(Eagle News)–The Department of the Interior and Local Government welcomed to the police force the almost 300 recruits from the country’s Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front recruitment program.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos led the oath-taking of the 255 men and 39 women joining the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Camp Pendatun, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte for a six-month field training program.
Prior to this, the recruits, who will fill some of the 400 slots allotted for the MILF and MNLF recruitment program, hurdled a special qualifying eligibility examination, a physical agility test, and comprehensive medical evaluations composed of psychological and psychiatric examinations and a drug test.
“The uniform you are wearing now doesn’t symbolize authority. It’s not all about prestige. Ang mahalaga, it represents a commitment to uphold the rule of law as well as a promise to serve the community with honor and integrity,” Abalos said.
He urged the recruits to finish the training program and serve as an inspiration for their fellow comrades to join the government and help the country attain peace.
The entry of former MILF and MNLF members into the police force is covered by Republic Act No. 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law enacted after the signing of a peace agreement between the MILF and the government.
The first batch of 102 recruits under the MILF and MNLF program took their oath as members of the PNP on Aug. 10.
