PNP rethinks physical test

MANILA, Philippines—It looks like the test did not pass muster.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has suspended the mandatory annual physical fitness test all police officers must take.

Force spokesperson Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo said the PNP would have to come up with a better way of administering the test.

The physical fitness test is conducted twice a year, or every six months, and on only one day each time.

Failure to take and pass the test would result in administrative sanctions.

“This (physical fitness test) is being reviewed, it’s under study. The purpose is to come up or formulate a better one,” Cerbo said.

“The PNP is looking for a kind of test that would be more responsive to the needs of our organization,” he told reporters on Monday.

Cerbo said the PNP received feedback about the physical test not being administered properly since it had limited test dates.

“Our current system sets a date (for the physical fitness test) and almost all PNP personnel have to take the test at the same time,” he said.

“We know that if the system is designed that way—I’m not making a conclusion—the quality (of the test) may be compromised,” he said.

Cerbo said the PNP would come up with a better system to administer the physical test.

“Our objective is to correctly gauge the physical fitness of our police force,” he said.