Amid rumor of Marcos ouster
CALBAYOG CITY– Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr. reminded the members of the police force to stay away from politics and be steadfast in protecting the Constitution.
Acorda emphasizes that as law enforcers, their main mandate is to follow what is mandated by the Constitution.
“Huwag tayong magpapaniwala sa mga panlilinlang,” Acorda said during his speech before police personnel who gathered at the Calbayog Sports Center on Friday (Feb.2).
“For us to keep our Republic intact, we should uphold the rule of law. Kung anuman ang mandate ng Constitution sa atin, doon lang tayo,” Acorda added.
The PNP top official also dismissed rumors that there is a call for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to step down from office.
“Often, it is told in the media. May mga media practitioners na nag sasabi, AFP, PNP generals asking PBBM to resign. Gentlemen, I never ask kasi nilagay yung picture ko dun. I never ask anyone to resign, more so the President,” Acosta stressed.
He then encourages the entire police force to be vigilant and never believe in the sugarcoated promises of some.
“Leave the politics to them. We assure this administration kung ano ang require ng batas sa atin doon tayo. That is what we will keep this country intact,” Acosta emphasized.
Acosta visited Calbayog to personally condole and turnover assistance to the family of three policemen who were killed in a police operation against the Ampoan Criminal Group in Sta. Margarita, also in Samar, last Jan.31.
Killed during the shootout were Staff Sgt. Christian Tallo and Corporal Eliazar Estrelles Jr. of the PNP 1st Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Master Sgt. Paul Terence Paclibar of the PNP Regional Mobile Force Battalion who were bestowned the highest honor given to a PNP personnel, the Medalya ng Kadakilaan (PNP Heroism Medal),
Acorda also visited the four wounded policemen who are recuperating in a private hospital in this city -Corporals Rannel Pedamato and Mark Jason Sixta, and Patrolmen Ham Kritnere Capalis and Mark Redoblado.
They were awarded the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting (PNP Wounded Personnel Medal) by the PNP chief.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA, with LIZBETH ANNABELA)
