Danao: PNP marks ‘golden era’ under PRRD admin

MANILA – Under the administration of outgoing President Rodrigo R. Duterte, the Philippine National Police (PNP) attained its “golden era”, marking achievements in the campaign against illegal narcotics and terrorism.

PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. stated that Duterte made significant improvements in the police force for the last six years, calling Duterte the “best mayor-president”.

“We assure our outgoing commander-in-chief that we will sustain the golden era of the PNP. We will uphold the vision and aspirations of President, Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte, towards the attainment of our vision to be a highly capable, effective and credible police force,” Danao said Tuesday at the Duterte Legacy Summit in Pasay City.

The police has played a key role in Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs when he assumed office in 2016.

Through Operation Tokhang, police and other law enforcers engaged in door-to-door operations. Police also joined the fight against communist terrorists along with the military.

Danao expressed gratitude to Duterte in a viral clip of a video interview with SMNI, stating that his good deeds would not be forgotten.

“Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng paggabay, ‘di ninyo po kami pinabayaan lalo na po sa akin. Lahat po ng kabutihan ninyo will never be forgotten. Asahan po ninyo na ang inyong kapulisan ay mananataling narito upang magbigay ng serbisyong tama para sa ating mga kababayan (Thank you for your guidance, you never abandoned us, especially me. All your good deeds will never be forgotten. Rest assured that your police will continue to provide good service for our people),” Danao said. “On behalf of the 22,500 men and officers of the PNP, we’d like to render our snappiest salute to the commander-in-chief. Maraming salamat po, ‘tay (Thank you very much, father).”

Danao said the PNP acquired more firearms, vehicles and communication equipment under Duterte administration. Besides that, the President also increased the base pay of police personnel.

The internal cleansing operation is among the programs of the PNP, which aims to rid the force of corrupt police.

Under this program, Danao said about 37,690 erring personnel had been penalized, of which 773 were dismissed and 223 were either demoted, suspended or reprimanded.

According to Danao, police ensured public safety and order in the recent national and local elections, with only about 27 election-related incidents recorded.