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Philippine Gets New Police Chief

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MANILA: General Benjamin Acorda Jr has been installed as the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) by Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr at a change of command ceremony held recently at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Formerly the PNP Directorate for Intelligence chief, Acorda is the 29th PNP chief and the second under the Marcos administration. He replaced Gen Rodolfo Azurin Jr.

General Acorda is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Sambisig” Class of 1991. His father served at the Philippine Air Force before becoming a public lawyer. His maternal grandfather, meanwhile, was a soldier who received the Distinguished Service Cross after losing his life while fighting Japanese Imperial Army in 1944.

The new PNP chief finished his primary education at Gabaldon Elementary School’s Special Education Centre in Laoag City, and then high school at Bacarra National Comprehensive High School in Ilocos Norte, Marcos’ home province. Gen Acorda later graduated from the Philippine Military Academy as part of the Sambisig Class of 1991.

Gen Acorda has held various positions in Ilocos Norte. He once served as chief of the intelligence branch and assistant provincial director for operations of the Ilocos Norte provincial police.

In his inaugural speech, Acorda thanked Marcos for his appointment and assured Azurin that he will continue the advocacy of cleansing the police force.

“Together, we will overcome the challenges the organisation is facing,” Acorda was quoted as saying. “Together, we will prove that the PNP serves with dignity and professionalism. As your humble servant, I will do my best and lead by example.”

“Under my leadership, rewards and punishments will be quick and decisive,” he added. “It shall be fair and impartial and due process shall be observed.”

Marcos said Acorda is fit to lead the Philippine National Police.

Marcos was quoted as saying that Gen Acorda is the best leader for now to stabilise the situation within the police force. There are things that really need to be addressed, and I think our new PNP chief is a very steady person.

Meanwhile, in his message during the change of command ceremony, the president called on Acorda to serve the people with integrity and accountability, as well as to make sure that the PNP remains strong and formidable.

He also vowed full support for the PNP’s plans to boost personnel morale and capabilities. –shp/adj/aaa (Image: official Facebook page of General Benjamin Acorda Jr)