PNP looking for new blood

The Philippine National Police is in need of fresh blood.

PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said the PNP had 6,617 vacancies nationwide for Police Officer 1, the entry- level position for noncommissioned officers. Of this, 1,570 are in the National Capital Region alone.

Mayor acknowledged the recent suggestion of Sen. Chiz Escudero that the PNP step up its recruitment.

According to the PNP public information office, the PNP has 23,252 unfilled slots for non-commissioned officers and 568 for commissioned officers.

Escudero made the suggestion following President Aquino’s order redeploying the police Highway Patrol Group to man traffic on Edsa.

“There really is a shortage, that is why we are currently recruiting [personnel], even if just for the PO1 [rank] first,” Mayor said.

“It’s high time, since demands on the PNP are changing…so proactively, we are encouraging those interested to apply,” he said.

Asked why recruitment seems to be lagging, Mayor said there were “many factors.”

“It’s possible there are applicants but they can’t comply with our requirements, so they don’t pass,” he said.

Mayor said applicants may check the PNP website PNP.gov.ph for the requirements.