First Muslim to get 2-star rank in the PNP

The country's first Muslim post-war two-star police general has been designated the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) point man in the peace process.

Sukarno Ikbala, head of the PNP Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development, took his oath as director in Camp Crame Tuesday, the PNP said on its website (www.pnp.gov.ph).

"Ikbala’s promotion is a significant milestone for the Philippine National Police as he is the first post-war Muslim Officer to be promoted to the 2-star rank in the PNP," the PNP article said.

“I am very thankful for all the people who have made this unprecedented feat possible and to those who have extended their support especially in the PNP’s continued battle against criminality," Ikbala said.

Attending the ceremony were Reps. Mujid Hataman (Anak Mindanaw) and Abdolmunir Arbeson (Sulu), and Mayor Omar Aripin of Turtle Island in Tawi-tawi.

PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa commended Ikbala as well as the other Muslim officers of the PNP for their exemplary performance in keeping the peace in Mindanao.

“The Muslim officers of the PNP have exemplified a great deal of leadership and they played a vital role in our peace initiatives. In that regard, I am directing (Director) Ikbala to be the ‘point man’ in our peace process in Mindanao," Verzosa added.

Ikbala belongs to the PMA “Magilas" Class of 1976 and has formerly held key positions in the Mindanao region.

He was previously the police chief of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and senior assistant to the PNP chief for Muslim concerns.

Also, he was former director of the Police Community Relations Group. - GMANews.TV