“Being a National Police is much more than a profession: it is a vocation of service that is exercised with courage, sacrifice, courage and the conviction that your work makes Spain a safer, freer and fairer country. Being national police officers is synonymous with being guarantors of democratic coexistence and the values of our Constitution.”

The Delegate of the Government, Sabrina Moh, presided this noon in the Kursaal Theater the institutional act held on the occasion of the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels, patrons of the National Police.

In his speech, Moh recalled that Article 104 of the Constitution establishes that it is up to the Security Forces to “guarantee the free exercise of rights and freedoms and citizen security.” “That is your raison d’être, your mandate. And you do it every day, even if the circumstances are not always easy,” he said.

The highest representative of the Government of Spain in our city has highlighted that the National Police is “one of the institutions not only best valued, but also most respected by Spanish society” and has stressed that, throughout its history, the body “has been able to accompany our country at every stage of its evolution, always at the service of the citizenry and faithful to the values that inspire it: vocation of service, professionalism and commitment to the security and freedom of all”.

Recognition of history and the new challenges

During his speech, Moh reviewed the role played by the National Police at decisive moments: “He has been a protagonist in the consolidation of our democracy, in the fight against terrorism, in the face of organized crime and in the face of those who have wanted to break social peace. And you have always done so calmly, effectively and with a firmness that can only be born from the conviction of serving a just cause.”

But the Delegate has also alluded to the current challenges: “We live in a globalized and interconnected world, where technology is the engine of progress, but also of risks: cybercrime, digital fraud, disinformation. Faced with them, the National Police responds with preparation, innovation and specialization.”

In addition, he recalled that challenges linked to the most human dimension persist, such as gender violence, hate crimes or human trafficking, areas in which the National Police “has been at the forefront, combining firmness in the application of the law with sensitivity towards those who need more protection.”

In relation to our city, the head of the Government Delegation has stressed the importance of having a “prepared, close and committed” National Police. “Melilla is a unique, diverse city, the southern border of Spain and Europe, which requires extraordinary effort and dedication. And you and you, national police officers stationed in Melilla, demonstrate it every day with professionalism, serenity and an immense sense of duty,” he said.

Thanks and congratulations

Moh has dedicated a special thank you to the families: “In addition to the recognition of society, you always have the unconditional support of your families, to whom I would like to convey a very special gratitude. You are a fundamental part of this service and your understanding is indispensable for them to fulfill their mission.”

He has also had an emotional memory for the deceased policemen and has pointed out that today’s day is a “day of emotional remembrance for those colleagues who are no longer here, but whose example remains among us as a legacy of honor and dedication.”

During her speech, the Delegate congratulated those who have received awards “that symbolize the effort, perseverance and commitment demonstrated throughout a trajectory” and those who retire after a life dedicated to public service, whose work “is inscribed forever in the history of the Body and in the memory of this city”.

Sabrina Moh has had words of special affection for the former Superior Chief of Police in Melilla, José Antonio Togores, who retired on August 16. “Your serene leadership, your profound knowledge of the institution and your capacity for listening and dialogue have left an indelible mark,” he said. “Dear José Antonio, today you receive our sincere thanks for your career, your commitment and your work,” he added, while wishing you the best in this new stage.

Support of the Delegation

In the final part of his speech, Moh reiterated the Delegation’s continued support for the institution: “You will always count on the Government Delegation, in general, and with me in particular, knowing that we will work to provide you with constant support in your daily work.”

In addition, he stressed that the National Police develops its work in collaboration with the Civil Guard, the Local Police, the Armed Forces, the Defense Delegation, private security and “all those organizations, entities, institutions and administrations with which you work day by day, always from loyalty and with maximum coordination”.

The Delegate has invited the police officers to wear their uniform with pride “because it symbolizes the commitment to citizenship and the trust that society places in each one of you.”