POLICE GRADUATES ASSURED OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

Top graduate hopes for peaceful solutions, calls for unity in diversity

“The government will be with you as you fight in the front lines for that dream of a better tomorrow and safer Philippines,” President Rodrigo Duterte told the 144 cadets of the Philippine National Police Academy “Masidlak” Class of 2017, who graduated last Thursday in Silang, Cavite yesterday. Duterte called on the graduates to be mentally and physically prepared as they join the government in eradicating crime and corruption.

President Rodrigo Duterte yesterday assured new police academy graduates that they have the protection and support of his administration as long as they “fight for the country [and] do it right.”

“The government will be with you as you fight in the frontlines for that dream of a better tomorrow and safer Philippines,” the President told the 144 cadets of Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) “Masidlak” Class of 2017 who graduated Thursday at General Campos Grandstand in Silang, Cavite.

The Chief Executive called on the graduates to be mentally and physically prepared as they join the government in eradicating crime and corruption.

Ninety- eight of the PNPA graduates will join the Philippine National Police, 15 will go to the Bureau of Fire Protection, and 31 others to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Duterte encouraged them to adhere to the principles imparted by the PNP Academy and to persevere in the face of adversity.

“For the Masidlak Class of 2017, the arduous task of keeping our nation safe is just beginning. Never be discouraged, no matter how formidable the odds may be stacked against you,” Duterte said.

“Remain strong in your heart and mind as you take in this great fight, because to see our country prosperous and our people safe and thriving will sometimes entail your sacrifice,” he added.

First Moro

Cadet Macdum Darping Enca, the first Moro to graduate at the top of the class since the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) was established in 1978, hoped for peaceful solutions to internal conflicts and called for unity among Christians and the Moro people.

Enca, a native of Cotabato in Central Mindanao, reminded his fellow cadets of the importance of staying humble.

“No matter how good you think you are as a leader, our people will always have to say (something), for our improvement. Have the humility to continue to get feedback and try to get better,” he said.

“That is the most fundamental thing about leadership. Nawa akoy maging inspirasyon sa lahat lalong lalo na sa aking mga kababayang Muslim (I hope to be an inspiration especially among my fellow Muslims),” he added.

Enca said he was sad that several members of the uniformed service were involved in illegal activities, fire officers are being blamed for not being able to immediately respond to fire incidents and the PNP is being criticized for its lack of facilities and capabilities.

But he also said such challenges measure their determination and courage.