PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday hailed the Philippine National Police (PNP) for conducting lawful, humane and bloodless police operations in its bid to weed out criminality.

Speaking at the 123rd Police Service Anniversary, Marcos acknowledged the strong determination of the police force to maintain peace, security and harmony.

Commending the leadership of PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil, Marcos said "noteworthy reforms and achievements" were achieved in recent months."

Our crackdown on illegal drugs, smuggling, illegal gambling, private armed groups, human trafficking, and criminality has also strengthened significantly in ways that are not only effective but legal and lawful," Marcos said. "Indeed, police operations are now conducted as humane, as truthful, and as bloodless as possible," he added.

The President said the PNP's partnership with the military has led to the neutralization of some 1,951 members of local and communist terrorist groups.

He also cited the police force's intensified patrol operations and increased police deployment that contributed to a lower crime rate, as well as the improved cybersecurity capability of the PNP.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. graces the 123rd Police Service Anniversary of the Philippine National Police (PNP) at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Aug 8, 2024. In attendance were Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil and PNP Director for Logistics Maj. Gen. Mario Reyes. PPA POOL / NOEL B. PABALATE President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. graces the 123rd Police Service Anniversary of the Philippine National Police (PNP) at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Aug 8, 2024. In attendance were Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil and PNP Director for Logistics Maj. Gen. Mario Reyes. PPA POOL / NOEL B. PABALATE President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. graces the 123rd Police Service Anniversary of the Philippine National Police (PNP) at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Aug 8, 2024. In attendance were Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil and PNP Director for Logistics Maj. Gen. Mario Reyes. PPA POOL / NOEL B. PABALATE President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. graces the 123rd Police Service Anniversary of the Philippine National Police (PNP) at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Aug 8, 2024. In attendance were Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil and PNP Director for Logistics Maj. Gen. Mario Reyes. PPA POOL / NOEL B. PABALATE President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. graces the 123rd Police Service Anniversary of the Philippine National Police (PNP) at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Aug 8, 2024. In attendance were Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil and PNP Director for Logistics Maj. Gen. Mario Reyes. PPA POOL / NOEL B. PABALATE President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. graces the 123rd Police Service Anniversary of the Philippine National Police (PNP) at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Aug 8, 2024. In attendance were Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil and PNP Director for Logistics Maj. Gen. Mario Reyes. PPA POOL / NOEL B. PABALATE

He called on policemen to be faithful to their oath of protecting the country and its people.

"Remember your mandate and place public safety and service at the core of your duty," the President said.

"I also urge all police personnel to support the leadership of the PNP. I trust that you will sustain your current initiatives and take care of the people's increasing confidence in the PNP's abilities," he added.

Marcos lauded the hard work of the police, noting that law enforcers should serve as an inspiration for others to pursue integrity, excellence and utmost dedication.