Thousands of new cops to hit streets

MORE will be patrolling the streets and maintaining order nationwide after the Philippine National Police hired 10,000 new law enforcers who are set to take their oath in July.

In a statement on Friday, Interior Secretary and National Police Commission chair  Mel Senen Sarmiento said the policemen  were hired to meet the PNP’s regular recruitment quota, which is intended to strengthen public safety forces in various regional offices, especially in insurgency-affected areas.

The rookie policemen will bulk up the PNP’s operational support units such as the Special Action Force, Maritime Group and Aviation Security Group.

“These new young bloods went through rigorous screening, including drug tests, face-to-face interviews, psychological and psychiatric examinations, complete background investigation and committee deliberation, among other things,” Sarmiento said.

Recruits undergo the Public Safety Basic Recruit Course for six months, a Field Training Program for another six months and  mandatory special training in the PNP Special Counter-Insurgency Unit Training (Scout) Course for 45 days to five months.

Meanwhile, another 11,200 policemen will be hired to meet the PNP’s attrition quota and replace personnel who left the service from 2013 up to this year.

Sarmiento said hiring will start this month, with the oath-taking scheduled not later than Nov. 15.

“I am calling out our brave Filipino fellowmen and women who aspire to join the PNP. Now is the time for you to realize your dream of contributing to nation-building by keeping our communities and streets safe. Check the PNP website or go to the nearest police station near you to inquire about the application process,”  Sarmiento said.  Jaymee T. Gamil