GMA thanks PNP chief for support

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo yesterday expressed her gratitude for the support of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during her nine years at Malacañang.

In return, Mrs. Arroyo said she made sure that due benefits, including salary increases, more equipment and housing projects, were given to police personnel nationwide.

“This is all in return for the highest form of professionalism I received from you. Let me say thank you for all your support,” Mrs. Arroyo said in a speech during a post- election conference with the PNP.

The President was accompanied by her officials led by Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza as she received a memento from PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa detailing the accomplishments made by the national police under her administration.

“With your support, guidance and encouragement, the PNP has achieved so much – these legacies which the organization will continuously cherish and uphold,” Verzosa said. “Again, on behalf of the 135,000-strong PNP, I thank you Madam President.”

Mrs. Arroyo noted that Mendoza was her first PNP chief and recalled calling up Mendoza during the wee hours of the morning just to check on developments in kidnapping incidents.

“There was a time when I called him at 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. and his usual greeting was ‘good morning ma’am.’ One time, I called him at 11 p.m. and he answered ‘good morning ma’am,’ I told him it still evening,” Mrs. Arroyo recalled, noting that problems on criminality have been minimized. “The people could now feel the peace with the presence of policemen,” she said.

As she thanked the PNP under Verzosa, Mrs. Arroyo said the six PNP chiefs who served since 2001 had enjoyed her support.

Mrs. Arroyo conferred awards on five police officers for their efforts that led to the success of the May elections.

The awards of PNP Medal of Heroism and Medelya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod were given to PO1 Gerna Cervantes Garcia of Pikit, North Cotabato, Deputy Director General Ed Acuña, Senior Superintendent Eddie Benigay of Masbate Provincial Police, Senior Superintendent Victor Deona, chief of PNP Task Force Masbate and Senior Superintendent Antonio Mendoza Jr., director of Basilan provincial police.

Garcia was given the Medalya ng Kadakilaan (PNP Heroism Medal) for acts of heroism during a firefight between two armed groups last May 10. Garcia was the lone police officer assigned to the area at the time.

“The female police officer demonstrated rare courage and bravery worthy of emulation by the other PNP personnel,” Verzosa said.

Verzosa also cited the heroism of other police officers . 

Observers, however, noted that Mrs. Arroyo was not that warm with Verzosa, who announced last March that he would not follow any unlawful order from the Chief Executive, particularly on moves to extend her stay in office.

President-elect Benigno Aquino III has announced he will allow Verzosa to continue in his post until his retirement on Dec. 25.

Verzosa said the competency and professionalism of the police force started when Mrs. Arroyo created a reform commission, which became the cornerstone of the PNP Integrated Transformation Program with “Transforming the PNP to a More Capable, Effective and Credible Police Force” in 2005.

“It was during your administration that the salary of lowly PNP members was increased to afford their family a decent and comfortable life. From P12,820 per month in 2001, a PO1 now earns P17,720 and is even assured an annual increase until 2012,” Verzosa said.

The PNP chief also credited the President for recognizing the serious housing problem of the PNP and granted 400 hectares for a housing project in San Miguel, Bulacan.

After the ceremony, Mrs. Arroyo held a closed door meeting with Verzosa and other officials.

Verzosa later said the meeting was very informal and they talked about personal matters, like their plans after retirement.

“We told her that we will all be engaged in farming after our retirement,” Verzosa said.