Duterte to lead PNP turnover ceremonies today

President Rodrigo R. Duterte will lead today’s assumption of command of the Philippine National Police (PNP) at its National Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Duterte will be welcomed by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ismael Sueno and incoming PNP chief, Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.

The event will include the donning of rank on Dela Rosa conferring on him the four-star rank, which is required of a full-fledged head of the police organization.

During the event, Duterte will be given a medallion and accorded arrival honors with a 21-gun salute, after which he will proceed to the Multi-Purpose Center for the program proper.

Included in the ceremonies will be the relief and designation orders, the assumption of command by De la Rosa, the reading of promotion orders, and the oath of office.

Aside from the President and senior PNP officers, the ceremonies will also be attended by members of the Executive, Judicial, Legislative branches of government, diplomats and foreign counterparts, AFP officials, and representatives of non-government organizations.

During the campaign, the President was firm on his stand against criminality and drugs which he considers a form of oppression against the people. Duterte also promised to increase the salaries of policemen to discourage them from getting involved in corrupt practices.