SILANG, Cavite (PIA) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday urged graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy’s (PNPA) MASIDTALAK Class of 2023 to help restore the public’s trust in the uniformed personnel by protecting and defending the peoples’ rights regardless of the police force’s circumstances.

“As the citizen’s peacekeeping force, be just, be morally upright, and commit yourself to protecting and defending the rights of our people notwithstanding the current challenges faced by the PNP organization,” President Marcos, Jr. said during the PNPA’s 44th Commencement Exercises at the Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite.

As new members of the government’s public safety agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), President Marcos also reminded the graduates to use their past experiences and live up to the name of their class MASIDTALAK — “Maaasahang Tagapagsilbi ng Inang Bayan na may Dangal at Katapatan na ang Layunin ay Kapayapaan.”

“I also ask you to be catalysts for restoring public trust in the Philippine National Police, and to be recognized as protectors and defenders of peace, order, and human rights; the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, as safekeepers of the general welfare of those persons deprived of liberty; and the Bureau of Fire Protection, as protectors of the nation from fires and other emergencies,” the Chief Executive stressed.

The President, who was an honorary member of the TAGAPAGBUKLOD Class of 1989, reminded the graduates to fulfill their duties and responsibilities ‘with fairness and impartiality, regardless of status in society.’

“Remember that your diligence, perseverance, and commitment have led you to this moment. But know that this is only the beginning of your ceaseless pursuit of honor, integrity, and service,” the President added.

He lauded the graduating class and the PNPA administration for completing their cadetship program amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I applaud the PNPA for continuing to set the highest standards in education, training, and research to produce competent and patriotic leaders who will ensure our nation’s peace and security from this day on,” the Chief Executive said.

The President assured the MASIDTALAK class of his administration’s support for their plans and programs in delivering ‘more responsive, efficient, and effective services’ to the people.

He thanked the officers and personnel from the PNP, BJMP, and the BFP for their continuous service especially during the height of the pandemic, and for their dedication to address crimes and the spread of illegal drugs in the country.

“With your help, we were able to reach out to our people in far-flung areas and remote communities to provide them with the assistance and service they need to overcome the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

With 208 graduates including 174 males and 34 females, the PNPA MASIDTALAK Class of 2023 will be deployed in various government public safety agencies with the ranks of Police Lieutenant, Jail Inspector, and Lieutenant Inspector. (PB)