SENATORIAL candidate and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez commended the 32,000 security forces, led by Philippine National Police chief Director General Ricardo Marquez, for showing “malasakit” [empathy] in the performance of their duties during the just-concluded Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting.
Romualdez, a lawyer and president of the Philippine Constitution Association, said he is hoping that the great accomplishment in APEC “would provide continued motivation in making future tasks a success also,” recalling that the PNP duplicated in APEC its successful security arrangement in guaranteeing the safety of Pope Francis during his visit in the Philippines last January.
He thanked the organizers, especially Marquez, for providing security to the world’s most powerful leaders amidst global threats of terrorism following the recent Paris bloodbath.
“I thank the PNP and all the women and men who showed malasakit in giving their hard work. They did a great job in keeping the peace and order amidst most challenging and trying APEC Leaders’ Summit,” Romualdez, head of the House Independent Bloc, stressed in acknowledging and thanking everyone’s extra effort to ensure the success of APEC.
“They showed excellence in dealing with so many concerns because the country plays a great risk with the presence of world leaders here just after the worse terrorist attacks in Paris,” Romualdez, the chairman of the House committee on ethics during the 15th Congress, explained.
“Many of our government security men were overworked and sleepless and not even billeted in hotels. They showed malasakit to the call of their duty to ensure that everything would be in order,” said Romualdez.
Romualdez said the hard work and dedication of all people behind the successful security for APEC delegates “showcases that the PNP is a role model despite meager budget for their modernization.”
He expressed strong belief that “PNP’s commitment to excellence would inspire and impress the international community.”
“Their brilliance behind the outstanding work is truly superb, above and beyond. The PNP has set a high bar with this one,” Romualdez pointed out in showing his appreciation, gratitude, and commendation to them.
The heads of state held series of activities at the Philippine International Convention Center complex in Pasay City last Nov. 18 and 19.
The leaders skipped discussing the continued aggressive invasion of China in the disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea.
The heads of state of the 21-member economies condemned all acts of terrorism and called for closer global cooperation in the fight against extremist violence.