311 new cops for CV

CEBU, Philippines - More than 300 new Philippine National Police recruits took their oath yesterday as full-pledged police officers at the Police Regional Office-7.

PRO-7 Director Chief Superintendent Prudencio Bañas congratulated the 311 new police officers and encouraged them to focus on their career as law enforcers.

He shared that PNP recruits need to go through rigorous training and comply with the requirements needed before they get to be finally considered as official police authorities.

"Napakahirap pumasok sa organisasyon. They should be serious now that they are starting off, they have to make the most out of it," he said.

He also reminded them not to hesitate in reporting the practices that are not in consonance with the good moral and right conduct of a police officer. He added that they should avoid instances that will subject them to physical, financial and psychological maltreatment.

He also advised the recruits to apply what is being taught to them and learn from their superiors. He further told the trainers and mentors to lead by example and guide them into the right perspective.

"We are trying to mold these young recruits both physically and morally so that they will eventually become what they want to be when they grow up," he said.

Among the new recruits were twin sisters, Kathy and Karin Salvacion from Mandaue City who are both licensed criminologists. The Salvacion sisters said that becoming policewomen has been their childhood dream since they also came from a family of police and Army officers.

"This is what we want since elementary," Kathy said, adding that they applied twice but failed the first time due to the height requirement.

Karin shared that while they are excited and happy with their new journey, they would expect the worst from the training.

"But we will never give up. We will fight for what we think is right," she said.

Another set of twins, Roudgie Louell and Redgir Glecer Montejo, initially took up education but managed to convince their parents for them to pursue their ambition of being part of the police force.

The identical twins from Apalan, Tuburan said they did not initially take criminology due to lack of financial resources.

Roudgie Louell said that they will help each other during the training and promised never to leave one behind.

"Kon naa'y usa sa amo na mahug, di biyaan sa usa. Dapat kami duha makapasar. Amo ni kayanon. Agakon namo ang usa’g-usa aron magkakuyog gihapon mi hangtod sa mahuman ang training," he said.

Police Superintendent Renato Dugan, public information officer of PRO-7, said that there were 257 male officers and 54 female police recruits. He added that there were originally 818 applicants.

He said that the new recruits shall undergo training at the Regional Training Center in Consolacion, Cebu for three months and another six months of training at the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB)-7 in Sibonga town.

He said that the new police recruits shall receive a basic monthly salary of P14,000.—  Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento/ATO (FREEMAN)