PRO-7 denies "backer system" in hiring

CEBU, Philippines - Some of the aspiring policemen who applied for the PNP Attrition Recruitment Program cried foul as they were not allowed to take one of the tests necessary for the hiring process.

One of the applicants who requested anonymity said they were not given the chance to undergo the neurological test and some even suspected that the "backer system" exists in the organization.

"Sa kataas nako, grabe, wala diay ta'y pag-asa ani nga makasirbi," an applicant said, adding that although they were told to reapply on the next recruitment which is next year, he has lost hope. (I'm tall and yet I have no chance to be in the service?)

He said he spent a few thousands in processing the necessary documents and was made to wait the whole day only to be told that they were not included in the list of those who can take the exam.

Over 400 applicants gathered the Police Regional Office 7 headquarters yesterday waiting to be told who could take the neuro test.

Elmer, 28, another applicant, suspected that some of the applicants who were made to undergo the said test were backed by some of the police officials in PRO 7.

Senior Supt. Petronelli Baldebrin, head of the Regional Human Resource Development Office of PRO 7, denied the accusations of the applicants.

Baldebrin explained that out of the over 400 applicants, they have to prioritize the board passers and those who passed the eligibility examinations from the National Police Commission as their quota is only 167 policemen, unlike earlier this year wherein the quota reached 300.

He said they have yet to choose 167 recruits out of the 251 policemen who underwent the neurological test yesterday.

"Atong quota karon gamay ra man gud. Daghan ug aplikante unya gi-rank man gud na sila based na sa ilang eligibility, score sa ilang board… Ang priority g'yud is ang board passers," Baldebrin explained.

He said this is only an attrition program, which means the applicants recruited will be made to fill in the positions vacated by policemen who resigned or died.

The police official also denied the existence of a "backer system" as he said that over two police officials comprised the screening committee.

The police official advised the applicants not to lose hope as their recruitment program is ongoing. Instead, applicants who were not hired this year should prepare themselves physically, mentally and emotionally for the next recruitment.  (FREEMAN)