Philippine National Police Chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said he would encourage more civilian cooperation in restoring peace and order in their communities.
But this would also involve better and wider police community relations as the lawmen intensify their role in fighting crime.
“Police should get out of their stations more often to interact with the people, the civilians,” he said.
Acorda acknowledged there has been a slide in the degree of trust among civilians in the police, triggered by increasing reports of police personnel involved in drugs and other nefarious activities.
On this note, he issued another stern warning to men in uniform that he would wield an iron hand against police troublemakers.
Acorda said he has no qualms in castigating troublemakers, saying he has already replaced an entire station in the Visayas after civilians’ complaint that many had been arrested by the police failed to file corresponding charges.
“Let it be known again to the entire police organization that there will be no letup in disciplining the police if only to improve police and civilian relations,” he said.
“This will be my legacy. And I will do my utmost best to show to the President and the nation that the police are worthy of their trust and confidence,” he added.
PGen Acorda is the 29th Chief of the PNP, a man that lives by example and by humilty, regarded by the people who know him as the humble servant.
Born on December 3, 1967, in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Acorda is the 1st Bacarreño who became the Chief PNP. The humble servant had aquired the true attributes of a public servant because it runs dominantly in their blood. The unwavering dedication to serve the people is already rooted in the Chief PNP’s upbringing.
He is the son of lawyer Bejamin Acorda Sr, who was an Air Force enlisted personnel and became a notable public attorney for the Citizen’s Legal Assistance Office, now known as the Public Attorney’s Office, and Mrs. Purification Acorda, a multi-awarded public nurse.
Acorda’s grandfather, Captain Felipe Casuga, also served the country as a soldier in La Union, and received the Distiguished Service Cross Medal after sacrificing his life fighting for the country against the Japanese on 1944.
Bringing the virtues inculcated by his loving parents, he took the path of public service with courage, determination, and faith. He became a gallant member of PMA SAMBISIG Class of 1991 and has serve the country for 37 years and counting, both in military and police service.
Acorda’s notable performance had shed light on the organization which transcends the values that the Philippine National Police strives to exemplify: honesty, integrity, and commitment.
Raising the flagship banner of “Serbisyong Nagkakaisa” which is embeded in his leadership, the 29th Chief PNP has centralized his leadership on the 5 Focus Agenda — peronnel morale and welfare, community engagement, integrity enhancement, information and communication technology development, and agressive and honest law enforcement operations.
He is happily married to his high school sweetheart, Mrs. Oliva Afaga Acorda, and is blessed with four children. His family is his true inspiration, and becomes obvious for those working with him, as he gives off a sense of home; he treats his workmates as an extension of his household.
Acorda is an awardee of Gawad Kaunlaran Medal, Medalya ng Paglilingkod Laban sa Kriminalidad, Kagitingan Badge, and Gawad Kapayapaan Medal. He is also a recepient of Bronze Cross Medal for Gallantry, Mindanao Anti-Dissidence Campaign Medal and Ribbon, and the Prestigious Presidential Citation.
