Marcos OKs promotion of 2 senior PNP officials

MANILA, Philippines —  President Marcos has approved the promotion of two senior officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay and Brig. Gen. Restituto Arcangel received their new ranks during an oath-taking and donning of ranks ceremony held at Camp Crame on Jan. 22.

Ibay is the current director of the Manila Police District while Arcangel heads the Police Community Affairs and Development Group.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., who presided over the ceremony, challenged the two officials to continue leading their units with integrity, empathy and a profound sense of responsibility.

Acorda emphasized that the people they serve regard them as guardians of peace and justice.

“As you assume higher positions, the weight of greater responsibilities rests upon you,” Acorda told the two officials.

He reminded Ibay and Arcangel their new ranks mean they would have to undertake greater responsibilities as public servants.

“The rank you now hold and the solemn oath you have taken serve as constant reminders of the immense trust bestowed upon you by the organization, your fellow officers and the Filipino people,” Acorda said.

Meanwhile, Acorda yesterday urged members of the police force to thwart attempts to sow disunity among its ranks.

He made the call during a pre-launch ceremony of Marcos’ governance slogan Bagong Pilipinas at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

The kick-off rally for Bagong Pilipinas is scheduled on Sunday at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

“I’m calling on every PNP member right now. Let us stand united always and let us hate any attempt to divide us,” he said.

There have been recent rumors of destabilization attempts against the Marcos administration.