The NPD chief said 10 slots were set aside for cops under his command who would be interested to enroll in the Special Education Program for PNP personnel at the University of Manila (UM).
Bataoil said the program is an off-campus course aimed at helping undergraduate cops to comply with the mandate of the Republic Act 8551 or the PNP Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998.
The law requires those entering the police service to have a college degree. Policemen who were already in the service when the law took effect are given time to meet the requirement.
The NPD chief said only a few of his men did not have college degrees and this is the best time for these policemen to finish their courses as the National Police Commission (Napolcom) has mandated that undergraduates must finish their education by January 26, 2009.
Bataoil said the course will be held at the NPD Headquarters in Kaunlaran Village in Caloocan City during weekends, Saturdays and Sundays. This way, the scholars would be given ample opportunity to attend classes without prejudice to their regular duties. — Jerry Botial