FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City — Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday lauded the police’s efforts in maintaining the country’s peace and order.

“I stand today to reaffirm the Filipino people's admiration and gratitude to all of you for your lifelong commitment to protecting our communities as reflected by your tireless service in maintaining the peace and order of our communities and conducting safety and welfare checks and operations,” Duterte said during the Philippine National Police Southern Police District’s 48th Founding Anniversary and 121st Police Service Anniversary here.

In her 9 minute speech, Duterte praised former Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Director, now Acting District Director of Southern Police District, Col. Kirby John Kraft for his “effective and efficient law enforcement programs.”

“Col. Kraft also protected Davao City’s image that is free from cases of police brutalities,” Duterte said.

In 2020, the DCPO was awarded the National Best City Police Office during the 120th Police Service Anniversary.

Duterte also said that amidst the unfortunate police stories, the country’s police forces stood their ground in maintaining solidarity to guiding everyone forward and making the Southern Police District stronger.

“It is incumbent upon us, public servants and protectors of our nation to continue holding the line, not only to uphold our chosen profession's mandate, but for one another, our communities, our nation, and the future we hope for all Filipinos,” she said.

The Vice President said she hopes the police forces will never get tired of protecting and suppressing the bad elements in the society for the benefit of the Filipinos.

“Your commitment to humanity, integrity, professionalism and courage serves as a strong guiding light not only to the new vanguards, but to all Filipinos and the next generations of police aspirants,” she said.

Duterte, together with Kraft, also awarded uniform and non-uniform personnel of the PNP who have shown exemplary performance in their service.

Also in attendance were Makati 2nd District Representative Luis Jose Campos Jr., 1st District Rep. Romulo Peña Jr., Pasay Rep. Antonio Calixto, Retired Police General Debold Sinas, some District Directors, Chiefs of Police, District Advisory Council members, and Police Attaché/Consul General from Germany, European Delegation, United States, Japan, Thailand, Korea, Israel, Cambodia and Australia.

OVP MEDIA