THE Philippine National Police formally introduced another powerful symbol in the colourful history of the Country’s premier police agency with the inauguration and unveiling of the “PNP OFFICER” Statue on Monday.
PNP Chief, Police General Dionardo B Carlos, led police officials in unveiling ceremony coinciding with the traditional Monday Flag Raising Ceremony on April 25, 2022 at Camp Crame, Quezon City.
Made from 250 kilograms of demilitarized and beyond economical repair firearms metal parts, the “PNP OFFICER” statue is a life-size metal sculpture masterpiece of a well-known contemporary Filipino artist, Mario “Ram” Mallari Jr., the same artist who made a larger-than-life Lapu-Lapu statue made from similar scrap gun parts, erected at the opposite wing of the NHQ façade.
The “PNP OFFICER” Statue portrays a modern Filipino police officer on daily patrol, wearing the General Office Attire (GOA) uniform along with the equipment belt.
“This is a beautiful testament not only of the fine traditions of law enforcement but also serves as a remarkable tribute to all modern-day police heroes: our frontliners who selflessly serve the community during these trying times, our police officers who lost their lives in the fight against criminality, illegal drugs, violent extremism, and terrorism and to all of us who have experienced various difficulties and surmounting challenges brought about by COVID-19”, PGen Carlos said.
“And the finest traditions of valor, service, gallantry and sacrifice lives on in the Philippine National Police as we continue to win the battle against COVID-19 pandemic, illegal drugs, crime, corruption, poverty and terrorism. Thus, we thank Mr. Mallari for being an instrument so that our legendary story of unconditional police service is told now more than ever,” PGen Carlos further said.
PGen Carlos likewise explained that the Police Officer statue pays homage to the ideals the PNP sincerely holds: SERVICE, HONOR, and JUSTICE and will be an enduring sacred pledge that these ideals will guide all police officers in the tireless pursuit as law enforcers to continuously serve as beacons of hope and vanguards of humanitarian action in the interest of national security, public safety, and public health.
“Let it stand as a symbol of hope and as an unyielding instrument of unity that binds the more than 225,000 gallant men and women of the Philippine National Police as we remain unfaltering in upholding the sovereignty of our beloved country as well as in serving and protecting the Filipino people with utmost respect and highest regard to the rule of law,” PGen Carlos added.
