Only 280 pass as police recruits

CEBU, Philippines - This year’s second semester police recruits decreased after the police introduced a more stringent recruitment process for aspiring applicants after several incidents of violence and crime involving police personnel.

Police Regional Office-7 chief of staff Senior Supt. Josephus Angan said yesterday that out of more than 500 applicants for this year’s second semester only 280 were accepted. They were sworn yesterday at PRO-7.

During this year’s first semester recruitment PRO-7 swore in 524 recruits.

Angan said they would rather have less recruits who are physically and mentally healthy than have more who are not.

“Wa gyud kaabot sa quota but we need to get quality recruits,” he said.

The recruits underwent an agility test, a neuro-psychiatric test, a drug test, a medical and dental examination and panel checking.

During yesterday’s oath-taking, the entire PRO-7 quadrangle erupted into applause after all of the new recruits were sworn in by PRO-7 director Marcelo Garbo Jr.

During his speech, Garbo challenged their new recruits to be a new breed of law enforcers who embody the ideals of public trust.

He said that as new policemen, they should be truthful servants and protectors of the community.

Irene Lucero, 29, of Mandaue City, cried yesterday while holding her two kids who just witnessed the fulfillment of her dream to be a policewoman. 

“Mixed emotions gyud sir, but happy kaayo tungod kay ma-secure na namo ang kaugmaon sa akong mga anak,” Irene said.

Her husband Alex, 35, who is a member of the Mandaue City Special Weapons and Tactics team, shared her happiness.

He said that finally, after three years of patiently waiting, his wife finally made it to the police force.

“Dugay na gyud na niyan gipangandoy. Apan karon naabot na gyud niya aron sab among ma-secure ang future sa among mga bata,” he said.

Irene joined 50 other female and 229 male recruits who were sent yesterday to the Regional Training School in Barangay Gaas, Balamban town, for six months of training.

This will be followed by another six months on training under the police Field Training Program where they will be sent to various police detachments throughout Central Visayas.

Finally they will undergo the police modified Special Counterinsurgency Operations Unit Training for 45 days.

Another person who bid goodbye to his family was Roni Padeos, who kissed his wife Hazel who was cradling their first child in her arms. 

Hazel said though it is difficult to be alone, she will wait for her husband because this is the start of their new life. (FREEMAN)