HPG cited as ‘guardians of the highways’

THE Highway Patrol Group ( HPG), which turned 68 last Friday, has been cited as “guardians of the highways” for maintaining peace and order on the roads across the country.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. made the citation in remarks highlight the HPG’s celebration of its 68th founding anniversary on May 5 in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Acorda, together with HPG chief Brig. Gen. Raul Bargamento commended the officials and personnel of the unit for their “hard work and commitment to keeping the roads safe and ensuring security of the motorists nationwide.

During the event, the HPG handed out 10 individual awards and six unit awards, as well as recognitions for 23 outstanding personnel.

The HPG personnel were enjoined to avoid complacency and adhere to the importance of keeping vigilant, continuously enhancing skills and knowledge, and always upholding professionalism and integrity.

This year’s celebration had the theme “Ang Inyong Patnubay at Kaagapay Tungo sa Paglunsad ng Payapa at Ligtas na Lansangan”.

The HPG was created during the tenure of the late President Ramon Magsaysay after a tragic car crash 68 years ago caused the deaths of two statesmen close to him.

Acorda also urged the 228,000 members of the PNP to sustain “collaborative efforts in nationbuilding.”

He emphasized the five key priorities of the PNP, which include aggressive and honest law enforcement operations, boosting personnel morale and welfare, enhancing public service, maintaining operational readiness, and intensifying internal cleansing efforts.