By Nehmia Elyxa Relano

With the abuse of police authority during the infamous War on Drugs, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reminded the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday, August 8, that the use of force must be reasonable, justifiable, and carried out only when necessary.

Photo Courtesy by Michael Varcas (The STAR) / Eloisa Lopez (Reuters)

In the 121st Police Service Anniversary celebration at Camp Crame, Marcos told the police to ensure their duties are "devoid of favoritism and discrimination."

“For instance, the use of force must always be reasonable, justifiable, and only undertaken when necessary. Execution of authority must be fair, it must be impartial. It must be devoid of favoritism and discrimination, regardless of race, gender, social economic status, political affiliation, religious belief, and the like,” the president said.

The president also reminded the PNP to conduct its duty with utmost integrity and accountability, whom he called “vanguards of peace.”

“Let us not allow even a hint of dishonesty and abuse to enter into that narrative. You are the vanguards of peace. You set the example of the kind of leaders that we need to overcome the hindrances of today,” Marcos said.

“As we forge ahead and continue with the journey, I am thankful to know that in this administration we have the PNP beside us serving as a reliable partner in making sure that the path we’ll be walking is conducive to the ultimate transformation we have long been working for and aspiring to,” he added.

Furthermore, Marcos lauded newly-appointed PNP chief Police Lt. Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., saying he is confident that the right leader for the police force was chosen.

“I am confident that we have chosen the right leader in his person to help the PNP so that it continues to evolve, continues to grow, and to develop into a well-balanced institution, effective and capable of steadfast rendering faithful service to our sovereign nation and all its citizens,” the president said.

“With our new PNP chief at the helm, the upgrade of the PNP will be inevitable. The police force shall emerge stronger, more accessible and more responsive, more inclusive, more relevant than ever,” he added.


Edited by Audrei Jeremy Mendador