Age, height, weight waived for police applicants if...

MANILA, Philippines - The National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Tuesday issued Resolution No. 2014-001 creating a waiver committee to evaluate applications on the grant of age, height or weight waivers for initial appointment to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Napolcom Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Eduardo U. Escueta said the Napolcom Waiver Committee is composed of three members with the Service Chief of the Personnel and Administrative Service as chairman and the Service Chiefs of the Planning and Research Service and the Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service as members.

The Committee may also recommend the engagement of the services of experts in various fields of discipline relevant to the waiver.

“Applicants for waiver shall undergo the panel interview. They are also required to showcase their special skills and talents before the Committee members and the consultants,” Escueta said.

"Such skills and talents shall only be considered if the same will be valuable to the police organization," he added.

The Napolcom earlier issued Memorandum Circular No. 2013-004 on May 21, 2013 prescribing the guidelines on the grant of age, height or weight waiver in order to have a wider base of applicants whose special qualifications or skills are useful to or needed by the PNP.

Escueta explained that applicants shall be evaluated based on the following criteria: actual performance of the special skill or talent OR assessment of all other factors enumerated in MC 2013-004 (75 percent), panel interview which shall reflect the personality of the applicant (15 percent) and potential to be an asset to the PNP organization (10 percent).

Under Item C of MC 2013-004, applicants for waiver must possess exemplary aptitude to be capable police officers, as follows: special skills in evidence gathering and safekeeping, cyber crime investigation, detection and prevention, crime scene investigation, martial arts, marksmanship and similar skills; special talents in the field of sports, music or arts and culture; extensive experience or training in forensic science and other legal, medical and technical services; and outstanding academic records and extracurricular activities of applicant during his/her school days, good family background in law enforcement or socio-civic activities, recognized social standing in the community, and awards and commendations received.

Escueta said that waiver of the age requirement may be granted provided that the applicant shall not be less than 20 or more than 35 years of age.

Waiver of the height requirement may be granted to a male applicant who is at least 1.57 meters and to a female applicant who is at least 1.52 meters.

An applicant who is granted a weight waiver shall be given reasonable time but not exceeding six (6) months within which to comply with the weight requirement.

Escueta stressed that only applicants who possess the appropriate eligibility and meet the general qualifications as provided for under Section 14 of Republic Act No. 8551 are qualified to apply for waiver. - Mike Frialde