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Benjamin Acorda named new PNP chief

by Carl Santos

PUBLISHED ON April 24, 2023

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, April 24, appointed Police Major General Benjamin Acorda Jr. as the 29th chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

At a ceremony held at Camp Crame, Marcos presided over the transfer of PNP leadership from now-retired Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. to Acorda.

In his speech, Marcos directed Acorda to enhance operational ties with other law enforcement agencies, both on the local and national levels, and ensure integrated, coordinated, and systematic approaches to addressing peace and order and internal security issues.

“Make your presence felt in the streets, make them safer. Defend our democratic institutions, our cherished ideals. Protect the people, especially the weak, the vulnerable, and those who indirectly work with us in the same cause, such as journalists, civic action groups, civil volunteers, [and] the like,” the President said.

“Finally, serve the people with integrity, with accountability, and genuine justice. Always be open to public scrutiny, and practice restraint and maximum tolerance in the face of harsh criticism.”

Marcos also expressed his administration’s “full support” for the 228,000-strong PNP and its plans and programs that seek to boost the morale of its personnel, hone their skills, and advance their capabilities.

Acorda said he would continue the internal cleansing program of his predecessor.

He warned erring cops that “you will be charged and removed from the service.”

The new PNP chief said they would be relentless in their fight against criminality.

“We will not rest until every Filipino feels safe and secure in their homes, streets, and places of work,” he said.

Acorda was the PNP chief of the directorate for intelligence prior to his appointment to the top police post.

He hails from Ilocos Norte, Marcos’ home province, and is a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s “Sambisig” Class of 1991.