tougher armed and learned armed forces to fight the enemies of the state.

“I want a strong military, strong armed forces, and strong police. And we are there to be able to fight the enemies of the state better and more equipped. I said you will have a priority in governance,” he said.

In relation to the anti-illegal drug campaign in the country, PNP Chief Ronald Dela Rosa said that from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017, there are 1,309,776 drug surrenderers facilitated; 64,527 anti-illegal drug operations conducted; 86,030 illegal drug personalities arrested; and 3,264 illegal drug personalities who died in anti-drug operations.

“We look forward for the coming months with the same fervor and enthusiasm as we continue to fight and achieve more victories in the pursuance of the PNP mission. And in so doing, we will sustain the gains we have achieved since day one of this administration. We will empower our police force with the hands training and education programs, internal cleansing will be more vigorous. Performers will be rewarded while misfits will be punished. And transformation efforts will be sustained,” the PNP Chief assured.

During the event, President Duterte administered the presentation of awards to outstanding PNP officers and units.

After the awarding ceremony, PNP Chief Dela Rosa presented to the Commander-in-Chief a memento of a complete PNP-SAF uniform with its double-barrel gun and helmet as a token of appreciation. He then later acknowledged the troops for the pass-in review.

President Duterte was accompanied by some of his Cabinet members in the event.

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