PNPA Class Valedictorian PCDT Caesar Ian Binucal (right) walks to his line after he delivered his valedictory address at the 31st commencement exercises of ‘Mabikas’ Class 2010 in Silang, Cavite Thursday. (Photo by MARK BALMORES)

A son of a tricycle driver topped this year’s 198 graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) who will be commissioned as officers of the country’s police, fire, and jail services.

In the graduation rites held at Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite, Thursday, 23-year-old Ceasar Ian Cordero Binucal of Maragondon, Cavite, said he is set to join the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP), describing the combat unit as the elite force of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Binucal said joining the SAF will extensively expose him to rigid police work with extraordinary challenges like fighting the insurgents who are out to disrupt the peaceful life in the community.

He stressed that as a PNPA product he earnestly wants to evolve into a transformational leader who will be worthy of emulation by his peers and subordinates. He believes that honest and excellent police officers still far outnumber the rogue cops in the force.

“I will just have to do what is right and become a transformational police officer rather than a transactional one,’’ Binucal added.

Binucal said his determination to rise above poverty made him aim high and be on top of his class.

Aside from Binucal, the other top graduates include Cadet First Class Mark Antony Aningalan of San Pablo City, Cadet First Class Rovie Ann Dulay Noe of Arngay, La Union; Melissa Boaquina Silva of Naga City; Abdul Khayr Modal Ammad of Zamboanga City; Peter Glen Deiparine Ipong of Digos City; Wilim Ladawan Facsoy of Baguio City; Joseph Tiezo Llamas of Albay; Gechris Mantaring Abanilla of Batangas; and Jennifer Besabe Baron of Naga City.

Of the 198 graduates, 159 will join the PNP, 21 will go to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and 18 will render service at the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

This year’s PNPA graduates are composed of 159 males and 39 females.

The PNPA is an education and training for future officers of the police, fire, and jail services under the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC), an attached agency of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

PPSC president Margarita “Tingting’’ Cojuangco said this year’s graduates who belong to the “Mabikas Class of 2010’’ will be conferred with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Public Safety (BSPS).