Marcos: No room for cops who tarnish PNP reputation

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday strongly warned that there would be no room for erring police officers whose acts may tarnish the reputation of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The President made the statement during the oath taking ceremony of newly-promoted star rank officers of the PNP in Malacañang on Tuesday.

«Mark my words, there will be no room for leniency for those who engage in acts that tarnish the reputation of our police and jeopardize the safety of our people,» Marcos told the police officers.

The President urged them to «keep your integrity at all times and remain steadfast in your commitment to public service amidst the many challenges faced by your institutions.»

«You are the face of our police force so I expect you to fulfill your duties with utmost competence, integrity, and responsibility. This, in a huge part, entails the communication of the Administration's agenda on security, justice, and peace,» he said.

In this regard, Marcos urged the PNP «to be free from any form of corruption and abuse, so it could earn and maintain the trust, the confidence, and the admiration of our people.»

«Once again, I must emphasize our zero-tolerance policy for corruption and human rights abuses within the PNP,» he added.

Marcos also told the PNP officers to be «agents of positive change,» stressing that the Filipino people expect them to develop a police force that is capable, professional, and responsive to the needs of the communities that it serves.

«And as leaders, you have to uphold the highest standards of ethics, of professionalism, [and] compassion for human rights not only amongst ourselves, but also amongst our citizens,» Marcos said.

«I expect you to always lead by example and ensure that every