May 6, 2020
Chief of the Philippine National Police General Archie Gamboa; Senior PNP officials here today; fellow workers in government; friends in media.
The worst of times brings out the best in men.
When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, the Philippine National Police was thrust into the frontlines. Our police worked around the clock, enforcing quarantine regulations and helping out in every imaginable way.
The police organization accepted the risks faced by all frontliners in this battle against the pandemic. Many of our men in uniform were themselves infected in the line of duty. All throughout, the PNP delivered on their tasks very, very effectively.
Beyond the call of duty, our policemen and our non-uniformed PNP personnel volunteered to donate a portion of their pay to help fund the government’s efforts against the contagion. This is more than commendable. It is actually heroic.
Initially, PNP Chief Archie Gamboa aspired to raise 200 million pesos to aid our most vulnerable countrymen. However, the PNP exceeded its target and raised a total of 228.45 million pesos.
On behalf of the Philippine government, I am honored to receive the 228.45 million pesos worth of cash donations from the voluntary contribution of all PNP uniformed and non-uniformed personnel for our COVID-19 response efforts. I receive this donation with great awe. Those who sacrifice daily to protect our communities found it in their hearts to sacrifice more—they sacrificed part of their pay to help those in desperate need.
This is truly noble and a generous effort. It is a gift from the frontline. It is a great act of citizenship.
Thank you.
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