The Philippine National Police (PNP) will continue to implement its effective peace and order programs from the past administration, Malacañang said on Friday.

Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said that while President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has not made any specific marching order aside from the PNP performing its primary mandate of keeping peace and order, the current administration would focus on continuity of programs that were effectively implemented during the term of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

“Paalala ko lang po, bahagi din naman po ng peace and order program ng Presidente ‘yung continuity (I would like to point out that part of the President’s peace and order program is continuity.) So whatever it was that has already been there from the past administration, if it works, we continue that program,” Cruz-Angeles said in a Palace briefing.

On Wednesday, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. took over the helm of the police force, replacing Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. who served as officer-in-charge for nearly three months since May 6.

Azurin vowed to address peace and order concerns with compassion through a peace and security framework known as MKK=K which stand for Malasakit, Kaayusan, Kapayapaan and Kaunlaran, stressing that the combination of care, order and peace shall equate to progress.

Azurin particularly noted that he would sustain the anti-illegal drug campaign, which was intensified during the Duterte administration.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy “Makatao” Class of 1989, Azurin is the PNP’s 28th chief and the first under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

He will serve until April 24, 2023, when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56. (PNA)