Highland Cops - pnp procor

GANGSA

The Highland Cops

The Official Monthly E-Magazine of the Police Regional Office Cordillera

“Always willing to serve and protect...”

October 2021 Edition Issue 6 Monthly E-Magazine

Tuning in,Keeping the Peace

in the IPs Way

The Highland CopsThe Official Monthly E-Magazine of the Police Regional Office Cordillera

Editor

About

Associate Editor

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PCPT MARNIE ABELLANIDAChief, Public Information OfficeRegional Community Affairs and Development Division

The Highland Cops is a monthly magazine issue of the Police Regional Office Cordillera-Public Information Office featuring the regional activities, success stories and selfless services of the esteemed Cordillera Cops.

PLT STEVE REMOTDeputy, Public Information OfficeRegional Community Affairs and Development Division

PCpl Sunshine Pong-etRegional Mobile Force Battalion 151502nd Maneuver Company

PCpl Jovanie BerangRegional Mobile Force Battalion 151502nd Maneuver Company

Rev Fr Marcial Lloyd CastañedaParish Priest, Kilong Catholic Mission

PCpl Deborah TendowenMountain Province PPOBarlig Municipal Police Station

Pat Raiza Blaize PangosbanAbra Police Provincial Office2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company

Pat Vribelen KillaseIfugao Police Provincial Office1st Provincial Mobile Force Company

Pat Mary Faith LawaganAbra Police Provincial Office2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company

Pat Nazarena DariaBenguet Police Provincial OfficeProvincial Headquarters

Pat Roselyn CalbayanKalinga Police Provincial Office1st Provincial Mobile Force Company

October 2021 Edition Issue 6 Monthly E-Magazine

Contents04

06

14

08

16

18

10

20

The CommandersHighlights from the Eight Top Cops commanding in the Cordilleras

Voicing SolidarityMontañosa’s Call for Peace

Pabahay Hatid ng Benguet PPOHome and Hope for the Chosen

GangsaTuning in, Keeping the Peace in the IPs Way

The Lee-derTurning Challenges into Opportunities

PROCOR Cops: Timeless SuperheroesNo Storm Stronger than Real-life Superheroes

PNP Legal ServiceA Glimpse of 29 Years of Service

Sinner, Saint, Soul, SalvationA Spirituality message for our Brothers in Arms

THE

COMMANDERS

#BARANGAYanihan

WINNINGTHE

peace

RDGOON

THE

BrotherlyAdvice

Feature StoryFeature Story

3Tuning in with Peace

In Abra, the Provincial Director of Abra PPO, PCOL CHRISTOPHER T ACOP attended the Ground Breaking Ceremony of a 500-meter local access road at Sitio Induyas, Brgy. Naguilian, Sallapadan, Abra. The said access road is funded through the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) under Executive Order No. 70 or the E.O that institutionalizes the “Whole-of-nation” approach to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC). When the road is completed, the project will benefit the residents of Barangay Naguilian and its adjacent barangays.

by Pat Raiza Blaize Pangosban

THE

COMMANDERS

In Apayao, the Provincial Director of Apayao PPO, PCOL REYNALDO S OGAY, Jr forged a partnership with Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center and Give Blood, Sparks a Life for the sustainable bloodletting program dubbed as Sustainable Available Lifeblood Installed for New beginning” (S.A.L.I.N - Dugo) in San Isidro Gym, Luna, Apayao. A total of 50 qualified blood donors from PNP, AFP, employees of the Provincial Capitol, and other civilian volunteers have successfully participated in the program.

In Baguio City, the City Director of Baguio CPO, PCOL GLENN LONOGAN, led the BARANGAYanihan activity at Padre Burgos Covered Court. Under the program Duterte Legacy: BARANGAYanihan Caravan Towards National Recovery, the police officershad distributed relief packs, vitamins, hygiene kits, face shields, seed packs, and IEC materials to the more or less 150 beneficiaries comprising of senior citizens, PWDs, indigent families, and children.

In Benguet, the Provincial of Benguet PPO, PCOL REYNALDO PASIWEN, led the BARANGAYanihan activity at the PROCOR Multi-purpose Court in Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad. A total of 200 residents from the municipalities of La Trinidad and Tublay received food packs and tool kits from the police officers and other participating government agencies. The program is in line with the “Duterte Legacy: Barangayanihan Caravan Towards National Recovery”.

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In Mountain Province, the Provincial Director of Mt. Province PPO, PCOL RUBEN B ANDISO, facilitated the voluntary surrender and withdrawal of support of the 57 individuals identified as members of the NPA’s Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) as they took their Pledge of Allegiance back to the government in a ceremony held in Brgy Sumadel, Tadian. Their surrender was the result of the series of negotiations conducted by the police and the army in collaboration with the local officials in Mountain Province.

In Ifugao, a new Provincial Director of Ifugao PPO was installed in the person of PCOL JAMES D MANGILI. The outgoing Provincial Director, PCOL DAVID D MARIANO relinquished his command to PCOL MANGILI in a Turn-over of Command Ceremony held at Ifugao PPO Grounds in Lagawe. PCOL MANGILI received the flag and inventory book symbolizing the authority and turn-over of responsibilities entailed by the position.

In Kalinga, the Provincial Director of Kalinga PPO, PCOL VICENTE M LIMMONG, attended the inauguration of the new three-story provincial building of the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP)in Bulanao, Tabuk City. Coinciding the Indigenous Peoples’ Month, the presence of PCOL LIMMONG aims to strengthen the relationship of the PNP with various community stakeholders as the PNP and NCIP share the objective of advancing IP’s rights.

As part of the “Duterte Legacy: Barangayanihan Caravan Towards National Recovery,” the Force Commander of RMFB15, PLTCOL JOSHUA F ALEJANDRO led an outreach program at Brgy. Luneta, Itogon, Benguet. In partnership with the Youth Mobile Force Cordillera (YMFC), police officers personally handed assorted clothing, food packs, kitchen utensils, and cash donations to six families that were directly affected by typhoon Maring. Further, 60 families residing in the area received assorted vegetables and kitchen wares which were donated by the Igorot Sounds 2021 and Team Pag-ASA led by Ms. Khristine Molitas.


PABAHAY HANDOG NG BENGUET PPOBenguet Cops Build Homes for Chosen Beneficiariesby Pat Nazarena Daria

#BARANGAYanihan

In Benguet, police officers are not just patrolling the streets to ensure peace and order, but they also upgrade their services by providing a decent and safe house to their chosen beneficiaries.

Dubbed as “Pabahay Handog ng Benguet PPO” which was officially launched on July 2021, each of the Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the two Provincial Mobile Force Companies (PMFC) in Benguet has started to build houses for families in need in their area of responsibility.

From planning to funding, then to the hard labor, the hard work of Benguet Cops resulted in the successful construction of two houses for October.

Two new homes were officially turned over to the beneficiaries, one is a single mother of four and the other one is a deaf and mute grandmother.

In Sitio Afat, Brgy Poblacion, Itogon, police officers of Itogon MPS officially turned over a newly constructed house to Aling Lorna.

Aling Lorna is a 36-year-old single mother of four. Working as a laborer, the financial difficulties have separated her

A home, defined as a structure in which a person lives in, is one of the basic needs of a human being. Unfortunately, to some, having a proper and decent home prove difficult.

6 The Highland Cops

The Highland Cops

from her other three children and currently, only her eldest child is living with her.

According to Itogon MPS, Aling Lorna is also suffering from an illness, as she is known to have a history of epileptic episodes.

On September 15, Itogon cops together with the police trainees of Class Sibat-Talas, members of KKDAT- Ucab, BPATs of Brgy. Poblacion, and other residents started working to build the house.

With the personal donations of the police officers and other stakeholders, in a short span of 22 days, they successfully finished building the house on October 6, 2021, and on October 7, 2021, Itogon MPS officially turned over the newly constructed house to Aling Lorna in a simple House Blessing ceremony.

Meanwhile, in Sitio Bongog, Brgy Basil, Tublay, police officers of 2nd Benguet PMFC officially turned over a newly constructed house to Lola Carmelita, 65 years old, and was born deaf and mute.

According to 2nd Benguet PMFC, due to circumstances in life, Lola Carmelita did not have the opportunity to seek any medical attention; likewise was not able to go to school due to her disability. Currently, she is unable to work to support her daily needs and thus, depends solely on the support given by his brother and other relatives.

From their voluntary contributions of the police officers together with the donations of various community stakeholders, the 2nd Benguet PMFC cops started building the house of Lola Carmelita on September 13.

After a month of working together, the 2nd Benguet PMFC cops, along with the relatives of Lola Carmelita, successfully finished building her house.

On October 22, they officially turned over the newly constructed house to Lola Carmelita through a simple house blessing ceremony.

Aside from the newly constructed house, the 2nd Benguet PMFC cops also gave Lola Carmelita kitchen wares, assorted groceries, and other basic necessities.

Accordingly, when the 2nd Benguet PMFC started the construction of the house of Lola Carmelita, they also started building a new public restroom in Sitio Bongog.

With proper use and maintenance, the newly constructed public restroom will benefit more or less 70 residents in the area.

Currently, there are a total of 14 other houses still under construction by Benguet cops and when completed, will soon be officially given to their chosen beneficiaries.


The fight may be long and hard against CPP-NPA Terrorists yet coming together as one, the PNP, AFP and all other government agencies with the support of the community, winning the peace will be eventually achieved.

In Mountain Province, MP cops together with AFP, LGUs, and iMontañosa particularly youths had simultaneously held an Indignation Rally against the CNTs on October 4.

This is to denounce and to protest against the CNTs from using their land as mobility corridor or passageway in crisscrossing the province while conducting atrocious acts.

The indignation rallies were conducted in the municipalities of Bontoc (Barangays Dalican, Guina-ang, and Mainit); Bauko (Barangay Balintuagan); and Sagada (Barangays Aguid, Ankileng, Bangaan, Fedilisan, Madongo, and Pide).

Accordingly, this is also in response to the recent encounter between the government troops against the CNTs on September 28 at barangay Mainit, Bontoc, resulting to the death of two communist rebels.

As part of the event, the participants walked together carrying banners and placards expressing their sentiments against the CNTs. The burning of CPP-NPA-NDF flags to symbolize their strong objection and denunciation of their twisted ideologies.

Meanwhile MP cops, AFP and various government agencies are working together to address the needs of the province through the government’s EO 70 or the Whole of the Nation Approach in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) to achieve a long and lasting peace that is hoped for.

VOICING SOLIDARITYMontañosa’s Call for Peaceby Pat Mary Faith Lawagan

WINNINGTHE

peace

8 The Highland Cops

Since the launching of the Duterte Legacy: Barangayanihan Caravan Towards National Recovery on October 15, the caravan continuous to roll out in the different communities in Mountain Province. MP cops together with different government agencies – DSWD; Provincial Health Office; TESDA; PSA; DOST – and other line agencies are catering their services to the community.

Identified ELCAC barangays in Bauko (Otucan Sur and Bagnen Oriente) and Sagada (Madungo) were awarded livelihood assistance by the DSWD cash amounting to Php 300,000.00 each; in-kind and livelihood projects and general merchandise.

In Besao, six former rebels were recipient of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government. This was awarded during the Provincial Task Force in Empowering Local Communities to Accelerate Change (PTF-ELCAC) program in barangay Kin-iway on October 22. The six received livelihood assistance worth Php 20,000.00 as capital on proposed livelihood project to uplift their socio-economic well-being.

The fight may be long and hard yet with the united efforts of the government and of iMontañosa in confronting CNTs, nothing is hard and peace is at hand.

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The melodic sound of beating gongs (gangsa) always evokes a sense of identity in every Cordilleran who are proud of their roots. For those who live away from home, the sound of gangsa

being played brings on a nostalgic but uplifting feeling, hearing the familiar, comforting sound – a piece of home.

And although the tempo and melody are distinct in every tribe or municipality, for most, the sound

of the beating of gongs brings to life the spirit of belongingness and identity as

indigenous people.

Occasions such as weddings, community feasts and gatherings would not be complete without the playing of gongs.

The gong is not merely a musical instrument.

It “is a traditional tool in the indigenous people’s rituals, gatherings, and celebrations. The beating

and the resonant sound … seem to call everyone to action and to celebrate the people’s camaraderie and

oneness. Some tribes of the Cordillera also use the gong in rituals to drive away evil spirits and bring forth prosperity

among the people”. (Geminiano, P. (2018, July 10). Unity Gong Relay rolls out to drum up support to Cordillera autonomy. Philippine News Agency. https://bit.ly/3oenYum)

“A set of ‘gangsa’ or Cordilleran gongs is comprised of 6 pieces or more and each piece is made of bronze or brass. Each gong is beaten in different tunes by the gong players or musicians

Gangsa:Tuning in, Keeping the Peace in the IP’s Way

by PCpl Sunshine Pong-et

10 The Highland Cops

The Highland Cops

which of course varies depending on their regional or local cultural preferences of their native origins. In the past, it is mainly the ‘kadangyans, and the ap-apo’ (the rich, and the well-respected elders) possess a set of this instrument, for reasons that these gongs are expensive but mainly regarded as sacred instruments. Nowadays, several Indigenous Peoples’ groups and individuals, universities within and outside the Cordillera Region own sets of gongs. In the most popular festival in Baguio City known as ‘Panagbenga’ or ‘Flower Festival,’ you will often see groups of locals gathering in celebration of this abundant colours of different flowers. In events such as this, there will always be gongs played by the natives. The Cordilleran ‘Gangsa’ that depicts our ancient traditions, practices, and mainly our cultural music that represents the sound of our heritage.” ( Jessen, DRB. (2017 Sept. 11). ‘Gangsa’, A Musical Instrument to My Soul. Cultural Encounters and Differences. https://bit.ly/3icZDB2)

With this year’s celebration of the Indigenous People’s Month, the Police Regional Office Cordillera through its different Police Provincial Offices and lower units, has yet again manifested their solidarity with the people in the Cordillera region as they joined in the month-long observance and the 24th Indigenous People’s Rights Act commemoration. IPs month is celebrated every month of October by virtue of Proclamation No. 1906, series of 2009 declaring the month of October of every year as “National Indigenous Peoples Month”

In keeping with their mandate of maintaining peace and order, PROCOR has always remained true to the values and beliefs of their indigenous roots, especially that most of the men and women of PROCOR are themselves Indigenous Peoples. PROCOR being hailed as the Most Disciplined Cops in the Country, is even attributed to their high regard to culture, particularly their adherence to the “inayan”, “lawa”, and “paniyew” concepts. These are age-old beliefs, deeply-rooted in the culture of Cordillera natives, that are usually used as a reminder to someone to refrain from doing anything bad or harmful to others, because it is bad, “inayan”, “paniyew” or “lawa”. To some, these are ethical concepts guiding a person in his dealings with others and with Nature.

In some special occasions and police ceremonies, the playing of gongs and lively cultural dance accompany the arrival honors being accorded to distinguished guests visiting the regional headquarters. A miniature gong is also sometimes presented as a token to guests, symbolic of the warm welcome and lively culture of the host being shared with the visiting dignitary. These are only some of the unique practices of PROCOR highlighting the importance of the gangsa and their strong respect to the culture, not only to an individual cop but also to PROCOR as a whole, being the premier police force in the highlands of Cordillera.

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F or one who has been leading his men to conduct and support various BARANGAYanihan activities in reaching out the peoples of Cordillera,

PROCOR Regional Director Police Brigadier General RONALD OLIVER LEE once again displayed his embodied leadership as the opening of October stormed the region hard.

As the Severe Tropical Storm Maring hit the Cordillera, it brought and left some areas of great losses, financially and even lives. Aside from Search and Rescue, Clearing, and Retrieval Operations, PBGEN LEE enliven the spirit of “Binnadang” or Bayanihan to the men and women of PROCOR.

The LEE-DER:

by Pat Vribelen Killase

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

RDGOON

THE

Thus, in line with the Duterte Legacy: Barangayanihan Caravan Towards National Recovery, PBGEN LEE led his men to support and assist in the Barangayanihan Caravan in partnership with the other agencies in Baguio City, Benguet and Mountain Province which were greatly affected by #STSMaring.

In Baguio City, the Barangayanihan Caravan was held at Elpidio Quirino Elementary School, Irisan, Baguio City on October 14. Taking the lead, PBGEN LEE, together with some PROCOR Personnel and from Regional Support Units collaborated with the Barangay Officials of Barangay Irisan and other civilian agencies from which with their concerted efforts, they were able to reach out to at least 680 individuals who received assorted food packs, tool kits, and hygiene kits.

Meanwhile in Mountain Province, the Barangayanihan Caravan was held at Brgy Calutit, Poblacion Bontoc 14 The Highland Cops

The Highland Cops

while in Benguet, the activity was held at Camp Major Bado Dangwa and together with different government agencies, a total of 558 residents were able to avail different services and goods offered by the PROCOR personnel.

Amidst the challenges, opportunities outpoured. The chance to help and to work together for the common good prevails to manifest among the PROCOR personnel, together with other government agencies and stakeholders. And as a result of the collaborative efforts, the delivery and rendering of services to the community benefited a total of 1,238 residents in Baguio, Benguet and Mt Province.

In his talks during the activities, PBGEN LEE assured the community that the government cares and is doing their best to address their need especially this time of crisis.

“Sa pamamagitan ng Barangayanihan mararamdaman ng ating mga kababayan na kailanman ay hindi sila nalimutan ng gobyerno at makita nila na nilalapit natin ang mga ahensiya sa taong-bayan upang maging abot-kamay nila ang mga tulong mula sa pamahalaan.”

-PBGEN RONALD O LEE


W ho needs Superman, Batman or whoever heroes wearing capes, if we have our real-life superheroes? Yep, because real-life superheroes

sometimes do wear badges too.

Unlike Superman who is a Man of Steel, PROCOR cops are galvanized by courage and selflessness as they braved the storm, flood and fire to preserve and save lives.

Apart from the pandemic and other situation concerning peace and order, PROCOR cops displayed their heroism by rendering services to our kailyans affected by typhoon Maring and families affected by fire.

Before the storm, on October 7, Regional Director, PBGEN RONALD O LEE mobilized more than 1,000 cops for the disaster response to be deployed in Search and Rescue Operations, Relief Operations, Road Clearing Operations likewise a Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) were also in high alert for any possible deployment.

During and after the storm, despite the tiresome disaster operations and heavy rains, the PROCOR cops continuously worked.

In Baguio, rescue, search and retrieval operations were conducted at Mirador, Dominican Hill after a mudslide buried an entire household on October 11. After three days of search, rescue and retrieval

PROCOR COPS: TIMELESS SUPERHEROES

by PCpl Deborah Tendowenoperations, three individuals were eventually retrieved.

In Benguet, aside from the rock and mudslide along La Trinidad resulting to heavy traffic jams, Benguet cops stayed for 24 hours for almost four days to monitor and to conduct road clearing, retrieval operations were also made. Accordingly, six were reported dead.

In other provinces were no reported death, displaced families were sent into evacuation centers. A total of 53 families coming from different provinces.

As the month comes to end, on October 22, Ifugao cops responded to a fire incident in Sitio Tikidan, Brgy Nunggulunan, Hungduan. Together with other line agencies, went through the place to put out the fire where it was said to have started in a neighbor’s dirty kitchen. Fortunately, there were no casualties however their stocked “pagay,” inside their house were all caught by the fire.

Closing the month, on October 28, another fire incident broke in Brgy Buanao, Malibcong, Abra. Abra cops together with other line agencies work hand-in-hand in putting the fire out that devoured houses. This has caused nine families homeless. With nothing to salvage from their charred houses, Abra cops, extended in-kind (clothes, blankets and other necessities) and financial help to ease their burden.

Unmindful of the grave risks as they perform their duties, these are only some of the many great deeds PROCOR cops have rendered during the month; noteworthy to be recognized.

No Storm Stronger nor Fire Hotter for Real-life Superheroes


The Highland Cops

be kind whenever

possible always

Once I was listening to music when I came across to a song which lines go like these:

“Superman, will never save you,

Spiderman, will never catch you

The Flash, will never run to you

Like I do.

Although the song is actually a break-up song, the lines hit realities. Once again, Salute to our Real-Life Superheroes.


The PNP Legal Service emerged on October 21, 1992 pursuant to Staff Memorandum No. 14, GHQ, PNP. On May 27, 1993, it was created as an additional Administrative support unit of the PNP via NAPOLCOM Resolution No. 93-023. Currently operating as a reorganized unit pursuant to NHQ-PNP General Orders Number DPL-10-09, it was approved by the NAPOLCOM through Resolution Number 2011-321 dated September 13, 2011. This year, as they celebrated their Founding Anniversary on October 21, the PNP Legal Service has reached its 29th year of service.

The unit is vested with the mission to ensure that the PNP performs its functions effectively and efficiently through the timely and responsive delivery of quality legal services and the presence of highly competent and dedicated personnel who are committed to uphold the rule of law and the best interest of the police organization.

The Legal Service serves as legal counsel of the PNP and, in coordination with the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), provides legal service to the PNP in actions filed before the courts, quasi-judicial and administrative bodies; adjudicates claims for retirement and/or separation benefits for uniformed and non-uniformed PNP

PNP Legal Office: A Glimpse of 29 Years in Serviceby Pat Roselyn Calbayan


personnel; studies contracts affecting the PNP and submits appropriate recommendations pertaining hereto; renders legal opinions on matters arising from the administration and operation of the Philippine National Police; provides legal assistance and advice to PNP personnel; and performs such other functions and duties as may be required by law or competent authorities or as may be directed by the Chief, PNP.

In Police Regional Office Cordillera, the RLO-COR exhibited outstanding performance as they vigorously defend the men and women of the region who are facing charges in the performance of their sworn duties and responsibilities.

Among them were the Petition for a Writ of Amparo filed against the former Regional Director, PBGEN R’WIN S PAGKALINAWAN on alleged red tagging of youth leaders in Baguio City, and the Petition for a Writ of Amparo filed against the Provincial Director of Mountain Province on an alleged harassment to the petitioners, residents of Tadian, Mountain Province.

Anchored in the PNP Core values, the RLO-COR displayed as a role model to other PNP members in upholding the country’s laws, rules and regulations. They had been actively participating in civic activities such as tree planting and clean-up drives. Also, they are religiously attending Squad Weekly Interactive Meeting (SWIM) to strengthen their connection and faith to God. As advocates of Human Rights, they have instituted a policy in the comprehensive, systematic and institutional compliance with international human rights standards and practices in the conduct of police or law enforcement functions.

The Legal Service had also launched the “Panyerong Pulis” program that is available 24 hours every day. Through the “Panyerong Pulis” hotline, lawmen can ask legal questions related to their work in the Philippine National Police.

The legal aid is aimed at guiding policemen on the ground who may have legal questions pertaining to police operations that aims to protect cops conducting police operations from harassment case. The RLO-COR encourages PROCOR cops to contact them through call or text, or through email about their questions that they will be properly guided and that no policeman would be facing any service-related cases.

The Highland Cops

PANYERONG PULISFor your legal concerns and needs, you may reach the PNP Legal Service Office Cordillera through:

Mobile number0949-842-19630970-132-2429

FacebookProcor Legis


S unday means barangay visits to celebrate the Holy Mass for the people and to pray with the people. Visiting the barangays for spiritual

activities gives me inspiration and fulfillment. Some barangays maybe difficult to reach but it’s a responsibility to be accomplished.

I recall a very unforgettable experience with Little Dawing. He is a 4-year-old boy who always get my attention. My first encounter with him was

Sinner, Saint, Soul, Salvationby Rev Fr Marcial Lloyd Castañeda

BrotherlyAdvice

loaded with funny memories and thought-provoking actuations. Dawing first met me with a greeting, “Padi, ay laydum ta paltogak sika?” with his hand pretending to hold a gun and ready to click the trigger.

I later realized that insurgencies are seriously impacting to the life of the young people especially the children. We need to live in peace. We need to work for peace for the young people to have a healthy and safe environment to grow.

The children and the youth are vulnerable sectors of our society and they deserve justice and peace. They deserve a home to experience love. The church and the police are morally and spiritually mandated to cooperate for peace.

I once visited Barangay Talubin and I met some family friends. I met a smart kid perhaps, 5 years of age and asked him, “Do you like to become a priest?” He responded straight, “I want to become a police!”

The happy encounter revealed a beautiful story. The new and holistic approach of PNP is healing a bitter

history and indeed living a new image of true service. The motto, “To serve and protect” is being experienced by the communities and beautifully, the young people are looking at the PNP not as an institution to be afraid or to be aloof but a companion to holiness.

We are sinners. Nobody is perfect but we must strive for holiness. Striving for holiness is both personal and

communal. Striving for holiness is opening our lives for the grace of God to operate like the saints.

The saints of old were human beings with human weaknesses too but they allowed God to overcome the human nature. Now they are saints of God. They are the church triumphant. We the living are the church militant.

The word police surely will never be dissociated from discipline. I highly appreciate the emphasis of the current Chief PNP on cleanliness. He underlined cleanliness in the environment, in the offices, in the work, and lifestyle thus cleaning the institution from malpractices that may erode the PNP’s integrity.

I met a smart kid perhaps, 5 years of age and asked him, “Do you like to become a priest?” He responded straight, “I want to become a police!”


Sinner, Saint, Soul, Salvation

The Highland Cops

It is therefore my biggest dream and biggest hope that the PNP and the church will continue to dialogue and collaborate for peace.

The church is not a sheer building but the people of God participating in the mission of salvation. We are the church. We need to work together despite the human weaknesses and human limitations.

We maybe sinners but we can always cooperate with God to become saints in our humble ways. Let us refrain from justifying human errors with our claim that we are human beings but to look at the merciful God who can change us and who can save our souls. Let us become the best version of ourselves through the grace, mercy, and compassion of God. We don’t strive for holiness to despise the rest.

We must be mindful always that we are human beings with a soul

Rev Fr Marcial Lloyd C Castañeda, known as the “Singing Priest” is the “Kura paroko” or the Parish Priest of Saint Joseph Church in Kilong, Sagada. He is an active member of the Advisory Council in Mountain Province PPO. He has been a contributory to the success of Anti-Illegal Drugs and ELCAC activities in Mountain Province.

and a body. We feed our body regularly. We must also feed our souls sufficiently. The salvation of souls is the ultimate activity and work of God but we are participants. Death is a reminder that there is another life after our earthly life. Heavenly life is permanent. Earthy life is temporary. We maybe sinners but we can be saints while we live here on earth.

I salute PMAJ Pedro Tactay for his encouraging leadership and his friendly team, Sagada Police Station for the consistent visibility in the communities and their inspiring activities. I love working with them Read me more at La Voce del Popolo, Midland Courier or reach me at [email protected].


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