QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches Inc. (PCEC) strengthened their partnership for the promotion of peace and order in the country in line with the PNP Revitalized KASIMBAYANAN  (Kapulisan, Simbahan at Pamayanan) Program.

Relative to this, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by PNP Chief, Police General Rodolfo S Azurin Jr for the PNP and National Director, Bishop Noel A. Pantoja for PCEC on Monday, March 27 at PNP National Headquarters, Camp Crame.

“The Memorandum of Agreement with the PCEC affirms our commitment to work with our allies in every possible way to ensure our efficient and effective service wherever and whenever we are needed”, PGen Azurin said.

He said the MOA gives new avenues to share message that “Life is Beautiful”, as PNP’s collaboration with Bishop Pantoja and the PCEC upholds pro-life advocacy and becomes a key to encouraging united action to secure our citizens and our country.

Moreover, three statues were unveiled and blessed, which are of significant meaning and importance to the PNP.

The first statue is of Police Executive Master Sergeant Makatao, which represents all the Police Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCOs) of the PNP whose tireless work benefits future generations, symbolized by the child in the statue. The second statue is a tribute to the Non-Uniformed Personnel (NUPs) who perform administrative, technical, and other support roles that enable the police officers to focus on protecting the peace and keeping order in our communities. Lastly, the third statue is the PNP badge, which consolidates who they are and why they serve.

All the elements in the PNP badge capture key character traits of the PNP: their pledge to protect all citizens symbolized by the shield, their roots as a nation with the three stars and eight sun rays, their role model for bravery in the person of their mighty hero Lapu-Lapu, their traits of swiftness, ferocity, power, and courage as represented by the Philippine eagle, and the words service, honor, and justice, the values that define the PNP.

Meanwhile, in his message Bishop Noel A. Pantoja assured the PNP of the strong support of the churches and other religious group across the country.

“We are one with you, in the vision of one transformed and better Philippines. With the synergy of the police, the church, and all pillars of our society, naniniwala po kami, ang simbahan that KASIMBAYANAN is possible”, Bishop Pantoja stated.

As part of the event, the PNP also awarded the personnel of Directorate of Police Community Relations (DPCR) and Police Community Affairs Division (PCADG) with significant accomplishments. (pnp/pia-ncr)