Napolcom eyes PNP recruitment revamp

MANILA, Philippines — The National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Monday said it was reviewing the recruitment processes of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Napolcom, which has administrative control of the PNP, previously said it wanted to make the recruitment process stricter following a series of misconduct cases among rookie police officers.

“We have issued a directive to our commissioners to review the recruitment processes of the Philippine National Police,” Napolcom Executive Officer Atty. Rafael Calinisan said in remarks at their central office in Quezon City.

“Napolcom is now reviewing the recruitment of the PNPA and the basic recruits. We’re also looking at their curriculum,” he added.

Calinisan further noted that it was Napolcom Commissioner Josephus Garrote Angan who was specifically tasked with reviewing the PNPA’s recruitment process and curriculum.

READ: More stringent recruitment, ‘integrity education’ for cops eyed

On Monday, Napolcom signed an agreement with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) to bolster legal education for police officers.

In his remarks, IBP National President Atty. Allan Panolong suggested a separate agreement for legal education for PNP recruits.

“If the IBP lawyers will be given that opportunity to actually share the necessary legal knowledge, to really prepare our recruits to become competent police officers,” Panolong said.

“We already conduct the training already with PNP personnel, but I think it would be more practical if from the recruitment side,” he added. /cb