MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. on Friday lauded the force's team for bagging victories in two combat sports events -- karatedo and taekwondo -- during the annual competition with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
“The event, though a competition, is an effort to unite the military force of the country. It nourishes the sportsmanship, athleticism, and camaraderie of all the participants,” Azurin said in a statement.
The PNP was named fourth runner-up after bagging three gold, three silver, and three bronze medals in the games.
The police force's three gold medals came from the karatedo, taekwondo and tennis events.
The Philippine Army was named the champion with a haul of nine gold, five silver, and four bronze medals.
“The PNP may not have won the overall championship, nonetheless, it has achieved the goal of the event to foster friendship and unity among law enforcers and soldiers and staying fit, be it in sports or in service. Mabuhay ang atletang pulis, sundalo at tanod baybayin!,” Azurin added.
The PNP taekwondo team is packed with an experienced roster of veterans who also won in the 2022 World Police-Fire Games held in Rotterdam, Netherlands last August.
The taekwondo team of the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame harvested 17 gold, 10 silver, and nine bronze medals, while the “Pilipinas Puso” volleyball players of the Police Regional Office 11 (Davao region) in Davao City finished third place in the indoor competition. (PNA)