Res Gestae
PNP Badge of Honor
(Note: I would like to thank the distinguished Board of Judges of the 1st PRO6 Oratorical Cup held on Wednesday (May 13) at Jalaur Conference Hall, NEDA 6, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City: PSSupt Edgar Layon, Chief Regional Directorial Staff of PRO6; Mr. Jonathan Gellangarin, Station Manager of GMA-DYSI; and, Director Honey Paredes of National Police Commission – Region 6. You did a very good job.
As promised, here is the oration piece delivered by POII Rachelle D Garnica of Capiz Police Provincial Office on the theme “PNP Badge of Honor”. Garnica landed first runner up of the 17 contestants who vied for the title as the PRO6’s finest orator.)
Hold on to this badge
Is there anything good about the Philippine National Police? This question, sad to say, is a query that haunts the minds and hearts of the citizens of this country. I am afraid that we have to admit that there is a cloud of gloom that seems to follow the image of the PNP wherever it goes. There is a sound of discontent and insecurity among the populace. There are fingers pointing to the keepers of peace, accusing fingers that belittle the dignity and pride of the men and women in uniform. There is a persistent cry for injustice that seems to have never been quenched no matter how much we try to correct every wrong; no matter how much we try to get things done. I am saddened, just like most of you, by the situation we are in and by the status of our integrity in the face of our people. As I stand before you, I can feel the hurt and frustration in our souls. We, who had sworn to serve and protect, appear to be the victims of circumstances. We, who have chosen the path of the champions of justice, are oftentimes accused as perpetrators of violations.
Where can we look and find inspiration? Where can we find meaning in the vocation we have chosen? Ladies and gentlemen, my fellow officers, the inspiration cannot be found anywhere else. It can be found in the great symbol of our calling. It is found in this badge which we proudly bear on our uniform. We have been entrusted with the badge as a symbol of our worthiness and responsibilities to serve and protect the people especially those in need of protection.
As we wear this badge, people around us are looking forward that in the right time that the persons wearing this badge - me, you, and the rest of the members of the Philippine National Police - will be their great defenders in times of oppression.
No matter how simple or complex the scenario, we really need to abide with our duties, that is, to render the highest form of public service for our fellowmen.
Try to look at your badge, at the center is the PNP seal, symbolizing legal authority, is held by our first Filipino hero, Lapu-lapu. This native Filipino courageously defended his territory and his people against foreign invaders despite being inferiorly equipped. Like Lapu-lapu, we should do the same thing - to protect the weak, to defend the innocent, and to be the advocates of human rights.
Yes! You have heard it right - “human rights”. We were motivated to be agents of human rights - to let everybody know where our rights begin and where our rights end.
This badge made of metal once again reminds us the virtues of service, honor, and justice. Virtues of service…we should serve our fellowmen with all our hearts and minds. Virtue of honor…we, public servants in uniform, were assumed to office with authority as law enforcers. And, virtue of justice…we give what is right, know what is right and enforce what is just. The virtues do have specific functions to symbolize, but they are interdependent to each other in the service of God, country and people.
Have we ever asked ourselves why this badge became an important part of our police identity? Reflect and expand your thoughts. But, if I were to answer the same question, in my heart and mind, my badge is my bold license and clear passport in the fulfillment of my duties.
Pursuant to the provision of Section 12 of the Republic Act 6713, otherwise known as the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees”, Rule V, Section I states “Officials and employees shall remain true to the people at all times. They must act with justness and sincerity and shall not discriminate against anyone, especially the poor and the underprivileged. They shall refrain from doing acts contrary to law, good morals, good customs, public policy, public order, public safety and public interest.”
That is why I say, my fellow officers, look at this badge! This badge, shaped like a shield, is the stronghold and rampart of the spirit of the national police force. With it, every police officer may cover himself, and protect himself from the arrows of temptations that seek to ruin the souls of the noble men and women in uniform.
Look at this badge! This badge, glistening like gold, shall dispel the darkness that looms over the essence of law enforcement. Guided by the pure mandate of the light of justice, as reflected by the shining badge, our police officers will see the dawn of the day, when we shall not anymore be portrayed as the villains and abusers of human rights. The children, the youth and the people we protect shall look at us differently. They shall look at us with respect and awe, because the light of justice, as reflected by this badge, is shining through the lives we live and the services we render.
Look at this badge! This badge will remind us that we are not merely public servants, for not all public servants wear badges. We are servants with a higher calling – not only to serve but also to protect. We are servants who have sworn not only to fulfill our duties through time and effort; more than this we are servants who have sworn to carry out our mission even at the cost of our lives. This is why badges are made sturdy and strong, for at times when our luck runs out, our badge, together with our spirit, may be the only things that will be left of us.
My friends, my fellow officers, let us look at this badge! Let us hold on to it and to what it signifies - all that is good in the Philippine National Police, the essence, the dignity, the virtue of the true police officer.
God bless us all and good day!
(Next issue: "PNP Badge of Honor - Treasure" of POI Amparo Quijote (2nd Runner Up) of Guimaras Police Provincial Office.)