MANILA (3rd UPDATE) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed MGen. Benjamin Acorda as the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Acorda will replace outgoing PNP chief PGen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr, who is set to retire on Monday at the age of 56.

Azurin headed the country's 220,000-strong police force for 9 months, which had been marred by an alleged cover-up of a P6.7-billion drug bust in Manila last October.

In his speech, Acorda said the PNP would be transparent and serve with dignity and professionalism under his watch.

He said the PNP would be relentless in its anti-criminality campaign through "sincere police presence."

"I am soliciting the support of everyone for I cannot do it alone. I ask for your cooperation, your support, and your commitment. Together, we will overcome the challenges the organization is facing," Acorda said.

"We will not rest until every Filipino feels secure in their homes, in their streets, and in their places of work."

The new police chief warned that officers involved in the drug trade would be removed from service.

"Rewards and punishment will be quick and decisive, which will be fair and impartial. Due process shall be observed," Acorda said.

The assignment of PNP posts will be based on meritocracy and abilities, he said.

"We will protect the delivery of basic services to the disadvantaged Filipinos in the hinterlands and to the urban poor," he added.

Before being appointed as PNP chief, Acorda was the deputy director for administration of the Metro Manila police, and held various posts in Ilocos Norte, Palawan and Mimaropa.

For his part, Marcos Jr. issued several directives to Acorda, such as enhancing "operational ties with law enforcement agencies" and ensuring "integrated, coordinated, and systematic approaches in addressing our peace and order and internal security issues."

"Protect the people, especially the weak, the vulnerable, and those who indirectly work with us in the same cause such as journalists, civic action groups, civil volunteers, [and] the like," he told Acorda.

"Serve the people with integrity, with accountability, and genuine justice. Always be open to public scrutiny and practice restraint and maximum tolerance in the face of harsh criticism," the President added.

He also assured the new PNP chief that his administration would give its "full support."

"I will ensure the entire PNP is given the administration's full support for its organization and its plans, [as well as] its progress that seek to boost the morale of our personnel, hone their skills, and advance their capabilities," Marcos said.

A member of Philippine Military Academy "Sambisig" Class of 1991, Acorda earned his Master’s Degree in Management from the Philippine Christian University.

His family had "produced a long line of public officials in Ilocos Norte," according to the Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM).

• Azurin after nearly 9 months as PNP chief: 'No regrets'
• 'Biggest drug haul': P6.7-B worth of alleged illegal drugs seized in NCR operations

— With reports from Job Manahan and Raffy Cabristante, ABS-CBN News