SOME police officers are remembered for the criminals they arrested, the operations they led, or the awards they received.
Others are remembered for something more important — the lives they touched.
PEMS Paquito Enriquez Chan belongs to the latter group.
After 30 years and 29 days of service, Chan will retire from the Philippine National Police on August 30, 2026. For many police officers, retirement marks the end of a long and demanding career.
For Chan, however, it is only the end of his official service. His service to humanity will continue.
As a member of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion – CALABARZON, Chan dedicated his career to law enforcement.
But beyond his duties as a policeman, he also became a committed humanitarian who consistently reached out to marginalized communities, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, disaster victims and fellow law enforcement personnel.
He supported outreach programs, relief operations and community initiatives, extending help to people who needed it most.
What makes his story even more inspiring is that he continued serving despite being a stroke survivor.
His condition could have forced him to step back. Instead, he chose to continue helping others. His own struggles did not make him turn away from the suffering of others. Rather, they strengthened his determination to serve.
His recognitions — including being named a Goodwill Ambassador of the PNP, receiving the Asia’s Outstanding Humanitarian Advocate Award, the NAPOLCOM Socio-Civic Service Award and the World Icon Excellence and Leadership Award — are meaningful.
But awards are only symbols.
The true measure of a public servant is the number of lives he has touched and the difference he has made, even when nobody was watching.
Chan showed that being a policeman is not only about wearing a uniform, carrying a badge, or enforcing the law. It is also about compassion and service.
When he retires, the PNP will lose an active police officer. But the people will not lose the example he has set.
The uniform may come off, but his legacy will re
main.
Because a true policeman may retire from the service — but a true servant of the people never retires from serving.
