PNP commended in UN Mission in Liberia

MANILA, Philippines - United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) Police Commissioner John Nielsen commended the Philippine National Police (PNP) contingent to UNMIL led by Police Superintendent Roman dela Cruz “for exemplary and selfless service rendered to UNMIL” and for initiating a pioneering project, Adopt a Police Station.

Nielsen added, “This project best exemplifies the true essence of public service that goes beyond your mandated task. You volunteered and shared your limited resources, time and efforts to rehabilitate one LNP police station and made it a place more conducive for work and a safer place for citizens to come in.”

UNMIL is now on its 10th year of successful peacekeeping mission in Liberia with participating contingents coming from more than 40 countries, including the Philippines.

Dela Cruz, who led the 36-member contingent, said that this project was made possible through the support and guidance of UNMIL Deputy Police Commissioner Cesar Binag. He added, “We are very proud as Filipinos to have a kababayan occupying the second highest position in UNMIL Police.”

For his part, Binag said, “the excellent service reputation that the PNP contingent to UNMIL has built over the years is a known trademark in the Mission. This is something that the PNP and our country can be proud of.”

The Adopt a Police Station project is an outreach program that showcases the power of community effort to transform a dilapidated and shabby looking police station into a more conducive and more comfortable environment to work, and a place where citizens are welcome to come in.

The members of the PNP contingent, armed with hammers, saws, paint brushes and rollers, repaired and renovated the Zone II Station at Westpoint Market, one of the most populated areas with one of the highest crime incidents in Central Monrovia.

Working over a week during their off-duty hours, the PNP contingent together with Binag turned over the station to the head of the Liberia National Police, Inspector General Chris Massaquoi.

Through the collective efforts and individual financial contributions of the Philippine contingent, the Adopt a Police Station project showcased the time-honored Filipino tradition of bayanihan.

The members of the PNP contingent, who just ended their tour of duty, went home with honor and pride for their contributions to UNMIL. Nielsen, in his farewell, said, “This commendable initiative not only gives pride to your Contingent but it contributes as well to UNMIL mandate implementation worthy for others to emulate; it also strengthens the trust and confidence in the Mission and the relationship between UNMIL and its national counterparts.”

The Contingent will present their commendation to PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima when they report back to PNP headquarters.