Acorda tells PNP to remain firm, united amid destabilization talk

MANILA — Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. on Wednesday urged the officers and personnel of the PNP to remain firm and united as he warned of challenges that may test their institution.

At the lateral entry program for technical officers at Camp Crame in Quezon City, Acorda made the appeal in a speech during the donning of ranks and turnover ceremonies of recently appointed police commissioned officers.

“I want us to unite as an institution. We should be one in these common grounds – in trust, unity and shared commitment to service,” he said in Filipino and English.

As he talked about the challenges that they might encounter soon, the PNP chief declined to provide any specifics.

“I hope (that this institution) will not be tested in the coming months or days, but if it will be tested, I hope that we are united,” he said.

Staying united is the only way for them to save the nation, according to Acorda.

While he did not give other details, there have been reports of possible destabilization moves against the Marcos administration by some retired generals.

In a news briefing last Monday, Acorda said the destabilization moves have been part of their counterintelligence (CI) efforts.

“(The destabilization moves) come out every now and then, and part of our CI effort, we include that in our monitoring,” he added.

Acorda assured the public that the PNP remains solidly behind President Marcos, who he said is sensitive to the sentiments and plight of police officers.

While there were issues in the military and uniformed personnel (MUP) pension system, an issue that Acorda said some sectors tried to weaponize, he emphasized that these were already properly addressed by concerned government agencies.

“There is no reason for PNP members to be demoralized,” he said.

Of the 43 police officers who completed the lateral entry program, 14 of whom are chemists, eight are medical doctors and six are lawyers.

Dentists, psychologists, engineers, and priests are also included.