Police Major General Benjamin Acorda Jr. has been named as the 29th Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
His appointment paper dated April 23 was released to the media on Monday, April 24.
Acorda Jr. will be succeeding Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. who tendered retirement today after reaching the mandatory retirement age in police service.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. led the change of command ceremony and retirement honors for Azurin held at the PNP headquarters in Camp BGen. Rafael Crame, Quezon City.
Marcos bestows the symbolic PNP chief saber to Acorda during the turnover.
In his speech, the newly-appointed PNP chief vowed to do his utmost "best and lead by example."
Acorda stated that under his leadership, they would be "relentless" in the campaign against illegal drugs by strengthening police visibility and police presence.
"We will not rest until every Filipino feels safe and secure in their homes, in the streets, and in their places of work," he stressed.
"My stand on illegal drugs is clear. No police should be involved in pushing, using [drugs], or whatever means in the illegal drug trade. You will be charged and removed from service. This is my warning to each and every one of you," Acorda added.
The new PNP chief challenged all men and women of the PNP to "always do the right thing" and urged them to "hate crimes and criminals."
Acorda Jr., who hails from Ilocos Norte, previously served as the PNP Director for Intelligence.
He also became the Chief of Staff of the PNP Civil Security Group and NCRPO Deputy Director for Administration.
