The Philippine National Police (PNP) achieved its “golden era” under the administration of outgoing President Rodrigo R. Duterte, marking accomplishments in the campaign against illegal drugs and terrorism.

Calling Duterte the “best mayor-president”, PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. said Duterte made significant improvements in the police force for the past six years.

“We assure our outgoing commander-in-chief that we will sustain the golden era of the PNP. We will uphold the vision and aspirations of President, Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte, towards the attainment of our vision to be a highly capable, effective and credible police force,” Danao said Tuesday at the Duterte Legacy Summit in Pasay City.

When Duterte assumed office in 2016, the police has played a key role in his campaign against illegal drugs.

Police and other law enforcers engaged in door-to-door operations via Operation Tokhang. Along with the military, police also joined the fight against communist terrorists.

In a now viral clip of a video interview with SMNI, Danao thanked Duterte, saying his good deeds would not be forgotten.

“Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng paggabay, ‘di ninyo po kami pinabayaan lalo na po sa akin. Lahat po ng kabutihan ninyo will never be forgotten. Asahan po ninyo na ang inyong kapulisan ay mananataling narito upang magbigay ng serbisyong tama para sa ating mga kababayan (Thank you for your guidance, you never abandoned us, especially me. All your good deeds will never be forgotten. Rest assured that your police will continue to provide good service for our people),” Danao said. “On behalf of the 22,500 men and officers of the PNP, we’d like to render our snappiest salute to the commander-in-chief. Maraming salamat po, ‘tay (Thank you very much, father).”

Under Duterte, Danao said the PNP acquired more firearms, vehicles and communication equipment. Apart from that, the President also increased the base pay of police personnel.

Among the programs of the PNP is its internal cleansing operation which aims to rid the force of corrupt police.

Danao said under this program, about 37,690 erring personnel had been penalized, of which 773 were dismissed and 223 were either demoted, suspended or reprimanded.

In the recent national and local elections, Danao said police ensured public safety and order, with only about 27 election-related incidents recorded. (PNA)