PNP chief lays down 6-point reminder for 127 new cops

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine National Police chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. has laid down a six-point reminder for 127 new policemen, graduates of the PNP Academy Class 2008 known as Oman Silang, a Muslim term for “new breed of warriors.”

Razon told the new batch of police officers to remember six priority points – prevent crime, protect human life, respect human rights, maintain the highest standards of integrity, professional development and maintain high visibility in communities.

“You may now consider yourselves the younger brothers and sisters of Mamang Pulis and Aling Pulis who will help the PNP family bring back the old glory of the police force,” Razon told the graduates during the traditional service lunch at Camp Crame in Quezon City yesterday.

President Arroyo will officially appoint 154 members of PNPA Class 2008 into the police, fire, and jail services during graduation rites in Camp Castañeda in Silang, Cavite today.

Of the 154 graduates of PNPA Class 2008, 127 are joining the PNP, while 27 will be commissioned into the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

The 127 newest members of the PNP Officer Corps, 27 of them females, will be appointed into the police service with the initial rank of Police Inspector on Permanent Status.

“Your responsibility to lead comes with the rank that you hold. But rank alone as a sole basis of leadership is weak. Effective leadership must be founded on professional competence, and your ability to inspire others and lead by example,” Razon emphasized.

Razon also added, “Wear your badge and uniform with pride because they embody your commitment to serve and to protect our people. Everyone from the highest-ranking officer to the rank-and-file are expected to uphold the hallmarks of service, honor and justice.”

The 127 new Police Inspectors were issued their PNP badge, service firearm, and Police Individual Equipment during the induction ceremony in Camp Crame.

The PNP chief released the first individual paychecks of the new police officers amounting to P21,876.38, representing Salary and Allowances for the period March 27 to April 30, 2008.

After graduation, PNPA Class 2008 will be allowed a 30-day academic break, after which they will report for duty on April 28 to undergo a 30-day orientation training on PNP administration and operations before they are sent to their assignments in the field.

Among the illustrious members of PNPA Class 2008 who are joining the PNP are the class valedictorian, Cadet Clent Ven Inciso of Southern Leyte; the Corps First Captain, Cadet Fred Lenomta; and the class president, Cadet Ronald Estilles Jr. of Parañaque City. The class also includes the first pair of identical twins, Cadets Danilo and Daniel Yema of Lipa City, to graduate from the PNPA.

Inciso will receive the Presidential Kampilan Award from Mrs. Arroyo in PNPA graduation rites today.