LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (PIA) -- The Chief of the Philippine National Police commended the Cordillera police forces for their notable accomplishments and achievements, and at the same time called for continued  unity to attain peace and order in the communities and in the county.

 “I would like to congratulate all the awardees for their exemplary performance. I am very proud to say that you are role models to other personnel. I commend the outstanding achievements and notable programs implemented by our hardworking unit commanders here in the Cordillera Region under the leadership of Police Brigadier General David Peredo Jr,” Police General Benjamin Acorda said in his message during the 122nd Police Service Anniversary program at the Camp Bado Dangwa here  on Thursday, October 19, 2023.

Acorda noted the accomplishments of the PRO Cordillera particularly on the fight against illegal drugs, where PRO Cor conducted more than 600 operations  leading to the arrest of 507 individuals and the seizure of nearly P5 billion-worth of illegal drugs.

In the battle against illegal logging, there were 46 individuals who were arrested and 55,253.85 board feet of lumber valued at over P 8.9 million recovered.

 “Your dedication has disrupted narcotics networks, ensuring the safety of our society. Your aggressive and honest law enforcement operations have also resulted in the arrest of several most wanted persons and members of the communist terrorist group,” he said.

 “Sa mga nakaraang taon, inyong pinatunayan na seryoso kayo sa pagsugpo sa ilegal na droga at sa paglaban sa krimen, gayundin sa pagpanatili ng seguridad at pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan dito sa Cordillera. Kayo ang tunay na haligi ng ating "serbisyong nagkakaisa," he added.

With the Barangay and Sanguniang Kabataang Elections on October 30, 2023,  the Ilocano General called on the Cordillera police force, from the regional headquarters down to the provincial and to the local police stations, to continue and even strengthen their efforts against criminality.

“Sa mga nakaraaang taon, bilang mga alagad nga batas at taga pagbantay ng kapayapaan, ating pang pagibayuhin ang ating kampanya laban sa iba’t ibang kriminalidad particular na sa illegal drugs, illegal gambling, shooting and motorcycle related incidents, at sa private armed groups lalo na ngayon na nalalapit na ang Barangay at Sangguniang Kabataang Elections. Tayo ay magtulungan upang palakasin ang pulisya sa bawat sulok ng Cordillera. Mula sa ating regional office, provincial offices, hanggang sa mga maliliit na police stations. Dahil and komunikasyon ay mahalaga sa isang organisasyon. Sa pamamagitan nito ay masnapapatibay natin at napapabuti ang ating serbisyo para sa mga Pilipino,” he said.

Meanwhile, Acorda  said that the notable actions in addressing the issues and confronting the PNP are indeed fulfilling the goal as public servants and the presence of the partners from the local government units, regional line agencies and other stakeholders, is a display of their support and trust in the service you are extending to the localities.

“I want to thank each of you wholeheartedly, galing po sa aking puso, your sacrifices, time, passion and heart have not only enhanced regional safety but also embodied the essence of public service. As we celebrate our accomplishments today, let us reaffirm our commitment to integrity, professionalism, and community service together.  Let us remain guardians of peace and justice and security ensuring a safer future for everyone,” he said.

As part of the Police Anniversary Program, the PNP Chief together with Area Police Command- Northern Luzon Commander, PMGen Jon Arnaldo and PBGen. Peredo awarded plaques and medals to police personnel, units, non-uniformed personnel and other partners of the PRO Cordillera for their outstanding and notable accomplishments and contributions.

 Special awards were also presented to the units/individuals who displayed exceptional performance in public service and in upholding the PNP mission of enforcing the law, preventing crimes, maintaining peace and order, and ensuring public safety, and internal security from the period of April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023.

The PNP Chief also led the ceremonial burning of marijuana laves which were siezed from various anti-drug operations in the region.

Acorda also led the turnover and awarding of the medical kits,  wheelchairs, ambulances and police patrol vehicles to the various police offices and units as part of the police anniversary ceremonies.

 Prior to the program, Acorda and his wife, Oliva, took part in a Benguet ritual  called  “owik” and performed the traditional “tayao” dance. (JDP/RMC- PIA CAR)