Upholding integrity, accountability, and public trust: Reinforcing professionalism and ethical standards in the Pangasinan Police

As public servants, we are mandated to uphold the time-honored constitutional principle that public office is a public trust.

Faithful obedience to this principle demands the highest degree of discipline, often requiring self-sacrifice, personal convenience, and self-restraint.

Uniformed personnel, like police officers, must remember that the public expects nothing less than the highest ethical standards from us. Prioritizing the public’s interests over our own personal ones is a hallmark of this noble profession.

Serving with integrity

In a continued effort to uphold professionalism and ethical standards, the Pangasinan Provincial Police Office commemorated the 31st Philippine National Police (PNP) Ethics Day with the theme: “Serbisyong may Integridad at Pananagutan Tungo sa Ligtas at Mapayapang Pilipinas” held at Camp Gov. Antonio, Magilas Hall, Lingayen, on Jan. 6.

The theme reflects the PNP’s dedication to serving with integrity, responsibility, and commitment to progress, fostering public trust and ensuring a safer, more peaceful society.

Pangasinan Provincial Director, PCOL Rollyfer J. Capoquian said that integrity should not only be evident when a police officer is in uniform.

“Being a law enforcement officer is more than just wearing a uniform; it means upholding integrity, taking responsibility for every action and behavior, and showing respect for human rights,” Capoquian stated.

Capoquian highlights the deeper responsibility of law enforcement officers to uphold ethical conduct and human rights in all aspects of their lives, beyond their official duties.

National Police Commission Pangasinan Provincial Officer, Atty. Phillip Raymund Rivera, guest of honor and speaker during the event, meanwhile said that genuine and selfless service is the foundation of integrity. He urged public servants to uphold these principles in their actions and decisions.

“Let us ensure that public service has integrity, not only in words but also in action. As sworn public servants with integrity, we lose ourselves in the service of others. Because service to others is the rent we pay for our room here on earth,” Rivera stated.

Outstanding police service

During the 31st Ethics Day celebration, five police officers from Pangasinan were recognized for their outstanding achievements in demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and dedication in the performance of their duties. The awardees were:

  • PSSg Edselmar C. Gario, who rescued two drowning civilians at Brgy. Baybay Lopez, Binmaley town;
  • PLT Celeste C. Cereno, who assisted a woman who gave birth inside a mobile patrol car;
  • PSSg Jennifer B. Reyes, who donated her late grandmother’s wheelchair to a differently-abled resident of Brgy. Palikpik, Rosales town;
  • PCMS Jocelyn E. Parocha, who extended assistance to an elderly woman found wandering around the town plaza, uncertain of her way home; and
  • PCPT Henry B. Catabay, who responded quickly to a burning motorcycle in Brgy. Dulag, Lingayen town.

Gario, one of the recognized police officers, shared that throughout his 10 years of service, he has always been ready to assist, whether in uniform or not, as part of his duty to save lives and protect property.

“My only goal is to help because, as a police officer, it is your mandate and duty to save lives,” Gario remarked.

He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPO) for the award, which he sees as a meaningful recognition of their efforts and contributions as public servants.

Prince Bryan Bejar, 25, a criminology graduate and aspiring police officer, meanwhile shared that during his internship with the police force, he witnessed and experienced the challenges and hardships that come with the profession.

“These kinds of awards signify that they are fulfilling their duty to help prevent or reduce crimes and incidents to the best of their ability,” Bejar said.

He added that such recognition also boosts the morale of police officers, empowering them to perform their duties with excellence, especially during critical times when their service is most needed.

By encouraging goodness and helping others, the Pangasinan PPO inspires its personnel to lead by example, demonstrating that ethical service is the standard across the entire PNP organization.

The PNP’s mission is not limited to solving crimes or ensuring security but extends to improving both individuals and institutions to uphold ethical living and morality.

The PNP remains committed to integrity, responsibility, and justice for every citizen, working toward a safe and peaceful Bagong Pilipinas.(CCT/RPM/PIA Pangasinan)

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