SERVE WITH PURPOSE. A total of 43 technical professionals from various fields join the police ranks in oathtaking rites in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Wednesday (Nov. 8, 2023). PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. called on the new officers to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of Filipinos. (Screengrab from PNP Facebook live video)
MANILA – A total of 43 technical professionals were inducted into the Philippine National Police (PNP) Officer Corps on Wednesday under its 2023 Lateral Entry Program.
PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. administered the oath of office of the 43 newly appointed police commissioned officers in simple rites in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
The number includes 14 chemists, eight medical doctors, six lawyers, five dentists, five psychologists, two geodetic engineers, a priest, a medico-legal practitioner, and an electronics and communications engineer.
“I stand before you today beaming with pride, admiration, and a profound sense of optimism for the future of our beloved country. Each one of you embodies this change and your journey begins now. You will be called upon to make difficult decisions, to lead by example and to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. You will work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our citizens. You will serve as the bridge between the rule of law and those who seek its protection,” Acorda told the new police officers.
He also called on the new officers to serve with resilience and a deep sense of purpose.
"Continue to learn, adapt, and grow for this is a journey of continuous improvement. Remember that your collective expertise will make a profound impact on our organization and our nation. As you embark on your new roles, always remember that you are not alone. You are a part of a larger family, the PNP family. A family built on trust, unity, and shared commitment to service,” he said.
The Lateral Entry Program for technical service officers is among the regular sources of commissioned officers in the PNP, aside from the cadetship program in the PNP Academy.
Validated poll-linked violence incidents now 77
Meanwhile, the number of validated election-related incidents (ERIs) for the recently concluded Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) has climbed to 77.
Citing the police force's latest data, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the number is out of a total of 297 incidents recorded from Aug. 28 to Nov. 7.
Of the figure, 54 are undergoing validation while 176 were classified as not related to the polls.
The confirmed poll-related incidents left at least 19 dead and 66 injured, she added.
Of the 77 validated election-related incidents, 39 happened in the Bangsamoro region, 13 in Caraga, five each in the Cordillera region and Eastern Visayas, four in Bicol, three Ilocos, two in Central Visayas, and one each in the National Capital Region, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Soccskargen, and Zamboanga Peninsula.
The majority of the verified election-related incidents were shooting, mauling, and physical injury.
On the other hand, amid the implementation of a gun ban on the BSKE, about 2,175 individuals were arrested and 1,659 firearms were confiscated.
A total of 2,407 firearms were also deposited to the PNP for safekeeping while 1,765 were surrendered.
The election period for the BSKE will end on Nov. 29. (PNA)
