Meet the youngest officer of the PNP: Marky Cortezo, 5 years old

Wish to be a policeman, granted with the help of the Philippine National Police

Diagnosed with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura or ITP, a condition of having abnormally low blood platelet counts of no known cause, which can lead to an increased risk of bleeding and large skin bruises, 5 year old Marky may be too young to understand the severity of his illness. But as young and unwitting as he is, Marky already knows what he wants in life, and that is to be a policeman. With the help of the Philippine National Police, Make-A-Wish® Philippines turns Marky’s wish into reality. On November 14, the PNP, headed by PNP Chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome, welcomes Marky into its ranks by awarding him with the PNP Badge of Honor and making him an honorary policeman.

The wish-grant was an exciting and very memorable day for all. Marky was a special attendee at the PNP Monday Flag Raising Ceremony at the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, which was also the celebration of the PNP Civil Security Group Anniversary. In his new custom-fit police uniform, police hat and new shoes, Marky joined the parade and had two battalions salute him. Little Marky was a breath of fresh air to the usual early morning routine of the steadfast policemen and policewomen of the PNP. Upon recognition of Marky as honorary policeman, the PNP surprised him with a special present – a special edition PNP remote control car! Afterwards, he had the chance to ride an actual PNP patrol car, and spent the rest of his day touring the PNP grounds.

This wish-grant is reminiscent of ‘The First Wish’ that gave birth to the Make-A-Wish Foundation®. Read more about ‘The First Wish’ on our website http://www.makeawish.org.ph/about.html

View photos from Marky’s day at the PNP here