MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday reminded newly-promoted police generals to “respect human rights at all times”.

Marcos Jr. gave the statement after he administered the oath to 39 star-rank police officials in Malacañang.

“As you don your new badges, remember you are not only rising in rank, you are also rising in responsibility. You are stepping up into a position that demands no less than the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and respect for human rights at all times,” the President said in his speech.

“Let your actions always be rooted to what is right, what must be done, and what is legally ordered,” he said.

“Perform your duties with utmost dedication, integrity, and accountability, knowing that the trust and confidence placed in you demands your very best,” he said.

The Commander-in-Chief also reminded the newly-promoted generals to “lead by example” in carrying out their responsibility “to faithfully, honestly, and unequivocally uphold and defend our Constitution.”

“Ensure that all PNP personnel are fulfilling their duties with integrity, competence, and trustworthiness, considering that our police force plays a very significant role to maintain peace and order, protect communities, and to respond in times of calamities,” Marcos Jr. said.

“Our people expect the police force that is reliable, responsive, and resolutely committed to protecting the lives of every Filipino,” he said.

“Filipinos expect to live in a safe, fair, and just environment where peace and order are observed while upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens.”

Marcos Jr. challenged the PNP leadership to “rise up to the complexity of today’s challenges.”

“Balance the demands of law enforcement while preserving institutional integrity, adhere to human rights, and have effective leadership to address multifaceted issues that surround our country today,” the President said.

“The road ahead will not be easy but this I know: You wear your badge not just on your chest but in your convictions,” he said.

“Itaguyod natin ang isang Bagong Pilipinas kung saan ramdam ang kapayapaan sa buong kapuluan at kung saan ang bawat Pilipino ay nabubuhay nang matiwasay, walang takot, at may dignidad,” he said.

TORRE PROMOTED

Of the 39 newly promoted police generals, four were lieutenant generals, 11 were major generals, while 24 others were brigadier generals.

They include the following. 

• - PLTGen Robert Tiron Rodriguez
• - PLTGen Bernard Mollanida Banac
• - PLTGen Jose Melencio Corpuz Nartatez Jr.
• - PLTGen Edgar Alan Omas Okubo
• - PMGen Robert Alexander Auilar Morico II
• - PMGen Westrimundo Domantay Obinque
• - PMGen Sidney Navarro Villaflor
• - PMGen Ronnie Francis Manuel Cariaga
• - PMGen Mark Danglait Pespes
• - PMGen Roderick Augustus Balaran Alba
• - PMGen Romaldo Gapayao Bayting
• - PMGen Nicolas Supan Salvador
• - PMGen Christopher Carodan Birung
• - PMGen Constancio Torayan Chinayog Jr.
• - PMGen Nicolas Deloso Torre III
• - PBGen Leon Victor Zamora Rosete
• - PBGen Clint Chicay Bayacsan
• - PBGen Joseph Reyes Arguelles
• - PBGen Maria Leonora Chua Camarao
• - PBGen Christopher Ramos Dela Cruz
• - PBGen Roel Cuevas Rodolfo
• - PBGen William Mongas Segun
• - PBGen Alberto Del Mundo Villapando
• - PBGen Salvador Tingowan Alacyang
• - PBGen Aden Tupas Lagradante
• - PBGen Randy Ygay Arceo
• - PBGen Rudecindo Licup Reales
• - PBGen Jean Salvador Fajardo
• - PBGen Roy Bardelosa Parena
• - PBGen Edwin Aguilan Quilates
• - PBGen Warren Gaspar Appad Tolito
• - PBGen Marlou Roy Virtudes Alzate
• - PBGen Christopher Marcial Abecia
• - PBGen Adolfo Tapado Rafanan
• - PBGen Benigno Leonud Guzman
• - PBGen Cresenciano Austria Landicho
• - PBGen Jaime Borlongan Cadatal
• - PBGen Ericson Diaz Dilag
• - PBGen Ronald Valdez Gayo

The promotion comes about a month after the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte allegedly prompted the resignation of several police and military members — which the administration has repeatedly denied.

VP Sara calls out AFP for 'standing idly' during Duterte arrest and transfer
Sara Duterte back in PH after dad Digong's detention in the Netherlands
Palace: Cases vs Filipinos in pro-Duterte rally in Qatar dismissed

Among those promoted is Torre, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief who served the arrest warrant against Duterte and led operations to bring him to the Netherlands, where he is fighting charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court for his drug war. 

Torre reveals 'threat' from Rodrigo Duterte: 'My children will go after you'
Torre on Kitty Duterte cursing him: 'Ayos lang 'yon'