Higher allowances for police deployed in danger zones pushed in Senate

MANILA, Philippines–Saddened by the meager allowances of the country’s police force, Senator Sonny Angara pressed on Wednesday for the passage of a bill that would raise the monthly hazard and combat pays of policemen in danger zones.

From the present P580, the total monthly hazard and combat pay of the policemen would be raised to P8,467 a month if Angara’s proposed bill known as the “Magna Carta for the Philippine National Police (PNP)” would  be passed into law.

The senator’s renewed call for the immediate passage of  his bill was prompted by relieved Special Action Force (SAF) Director Getulio Napeñas’ revelation that members of PNP stationed in danger zones and tactical units receive a monthly hazard pay of only P240 and a combat pay of P1,020 every quarter or P340 a month.

Under Angara’s proposed measure, “uniformed PNP personnel who [are] exposed to hardship and combat situation or other hazard unusual to peacekeeping, crime prevention and investigation activities will be compensated with a special hardship allowance,” similar to hazard and combat pay, equivalent to at least 50 percent of their monthly basic salary.

“I believe that the measly amount of P580 a month is not enough to compensate for the bravery, hardship and sacrifice of our elite cops who willingly risk their lives for the security of the Filipino people. The government must show greater appreciation and recognition for their unwavering service by increasing their benefits and allowances,” he said in a statement.

On top of the special hardship allowance, the bill also provides for a remote assignment allowance to uniformed PNP personnel who accept assignments in remote areas or isolated situations equivalent to at least 50 percent of their monthly basic salary as well.

It also provides for additional benefits for non-uniformed personnel of the PNP, Angara said.

Also under the proposed measure, PNP personnel will be entitled to reasonable leaves and retirement programs, and a holistic PNP development program which includes provisions on merit promotions, performance evaluation, in-service training, overseas and local scholarships, training grants, incentive award system, among others.

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Despite dangerous duty, elite forces receive only P240 hazard pay monthly