President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify efforts against criminals exploiting modern technology, stressing that deception and victimization through digital means must be stopped.
“Inaabuso nila ang mga makabagong teknolohiya upang manloko, manlinlang, at mambiktima. Ito ang kailangan nating bantayan. Ito ang ating dapat sugpuin,” Marcos said in his speech during the 124th Police Service Anniversary celebration on Tuesday, Aug. 12.
The President voiced his directive as he committed to continue supporting the PNP’s pursuit of modernization and operational readiness.
He cited that they now have drones and other advanced technologies that complement police operations, enabling their capabilities to protect, to monitor, and to respond faster.
He, however, stressed that technology will never replace police presence on the ground.
“But technology will never replace the importance of your presence on the ground. These tools are only effective as the men and women who wield those tools,” he said.
The challenge now, he added, is to ensure that rain or shine, during ordinary days and more so, in times of crisis “there are people who will be ready to answer our people’s call for help.”
“This is how we rebuild the trust that the police will come no matter what time, no matter what the circumstance is, they will arrive,” Marcos said.
“We owe our people a system that they can rely on,” Marcos added.
The Chief Executive has once again reminded the police force that part of security threat also comes from within their ranks, particularly those who distort the PNP’s mission.
“Huwag din nating kalimutan na bahagi ng banta sa seguridad ang mga nasa hanay na bumabaluktot mismo ng ating layunin,” Marcos said.
“Aanhin pa ang pinaka-modernong kagamitan kung may iilang pulis pa rin ang umaabuso sa kapangyarihan?,” he added.
Marcos said his administration will continue to investigate and hold these people accountable within the bounds of the law.
“We do not condone wrongdoing among those who sworn to uphold the law and to protect the citizens of our Republic,” he said.
“Inuulit ko: walang lugar ang katiwalian sa ating kapulisan,” he added.
In his speech, Marcos assured the policemen that the government stands with them as they continue to carry out their mission and build a safer and more peaceful Philippines. (Betheena Unite)
