Serve PH well, Año tells new PNP chief

MANILA – Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año on Friday told newly-appointed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, to protect the sanctity of the Constitution while battling various threats like illegal drugs and terrorism.

“Purge the agency of the scalawags, misfits and ineffective personnel without sacrificing the morale and welfare of our workforce. Transform the PNP to become a highly capable, effective and credible police service that walks in uprightness, excellence and continually modernizes for the sake of improving the quality of your services, finally, lead by example, set the standard of public service among our patriots that may follow in your footsteps,” Año said in his message at the change of command ceremony held in Camp Crame.

Año also advised Eleazar to veer away from the “temptations” brought by the position that he holds as the country’s top cop.

“Huwag mo kailanman ipagpapalit ang iyong integridad para lamang sa pansamantalang kasiyahan dahil walang katumbas ang isang malinis na konsensya at nirerespetong pangalan (Don’t ever trade your integrity for temporary pleasure because having a clean conscience and a respected name is priceless),” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Año also commended outgoing PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas for being ‘a silent worker’ who managed to lead the PNP effectively despite controversies.

“I have known him as a very silent worker and an achiever. He gladly took things in stride and bravely rose to the challenge entrusted to him by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte. Instead of folding under the weights of these difficulties, he strode to maintain peace and order as well as safety and security in the midst of much fear and uncertainty. Saksi ako sa mga pagsusumikap, sakripisyo ni Gen. Debold (I am witness to the perseverance and sacrifices of Gen. Debold),” he said.

He said that under Sinas’ term, the PNP was able to confiscate PHP1.7 billion worth of illegal substances and has made notable accomplishments in the fight against communist insurgency.

“(General) Debold, as you bow out of service today, I wish and pray that in your own private capacity you will continue to serve others and participate in nation-building. Hangad namin na magampanan mo pa ang mga tungkulin inyong pansamantalang isinantabi at magkaroon ka ng sariling oras para sa pamilya at iba pang ibang bagay na nais mong abutin at nais gawin (We hope that you would be able to perform other duties that you have temporarily set aside and spend time with your family and do the other things that you want to do),” Año noted.

Sinas will retire on Saturday after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

“To be Chief PNP at a time when the world is facing challenges of an unprecedented pandemic is far from easy. Criminalities stood side by side with health and safety and we are expected to put both on top of every priority list there is. Our duty is to protect our people not only from the enemies we trained to battle against but also from the unseen forces that threaten their very lives,” Sinas said in his message. (with Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)