LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (PIA) -- "Remember that it is not through violence or aggression that one commands respect. People should respect you not out of fear, but out of recognition as your duty as a law enforcer."
 
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin highlighted this in his message delivered by Assistant Secretary Adrian Carlos Bersamin during the 29th National Crime Prevention Week (NCPW) culmination program at the Police Regional Office Cordillera here on Monday, September 11.
 
As he expressed his gratitude to the men and women of the PNP for their service to the country, Bersamin reiterated the call for police officers to uphold the ideals of justice and responsibility as well as the virtues of honor, integrity, and commitment to protect.

"I call upon you to seize the National Crime Prevention Week as an opportunity to reaffirm your commitment to the values that define you as law enforcers, regardless of your status, whether active or retired, on or off duty, you must embody the ideals of justice and responsibility. Only then that we can ensure that our roads are pathways of safety, respect, and shared responsibility," Bersamin said.
 
He added that this week is a reminder of both the gravity of the police's sworn duty and their responsibility to uphold peace and order.

Bersamin also underlined the significance of nurturing a harmonious relationship between the PNP and the communities, thus preventing criminal conduct. There is no doubt that when a genuine bond of confidence exists between the police and the community they serve, the propensity for unlawful acts diminishes substantially, he added.
 
In order to foster or reinforce the sense of trust between the law enforcement and the entire community, he likewise reminded the law enforcers to be cautious in their interactions with other people, characterized by respect, understanding, and fairness.
 
"Remember that the values that define the PNP: honor, integrity, and commitment to protect. It applies to all aspects of police officers' life, whether on or off duty, the choices you make, the actions you take, extend even far beyond the precincts and have lasting impact in the eyes of the people."
 
Bersamin shared that during his stint at the judiciary, he had seen some violations involving police officers, which include violence, illegal drugs, and conduct unbecoming of police officers, among others. He said these incidents were "not just about breaking the law; these were about breaking the people's trust in our police force. Such behavior shows a blatant disregard for the core values of justice, restraint, and respect, which are the cornerstones of law enforcement."
 
With the observance of the National Crime Prevention Week, Bersamin hopes that the police force will be reminded to consistently uphold the values of professionalism, self-control, and integrity emphasizing that law enforcement personnel should be the guardians of justice, not the architects of wrong doing.
 
The Executive Secretary urged the police officers to use their authority and power to help others, not for selfish or destructive purposes.
 
"Giving you the right to legally carry a firearm is a testament to the trust that society places in your hands. It signifies the expectation that you will act judiciously and with self-control, employing such all degree of force as is reasonably necessary to protect lives and maintain order," Bersamin said. 

The NCPW is being celebrated every first week of September pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 461, series of 1994. This year's theme is "Addressing Crime and Advancing Crime Prevention at the Local National and Global Level". (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR) (Photos: PRO Cordillera)