MANILA, Philippines?Some 968 recruits into the Metro Manila police, who were given the temporary rank of Police Officer 1, took their oath at the Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, Wednesday morning.

Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales, Metro Manila police director, who administered the oath-taking rites, said on Wednesday the new recruits would undergo a six-month Public Safety Basic Recruit Course and another six-month Field Training Program before they could join the Philippine National Police.

The recruits, composed of 835 men and 133 women, are part of the 1,000 quota that the National Capital Regional Police Office set when it opened the recruitment.

Rosales told the recruits that he would personally monitor the progress of their training ?to make sure that they have the right attitude towards service, proper skills needed in their work, and relevant knowledge of the law and other law enforcement functions.?

He warned them that he would have them arrested, detained and charged if they violated the code of conduct of the police or get involved in any illegal activity.

Superintendent Rommel Miranda, NCRPO spokesperson, said that the new policemen passed a rigid screening process based on the set standards which consider the merit and fitness of police recruits.

All police units like the Regional Mobile Group, Northern Police District and Quezon City Police District were able to fill their quota except for MPD and SPD which still need additional recruits.

According to Miranda, the PNP is still open to all qualified Filipino men and women who are 21 to 30 years old, holders of college degrees, and of good moral character.