LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The morale of the police and the PNP organization remains “very high” despite the issues hounding the PNP today.
Police Director Benjamin Magalong, Philippine National Police Deputy Chief for Operations, who retired on December 14 after 38 years in service, said that despite the challenges faced by the PNP from the national level down to the regional, provincial and its police stations, the police force is maintaining high morale among its personnel.
“Mataas ang public appreciation at public approval ng ating kapulisan,” said Magalong during his last official visit in the province.
Magalong said that one of the challenges the police force is facing is the alleged involvement of several high ranking cops in the death of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. and the problem on the illegal drug trade.
“Nabahiran ang kapulisan sa mga pangyayari but the police are very resilient at kayang kaya nilang bumangon,” he said.
During the testimonial honors given to Magalong who was a former PRO-Cor Regional Director, he called on the Cordillera police to continue to serve the public with honor and dignity.
He also reminded the Cordillera police not to engage in any activity that would taint the credibility and integrity of the police force. Instead, they must serve the people and the nation in accordance with the Transformation Program of the PNP.
“Police should always have a clean heart, clean intention and a very noble objective,” he said.
Magalong joined the defunct Philippine Constabulary right after graduating magna cum laude from the Philippine Military Academy’s “Sandigan” Class of 1982. He was assigned to Abra as part of a combat post against insurgents and other areas in the country including Mindanao.
He would later climb the ranks as regional director of the Cordillera police and chief directorial staff of the PNP’s Special Action Force (SAF), and to high-profile post as chief of the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
The most notable was his investigation into the death of 44 elite police troopers in a SAF operation against terrorists Zulkifli Bin Hir and Abdul Basit Usman in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in 2015.
Magalong led the PNP Board of Inquiry that held former President Benigno Aquino III, former National Police Chief Alan Purisima and other police officials liable for the operation that led to the death of the SAF 44 that included 14 Cordillerans./RMC- PIA CAR#
