Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. on Friday commended the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) for its crucial role in maintaining peace, order, and security on the country's roads. Speaking at the celebration of HPG's 68th founding anniversary in Camp Crame, Quezon City, the PNP chief feted the officers and personnel of the unit for their hard work and unwavering commitment to serve with efficiency and professionalism. Acorda reminded HPG personnel not to be complacent and urged the group to strive for excellence continually. He emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant, continuously enhancing skills and knowledge, and always upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Acorda was joined by HPG chief Brig. Gen. Raul Bargamento in gracing the celebration. The ceremony recognized the contributions of various stakeholder groups, including individual personnel of the PNP HPG, for their exemplary and meritorious performance of duty. The group handed out 10 individual awards and six unit awards. Twenty-three awardees were recognized during the event, emphasizing the impact of people, whether personnel or stakeholder, on the continuing success of the PNP HPG as the Philippines' premier "guardian of the highways". This year's celebration carries the theme "Ang Inyong Patnubay at Kaagapay Tungo sa Paglunsad ng Payapa at Ligtas na Lansangan." The PNP HPG was established in 1955 as the country's first and only traffic control and road safety-focused law enforcement group. The group was the brainchild of former president Ramon Magsaysay after a fatal car crash 68 years ago claimed the lives of two statesmen close to him. Acorda also reiterated his call for "Serbisyong Nagkakaisa" (unity in service) which aims to unite all 228,000 members of the PNP for collaborative efforts in nation-building. He emphasized the five key priorities, which include aggressive and honest law enforcement operations, boosting personnel morale and welfare, enhancing public service, maintaining operational readiness, and intensifying internal cleansing efforts.
Source: Philippines News Agency