Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the 47th Commencement Exercises of the Philippine National Police Academy “Silang Paglaom” Class of 2026

Before we begin, the troop commander, give the order of tikas pahinga.

Thank you to the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

[Please take you seats.]

The National Police Commission Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Atty. Ralph Calinisan; the Philippine National Police Chief, PGEN Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.; Philippine National Police Academy Director, PMGEN Andre Dizon; Cavite Fifth District Representative Roy Loyola; Cavite Governor Francisco Gabriel Remulla; the officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees of the Philippine National Police Academy; the cadet corps of the Philippine National Police Academy led by the “Silang Paglaom” Class of 2026; my fellow workers in government; distinguished guests, a pleasant day to you all!

My warmest congratulations to the “Silang Paglaom” Class of 2026 on your graduation.

Today, you begin your journey as officers of our police force.

Your class’s full name, Sinanay Na Alagad Ng Kapayapaan Na Maglilingkod Sa Pilipinong Mamamayan, is fitting because your journey here at the Philippine National Police Academy has transformed you into guardians of peace that our nation needs.

Let us first be realistic about the bigger world that you are about to enter. You must not ignore the issues that you will face as you carry your badge.

While the nation’s trust in the police force has climbed in these last years, there is still room for improvement.

Alam kong marami pa rin sa ating mga mamamayan ay may alinlangan sa kapulisan.

Our security is weakened when the hands sworn to protect are tainted.

Kaya dapat baguhin natin ito.

Ladies and gentlemen, your duty has always been to maintain peace and order.

And that is why I have ordered to the PNP to ensure a visible presence and disciplined conduct in every community.

Pinaparami natin ang ating tinatawag na Cops on the Beat.

The PNP, together with NAPOLCOM, must also maintain a zero-tolerance policy for corruption and for human rights abuses.

There is no room in this profession for those who bend or break the law.

I also asked the PNP and the DILG to continue conducting prompt and objective investigations into every officer that violates their oath.

We must also continue to bridge the gap between the police and the community through regular engagements.

And the hard work that we must do has already begun.

Throughout the PNP ranks, we have conducted thousands of investigations on erring personnel, resulting in disciplinary actions.

We can improve public trust through enhanced police visibility and transparency in these investigations.

Furthermore, our nationwide moral recovery sessions last year were designed to strengthen your moral and spiritual foundation.

Ginagawa natin ang lahat ng mga ito dahil ang tunay na lakas ng ating kapulisan ay nasa kalinisan ng inyong dangal at prinsipyo.

To our graduates, I challenge you to transform the PNP into one that is deeply trusted by our citizens.

Help to cleanse your ranks so that wrongdoings of a few will not destroy the reputation that you have worked so hard to achieve.

Become problem solvers by fairly enforcing the law.

Be law enforcers who will bring closure and justice to our people, especially those who have been oppressed.

And never forget your duty to the Republic.

Always keep in mind that your oath is tied to the Republic and the Filipino people alone. Leave all other interests at the door.

I am certain that your time here at the PNPA and your career in the police force will reinforce the credibility of our institutions.

Do not leave your training in these halls. Let the courage and discipline that has been instilled in you by the PNPA guide your every decision throughout your service.

Be the reason why our citizens will feel safe wherever they might be.

Public trust in law enforcement and enhanced citizen engagement will increase as long as you demonstrate integrity and professionalism in your work.

There is no greater reward than knowing you wear a uniform that your fellow Filipinos respect and admire.

Kayo ang inaasahan ng pamahalaan na maging katuwang sa pagbuo ng isang Bagong Pilipinas.

As you know, our world is being shaken by conflicts. Conflicts that disrupt not only security, but the livelihood, and our well-being.

This is a reminder of how fragile peace and order are.

Talagang may dahilan kung bakit kayo ang Silang-Paglaom. Sinanay Na Alagad Ng Kapayapaan Na Maglilingkod Sa Pilipinong Mamamayan.

By doing your job with integrity, you can secure our communities and provide the stability that our country needs amidst these tensions.

Kaya sa mga miyembro ng “Silang Paglaom” Class ng 2026, taas-noo ninyong harapin ang inyong katungkulan. Magsilbi kayong liwanag sa gitna ng pagsubok at pag-asa sa bawat Pilipinong inyong pinagsisilbihan.

To our awardees who have demonstrated excellence, let your example be the standard for your entire career and an example to your peers.

Once again, congratulations to the “Silang Paglaom” Class of 2026.

Go out and lead with honor and with purpose.

Maraming salamat at mabuhay ang ating kapulisan.

Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas.

[applause]

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