LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (PIA) -- The Police Regional Office Cordillera (PRO Cor) highlighted the  commemoration of the  33rd Foundation Day of the Philippine National Police on  February 21, 2024 in Camp Major Bado Dangwa here with the unveiling of the SAF44 memorial,  and awarding of medals to 17  police personnel in recognition of their notable accomplishments.

PRO-Cor  Regional Director PBGen. David Peredo Jr. and Benguet Representative  Eric Yap unveiled the SAF44 Memorial at the Cordillera  Heroes Monument at the  regional police headquarters, which was built in honor of the 44  Special Action Forces  police personnel, 14 of them Cordillerans, who made the ultimate sacrifice during an anti-terrorism operation in  in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015.

Their memory serves as a constant reminder of the importance of service and sacrifice for the greater good.

Yap lauded the men and women of the Cordillera police for their unwavering service and sacrifice in maintaining peace and order in the region.

"Ang pagiging isang pulis ay mahirap. Bakit? Kapag kayo ay nadestino sa Mindanao o sa Visayas, wala po kayong magagawa kung hindi tanggapin ang inyong assignment at ang kapalit po ‘nun ay malalayo kayo sa inyong pamilya at comfort zone pero dahil ito po ay sinumpaan niyong tungkulin, kailangan niyo itong gampanan,” Yap said.

“Pero dahil matitikas po ang ating mga PNP personnel, nalalagpasan po nila ito,” he added.  He assured his full support for the plans and projects of PRO Cordillera.

Yap and Peredo also led the awarding  of  17 PNP personnel from the different units  for their hard work and notable achievements.

"As we celebrate this milestone, let us not only reflect on our achievements, but also reaffirm commitment to serving our nation with excellence and integrity," PRO Cordillera Deputy Regional Director for Administration PBGen. Patrick Joseph Allan emphasized.

The celebration with the theme, "Serbisyong Nagkakaisa at may Malasakit sa Kapwa Tungo sa Maunlad at Ligtas na Bansa”,  also served as a reminder of the crucial role of the PNP in ensuring the safety and security the communities, and the importance of unity and compassion in building a brighter future for all.

The PNP that is “national in scope and civilian in character”  was established  pursuant to Republic Act No. 6975 signed on January 29, 1991. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR with Venus Mei Caguioa, BSU Intern)