PNPA topnotcher dreams of peace

MANILA -- Cadet Macdum Darping Enca, the first Moro to graduate top of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) since its creation in 1978, hopes for peaceful solutions to internal conflicts.

Enca, a native of Cotabato in Central Mindanao, led the 114 members of PNPA Masidlak Class of 2017 who joined the graduation rites Friday at Camp Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite.

"Ang pagkamit sa pangkalahatang kapayapaan ay hindi pa huli. Ito ay marapat lamang na idaan sa mabuting pag-uusap at hindi sa armadong pamamaraan," Enca said in his valedictory address.

"Bagamat, ating sikapin na ang bawat Pilipino, mapa kristiyano o Muslim ay magtulungan, kapit bisig sa pagkakaisa. Tiyak na ang ating paguunawaan at pagtutulungan ay siyang magbubuklod sa atin tungo sa tunay na kapayapaan," he added.

Enca said just like one of his inspirations, President Rodrigo Duterte, who was present at the event as the guest of honor and speaker, he did not expect that he will be given a leadership role, which was when he served as a regimental commander of the entire PNP cadet corps during his senior year.

However, despite their achievement, Enca reminded his fellow cadets the importance of humility particularly in their line of duties.

"No matter how good you think we 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 lao na sa aking mga kababayang Muslim," he added.

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