Gen. Eliseo Cruz: ‘My love for the country is immeasurable’

The life and works of Gen. Eliseo Cruz mirror Galatians 6:7 — “…For whatever a person sows, this he will also reap.”

Cruz, barely four months away from retirement, is the director for investigation and detective management at the Philippine National Police (PNP). His office is primarily responsible for the direction, control, coordination and supervision of the investigation of all crime incidents and offenses in violation of the laws of the Philippines.

Contentment rests in his voice; the desire to still be of service for “the country I love so much” is found in his tone. The genial 56-year-old, two-star general was recently awarded the Cavalier Awardee for Police Operations 2023 by President Marcos during the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) alumni homecoming at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City.

Cruz belongs to PMA Class of 1990. He takes his decades-long role as a public servant seriously — because it involves lives and how they can be improved, protected, nourished.

Gen. Eliseo Cruz and his wife Letlet with their children Ciaeli, Juneli and Joriel.

“Not all are called to traverse the path to become a public servant. It is a noble calling, which definitely requires men and women of character to possess a sincere desire to offer selfless service and to promote the welfare of the general public. Being a public servant means you have the capacity to uphold public interests first ahead of any personal interests,” said Cruz, whose childhood dream was to become an architect but who enrolled in the college of engineering because architecture was not being offered by the state college in Cabanatuan City, his birthplace.

The scale and drafting tools of an architect he didn’t get to possess. But this gave way for him to become an architect of peace for his motherland. As a law enforcer, he said, not all are given the chance to hold key positions in the PNP. Ruled by virtues of honesty and excellence, he was entrusted with key roles as director of Highway Patrol Group, district director of Northern Police District and Southern Police District, regional director of Police Regional Office CALABARZON and director of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

“Of course, success cannot be achieved overnight. It is a lifelong process and a product of life’s choices and decisions. As for me, before I reached these two stars on my shoulders, I hurdled numerous obstacles and challenges in my career. Being a police officer, especially during my junior years, being a frontliner in the fight against criminal elements, every day is a dangerous day. Once you go out of your house, (while) wearing your uniform, there is this possibility that you will not go home alive. That is our everyday struggle,” said Cruz.

He added that climbing the laddered position in the PNP and being promoted to star rank is a tedious process. Hard work and perseverance brought him significant accomplishments recognized by the PNP and other award-giving bodies. With  this, he earned a good service reputation and gained the trust and respect of many.

In all this, the good-natured general admitted, he could not surpass all those struggles “without the prayers and support of my family and friends.”

“I consider my father, Tatay Oca, as my hero. Growing up, he had been there for me and supported me in all my decisions. He set himself as an example of being a responsible man and father to his children. If not for his strict mentoring and stern approach in disciplining us, I would probably not be where I am now. He is definitely my hero who inspired me to never give up in chasing my dreams,” he said.

Cruz said he grew up “in a resource-deprived environment.”

“But that did not hinder me to enjoy life and cherish my childhood moments. My childhood was like a roller-coaster ride. The heartfelt love of my parents and the bond created between my siblings and me made it worthy to be treasured.

“Even as a teenager, I was fully aware of the hardship of my parents to make ends meet for our big family. Instead of being an additional burden to my parents, I initiated ways to help them. In my high school days, during summer vacation, instead of spending my days playing and hanging out with my friends, I opted to earn extra income by being a parttime worker in a construction site and there I experienced mixing cement and hard labor. I also experienced being a stevedore in a Coca-Cola warehouse. Being a teenager then, I was not ashamed of what I was doing. Instead I was proud and happy that even at a young age, I could be of help to my family,” he said.

What inspires Cruz to do good for his country?

“I have three children, Ciaeli, Juneli and Joriel, and my love for them and their future family inspires me to do good for our country. This country is where all of us live so it is my desire that it will always be a peaceful, safe place to live in, and also stable to do business.

“Further, I know that my kids are looking up to me and setting me as their role model. So I want to instill in their hearts the same principles that I have and inspire them to do the same,” he said.

Cruz added: “Before resting at night, my wife Letlet and I pray together for the continuous protection and safety of our family, that all of my loved ones will continue to be healthy, happy and contented with their lives. I also pray for God’s plan in my career after retirement, that I will be able to continue to serve our country in whatever capacity.”

How much does the two-star general love the Philippines?

“My services rendered for the country for more than three decades, my unblemished reputation and clean record in my career speak well of my genuine love for the country.  Loving the country means loving the people living in it. With my long years of giving public service to the entire citizenry, I conclude that my love for the country is immeasurable,” Cruz said.

Cruz appeals to the young generation never to forget our heroes and what they have done for our country.

“These heroes also include those police officers and soldiers who died in the line of duty. These heroes are sons, daughters, husbands, wives, mothers and fathers, too. Their sacrifices should not be in vain. That is why to our younger generation, respect these heroes and honor their lives by showing your love to the country. Loving the country means being law abiding citizen and being a productive member of society,” he concluded.

Gen. Eliseo Cruz is reaping what he has sown — an infinite love for the country that loves him back and an immense dedication for the job that will never get tired of doing. *