Marcos to new PNP chief: Enforce maximum tolerance for critics, be open to public scrutiny

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday called on newly-installed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. to always enforce maximum tolerance when it comes to criticisms against the organization.

Marcos attended the change of command ceremony of the PNP held in Camp Crame as Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. retires from the police service.

In his speech, Marcos tasked Acorda to ensure that the police force would be open to public scrutiny under his leadership.

“Serve the people with integrity, with accountability, and genuine justice. Always be open to public scrutiny, and practice restraint and maximum tolerance in the face of harsh criticism,” Marcos said.

“As a united police force, always strive to win the trust, respect and admiration of our citizenry, through an efficient, ethical and compassionate brand of police work,” he added.

The President further tasked Acorda to make the police presence “felt in the streets.”

He also directed the police to protect the vulnerable sector, including the media and civil action groups.

“Make them safer. Defend our democratic institutions, our cherished ideals. Protect the people, especially the weak, the vulnerable, and those who indirectly work with us in the same cause, such as journalists, civic action groups, civil volunteers, [and] the like,” he said.

Marcos expressed hope that Acorda’s leadership and good example would guide the police force “to its desired path towards rebuilding and strengthening, continuous improvement and capacity-building.”

In his speech, Acorda vowed to continue the cleansing of their ranks, adding that no police officer should be involved in illegal drug trade.

“To my predecessor, Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr., thank you for the wisdom  and exceptional legacy  you have imparted in the organization,” he said

“Rest assured, Sir, that I will continue your advocacy in cleansing the PNP,” he added.

‘Can calm the situation within PNP’

In a separate radio interview, Marcos was asked why he chose Acorda as the new PNP chief. He explained that Acorda is someone who is “well-known” to him, noting that he knows the reputation of the police official.

“Kaya’t alam ko na ang kanyang kakayahan, alam ko naman ang kanyang reputasyon sa loob ng PNP,” Marcos said.

“Although, siguro kahit na nakikita ko ‘yung mga report-report noon, ay hindi masyadong lumalabas ‘yung pangalan niya, pero dito sa amin sa loob, his name was always part of the shortlist, that he was --- he had been --- he is well recognized within the police force,” he added.

For Marcos, Acorda could “calm” the situation within the police force as the PNP is taking measures to improve the organization and to investigate those involved in illegal drugs.

“Naririnig na namin ang pangalan niya at maganda naman ang mga report sa kanya kaya’t sabi ko siguro siya ang pinakabagay sa ngayon. Para pakalmahin natin ang sitwasyon ngayon na umiiral sa police,” said the President.

[We have been hearing his name and the reports we’ve received are good, that’s why I said he may be the perfect choice now. So that he could calm down the prevailing situation within the police (organization).]

“Dahil marami nga tayong pinapalitan, marami --- mayroon tayong ginagawang housing, mayroon tayong --- inaayos natin ‘yung pension. Tinitingnan natin, iniimbestigahan natin kung sino ‘yung mga involved sa sindikato ng droga. Lahat ‘yan ay sabay-sabay natin ginawa dahil kailangan na talagang ayusin kaya’t sa aking palagay ay very steady naman ito, ang ating bagong PNP Chief. Kaya’t makakalma niya ‘yan hangga’t matapos ang trabaho,” he added.

[Since we doing lots of things — housing, pension. We are looking into those involved in drug syndicates. We are simultaneously looking into those to address (those matters)... that’s why I think our new PNP chief is very steady. He can calm down the situation until the work is done.]

Acorda was named new PNP chief on Monday, replacing Rodolfo Azurin Jr. who retired the same day.

Prior to his appointment as next PNP chief, Acorda was the PNP director for intelligence.

A member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) "Sambisig" Class of 1991, Acorda hails from Ilocos Norte, the home province of Marcos.

"He is a recipient of the Bronze Cross Medal, a prestigious single grade military decoration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines which is awarded for 'heroism involving risk of life'," the Palace statement said. —KG/RSJ/AOL, GMA Integrated News