Noy thanks PNP for support

MANILA, Philippines – In one of his last official acts, President Aquino expressed gratitude to those who helped his administration and the Filipino people who are his “bosses” for their support in the past six years.

In his speech at the testimonial ceremony in honor of outgoing Philippine National Police chief Director General Ricardo Marquez, Aquino said the backing from the PNP helped the country unfold a new chapter in the lives of Filipinos.

The President cited the work of the PNP in ensuring the success of Pope Francis’ visit in January 2015, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November 2015 and the May 9 elections, among other achievements like curbing criminality and the illegal drug trade.

“To our valiant police force, I would like to convey my admiration and heartfelt thanks. We would not have reached this chapter in our history – the point where we can now serve our fellow Filipinos in a much better way and where we are now being looked up to by the world with the transformation we are experiencing – without your trust and contribution,” Aquino said.

“To all of you who serve our bosses, the people, with all your integrity, courage and whole life, thank you very much.

“Until the end, it was an honor to lead the full ranks of the Philippine National Police in pushing for peace in the country. It was an honor to serve you and to have served the Filipino nation with you. It was an honor to be your partner in our collective goal: to leave the country that is much better, more progressive and in a more peaceful state than we found it,” he added.

Aquino also said it would be the last time for him to attend a PNP ceremony as Chief Executive and it was more colorful and meaningful because it coincided with the tribute for Marquez.

The President admitted he did not know Marquez when he appointed him but the outgoing PNP chief did not disappoint and promoted unity among the factions within the police force.

Aquino also said Marquez faithfully served the people instead of those with vested interests.

Marquez: I delivered more than promised

Marquez thanked Aquino for appointing him as chief of the 160,000-strong force despite not knowing him personally.

“Mr. President, I am grateful for the precious gift of leading the PNP. I treasured this precious gift. I opened that gift every day with my commitment of making a difference. It wasn’t easy. We lost brilliant policemen during the Mamasapano incident. Every day, I am showing to our policemen that we can win back the trust of our countrymen,” he added.

As he bowed out of the police service, Marquez expressed belief that he was able to deliver more than he promised last year.

“I made good on my promises... We achieved all these accomplishments despite being busy with several huge events like SONA, Pope Francis visit, APEC, Eucharistic Congress and May 9 national and presidential elections,” he said in his speech.

Marquez, who was then chief of the PNP Directorate for Operations, made sure Pope Francis would be safe during his visit.

During his 10-month stint as PNP chief, Marquez put more policemen on the streets, cleansed the police force and intensified the anti-crime campaign.

He said 42 policemen were arrested for alleged links to illegal activities and over 90 others are now facing charges with the Internal Affairs Service.

The volume of crime also decreased under his watch due to Lambat Sibat, a comprehensive anti-crime campaign. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe