Pres. Duterte graces PNPA graduation, boosts morale of new cops

President Duterte called on the newly-minted officers to “remain strong in your heart and mind as you take on this great fight, because to see our country prosperous and our people safe and thriving will sometimes entail your sacrifice.” (Photo: King Rodriguez/PPD Malacañang/ PNA)

MANILA–President Rodrigo Duterte has vowed that the government will never abandon police personnel in pursuing a better and safer country as he welcomed fresh graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA).

“Never be discouraged, no matter how formidable the odds may be stacked against you. You will find that the most daunting situations will bring out the best of the people,” the Chief Executive told the 144 members of the Masidlak Class of 2017 during the commencement exercises in Silang, Cavite on Friday.

“The government will be with you as you fight in the front lines for that dream of a better tomorrow and safer Philippines.”

President Duterte called on the newly-minted officers to “remain strong in your heart and mind as you take on this great fight, because to see our country prosperous and our people safe and thriving will sometimes entail your sacrifice.”

“You are part of the few who heeded the call to serve and emerged victorious. Losses and triumphs are inevitable in our ongoing battle against crime and corruption,” he said.

He also pledged that the government will ensure that the families of policemen will be taken care of.

“That is why we have increased the combat pay and incentives for our PNP uniformed personnel,” he said, adding that he has issued directives to provide assistance to the immediate families of fallen police personnel.

The President took time to acknowledge the fallen policemen and women for their contribution to the administration’s current war against illegal drugs and criminality.

“More than just policemen and women, let us remember that those brave souls, who were also family members, selflessly laid down their lives to see a better tomorrow for the present and future generations,” he said.

“We will not allow them to become mere statistics. We owe it to them, to ourselves, to our children to ensure that their sacrifice will not be in vain. That they died so [we may] have peace and order and stability for our country today.”

The President said the government will take care of the tuition fees of the fallen personnel’s children and will provide employment for their wives.

“Do not be afraid because we take care of your wives. They are automatically employed. Then the children, we take care of the tuition fees. I hope it would be institutionalized and that is my dream in about three to four years,” he said.

The President also said that he will push for a legislation that will create a trust fund for the families of police personnel.

“That is why I will assure you now, I’ll make you the guarantee that I will leave a legislation that will put in trust so many billions,” he said.