Gamboa to cops: Stay away from lawless acts, anomalies

Amid the country's commemoration of how Filipinos obtained freedom against foreign oppressors, Philippine National Police chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa encouraged all police officers to continue serving and protecting citizens, especially in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

The police organization joined the nation's commemoration of Independence Day as the PNP's Command Group held a simple ceremony at Camp Crame on Friday.

Gamboa was not present during the ceremony but PNP deputy chief for administration Police Lieutenant General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan read the former's message for Independence Day.

In the said statement, Gamboa praised all policemen who fulfill their duties of ensuring the safety of the public despite the threat brought by the COVID-19.

"Marami tayong magigiting na mga pulis na hindi nagdalawang-isip na sumabak sa giyera ng pagsugpo sa pandemya. Ang kanilang mabilis na pagtugon ay atin ding naasahan sa panahon ng kalamidad at sakuna," Gamboa said.

Gamboa urged his men to stay away from illegal acts and anomalies, noting that they should genuinely serve the public.

"Nararapat na patuloy nating gampanan ang tungkulin na ito sa paraan na malinis, marangal at maipagmamalaki. Iwaksi ang mga maanomalyang gawain dahil tayo ang pangunahing kagawaran na nagpapatupad ng batas," he said. 

Gamboa also honored policemen who have sacrificed their lives protecting the people from lawless elements or from this present health crisis.

"Ngayon, kasama sa mga ginugunita natin, hindi lamang ang mga kilalang bayani, kung hindi pati ang mga kasamahan nating nagsilbing haligi ng kalayaan. Sila ang mga kapwa natin pulis na nagbuwis ng buhay sa digmaan man o sa gitna ng laban sa panganib na dala ng COVID-19," Gamboa said.

Gamboa added: "Sila ang matatawag nating mga makabagong bayani sa bagong panahon. Bigyan natin sila ng pagkilala, pasasalamat at pagpupugay."

At the end of the ceremony, high-ranking police officials sang "Pilipinas Kong Mahal" while waving Philippine flags. They also sang the PNP Hymn afterwards. — RSJ, GMA News