New cops told: Be proficient

CEBU, Philippines - “The moment of truth has come.”  

This was what Regional Police Director Marcelo Garbo Jr. told the 232 new policemen as he spoke before them during yesterday’s oath-taking ceremony at Camp Sergio Osmeña Sr, Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City.

Garbo said that amidst the challenges of the uniformed service, recruits should perform their mandated duties and responsibilities with utmost certainty and proficiency.

As new recruits, the director reminded everyone to follow the mandate of the Philippine National Police Chief Nicanor Bartolome of “serbisyong may pagkukusa.” to the people. (Service with initiative.)

“As new members of the PNP, you (recruits) are expected to maintain a high standard of morality and professionalism,” he said.

He further challenges the new Police Officers (PO1) to be submissive during training to prepare them to be assigned in various units to combat crimes and criminal elements throughout the region.

Though the recruits were sent on a six-month-long Public Safety Basic Recruit Course (PSBRC) at the Regional Training School 7, in Gaas, Balamban Cebu, Garbo also reminded the family and friends of the recruits to “cherish the moment” as they will bear weeks without their loved ones.   

Janesa Balili, 25, of Bohol, considers the ceremony as a step in ensuring the future of her two daughters, Angelina 2 and Gweyneth 4.

With Angelina in her arms, Balili told The FREEMAN that being a policewoman has long been her dream as a girl and now as a mother to her two lovely daughters.

“Mao na gyud ni ang akong pangandoy, nga ma-pulis ko,” she said. (This is really my dream, to be a policewoman.)

Though she will not see her kids for a year, she will take the challenge and bear the pain of being away for the future of her children.

“Kayahon ni nako bahala na gyud ang sakit kay para ni sa akong mga anak,” Balili said. (I will endure this, no matter how it would hurt, because this is for my children.)

Meanwhile, Clint Ferraren, of Negros Oriental, who was alone during the ceremony, considers his entry to the PNP as everything he and his big family had dreamed of.

He said his family had no funds to travel to Cebu.

As the only college graduate among his four other siblings, being a policeman is a step towards a better life, and a tribute to his grandparents who has supported him throughout his studies.

“Bahala’g wala sila karon uban nako apan happy gihapon ko kay pulis na gyud ko,” he said. (Although they are not with me today, I am still happy because finally, I’m now a policeman.)

Based on the official order dated November 21, 2011 to January 6, 2012, out of 405 applicants, 232 made it from Regions six, seven and eight. Of the said number, 197 are males and 35 are females. (FREEMAN)