Philippine National Police Chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said he would encourage more civilian cooperation in restoring peace and order in their communities but this would also involve better and wider police-community relations as they intensify their role in fighting crime.
“Police should get out of their stations more often to interact with the people, the civilians,” he said in a statement.
He acknowledged that there has been a slide in the degree of trust among civilians in the police, triggered by increasing reports of police personnel involved in drugs and other nefarious activities.
On this note, Acorda issued another stern warning to men in uniform that he would wield an iron hand against police troublemakers. He said he has no qualms in castigating troublemakers saying he has already replaced an entire station in the Visayas after civilians’ complaint that many had been arrested by the police failed to file corresponding charges.
“Let it be known again to the entire Police organization, that there will be no letup in disciplining the police if only to improve police and civilian relations,” he said.
"This will be my legacy. And I will do my utmost best to show to the President and the nation that the police are worthy of their trust and confidence,” he added.
PGen Acorda is the 29th Chief of PNP, a man that lives by example and by humility, regarded by the people as the Humble Servant. Born on December 3, 1967, in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, making him as the 1st Bacarreño who became the Chief PNP.
He was the son of Atty. Benjamin Acorda Sr, who was an Air Force Enlisted personnel and became a notable public attorney in Citizen's Legal Assistance Office which is now known as the Public Attorney's Office, and Mrs. Purification Acorda, who is also a multi-awarded public nurse.
His grandfather, Captain Felipe Casuga, who also served the country as a soldier in La Union, was an awardee of the Distinguished Service Cross Medal after sacrificing his life fighting for the country against the Japanese in 1944. Bringing the virtues inculcated by his loving parents, he took the path of public service with courage, determination, and faith.
He became a gallant member of PMA SAMBISIG Class of 1991 and had served the country for 37 years and counting, both military and police service. His notable performance shed light on the organization which transcends the values that the Philippine National Police strives to exemplify: honesty integrity and commitment.
Raising the flagship banner of "Serbisyong Nagkakaisa" which is embedded in his leadership, the 29th Chief PNP centralizes his leadership on the 5 Focus Agenda such as personnel morale and welfare, community engagement, integrity enhancement, information and communication technology development, and aggressive and honest law enforcement operations.
He is an awardee of Gawad Kaunlaran Medal, Medalya ng Paglilingkod Laban sa Kriminalidad, Kagitingan Badge, and Gawad Kapayapaan Medal. He is also a recipient of the Bronze Cross Medal for Gallantry, Mindanao Anti-Dissidence Campaign Medal and Ribbon, and the Prestigious Presidential Citation.
