QUEZON CITY, (PIA)—Newly installed chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Police General Benjamin C Acorda Jr. called for a “Serbisyong Nagkakaisa”, anchored on the administration’s call for unity and nation building, moving towards a unified PNP.

PGen. Acorda was installed by President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. as the 29th Chief of the PNP during the traditional change of command ceremony at Camp Crame on Monday morning (April 24).

He replaced Police General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr., who retired from the police service on his 56th birthday.

During the ceremony, President Marcos acknowledged the significant accomplishments achieved by the PNP in the past eight months under the leadership of PGen Azurin. He noted that there were substantial achievements in the area of peace and order, particularly in campaigns against terrorism, carnapping, loose firearms, child abuse, gambling, smuggling, and other illegal activities.

President Marcos also outlined his directives to the new Chief PNP in support of the administration's development goals, emphasizing law and order and peace. He urged the 228,000-strong officers and rank-and-file of the PNP to support the reform initiatives of the past

 leadership,particularly the internal cleansing program, and strict adherence to the rule of law in every police operation.

PGen Acorda is the second PNP Chief appointed by President Marcos.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy's "Sambisig" Class of 1991, he previously served as the PNP Director for Intelligence. His career in the police service is based on many years of operational experience as a junior and field grade officer in PNP operational support and line units in Northern Luzon, particularly in Ilocos Norte and Bugallon, Pangasinan.

PGen Acorda also served as Chief of Counter Intelligence and Security Division of Directorate for Intelligence in April 2017, Chief, Regional Intelligence Division of NCRPO in May 2018, the Chief, Explosive Management Division of CSG and the Regional Director of PRO 10 in 2021 before he became the Director, of the Directorate for Intelligence in August 2022.

In his speech, PGen Acordan said that critics from the media are welcome as he views them as independent check and balance and allies in bringing out the truth.

He further appealed to everyone, for support, cooperation and commitment to overcome the challenges the organization is facing. (pnp/pia-ncr)