102 ex-MILF, MNLF members take oath as new cops

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 10, 2023): 102 ex-MILF, MNLF members take oath as new cops (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

(Photo courtesy of PNP Public Information Office)

MANILA – At least 102 new police recruits from members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) took their oath as members of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) on Thursday morning.

During the oath-taking rites at the PRO-BAR headquarters in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos described the event as "making history" and called the new police officers the “crème de la crème (best of the best)” among the 11,000 applicants from the two groups.

“Undeniably you will be facing challenges, hardships, and struggles. Sa mga susunod na araw marami pang hamon sa buhay (There are still many challenges in the coming days). At the end of this road, be reminded of the success of overcoming the strenuous training in molding you to become a better version of yourself, in discovering your potential to make a difference,” he said.

“Today you will be clothed with the uniform of the PNP and may this remind you of your mission to guard the vulnerable. Be the champion of truth and be the example of bravery and responsibility,” Abalos said in his message to the newly inducted PNP patrolmen and patrolwomen.

The inclusion of the two groups is part of Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao after the government signed a peace accord with the Bangsamoro people.

“The whole government led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., including the DILG, PNP (Philippine National Police), and the National Police Commission, are here to support the Bangsamoro to ensure that the implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Act will be successful. We have already taken steps towards attaining lasting peace in the region. Sama-sama tayo sa pagkakaisa natin dito sa Mindanao,” the Interior Secretary said.

Abalos also bared plans to start another selection process for a new batch of patrolmen and patrolwomen from MILF and MNLF to achieve the target of 400 recruits before the end of this year.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the new police officers would undergo a one-year basic recruitment basic course and a six-month field training program.

Once they finish these courses, they would be given a temporary appointment status and would be assigned to the PRO-BAR.

“Kung matatandaan niyo 400 supposedly yung slot natin para sa kanila subalit hindi nafill up ito kaya yung ibang mga applikante particularly those na may mga compliance sa mga medical requirements ay susunod sila na ipaprocess at ioopen ulit natin yung recruiment process para naman makumpleto natin yung remaining slots na dedicated sa members ng MNLF at MILF (If you remember, our slot for them is supposed to be 400 but it was not filled up, so the other applicants, particularly those who have complied with the medical requirements, will be processed next and we will open the recruitment process again so that we can complete the remaining slots dedicated to the members of the MNLF and MILF),” Fajardo told reporters in a press briefing on Thursday.

Since the 400 slots allocated for PRO-BAR were not filled up, Fajardo said the regional office will initiate moves to complete the quota in the future recruitment process.

Fajardo also emphasized that the PNP does not see any risk in integrating MILF and MNLF members into the police force.

“The intention really is for them to serve the BARMM in order for them to be empowered which means that the cooperation and genuine concern for all the people of the BARMM will come from them,” Fajardo said.

In May 2022, around 7,000 of 11,000 MNLF and MILF members passed a special qualifying eligibility examination to join the PNP.

Fajardo said earlier they have started the processing of 1,000 passers who have been endorsed by the Bangsamoro government -- 700 of whom are from the MILF and 300 are from the MILF.

The applicants would have to pass the body mass index test, physical agility test, psychological examination and physical and dental examination.

The National Police Commission earlier said the age requirement for MILF and MNLF applicants shall not be below 20 and not over 35 years old.

One of the major requirements for the applicants to the special qualifying exams is a certification from the MILF and the MNLF that they are bonafide members of the organizations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1207557