PNP on recruitment binge for more SAF commandos

CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City — With the objective of creating five additional battalions of the Special Action Force (SAF), the Philippine National Police (PNP) Northeastern Mindanao Police Regional Office (PRO 13) announced yesterday the recruitment of qualified Filipinos who would want to become PNP-SAP members.

“The recruitment is already open and applicants can proceed to the regional headquarter of PRO 13 at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez and start the processing of the necessary requirements,” PRO 13 Regional Director Chief Supt. Rolando B. Felix said.

All applicants will be subjected to a series of examinations and rigorous training, he said.

Once accepted, the new recruits will be transported to the SAF headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City to start their training, the region’s police chief added.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte recently directed the DILG/PNP to recruit additional SAF members to defend the country against future internal and external threats and building credible armed and police forces.

“To promptly address the concerns of Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the processing of CY 2017 PO1 Attrition Recruitment Program was stopped to pave the way for the PNP-SAF to recruit additional PO1s and generate five battalions as required,” Felix said.

At least 500-men are needed for every battalion.

Those who have initially filed their application for recruitment with PRO 13, and are willing to transfer their application to SAF are advised to report to the PRO 13 Recruitment Section of RPHRDD here for additional guidance, he added.

Meanwhile, the regional command of PRO 13 and field units started their week-long celebration of 23rd National Crime Prevention Week with the theme: “Pamayanang Mapagmasid, Kapayapaan ang Maihahatid”.

“Since crime prevention is the concern of everybody, the more our citizens know about crimes and how to prevent them, the better they are able to protect themselves and their property,” Felix said.

Events this week will focus on the adaptation and immediate implementation of community and service-oriented policing system to deliver basic services to the community, display of streamers and posters, distribution of information education campaign materials in strategic areas/thoroughfares and share information and tips on social media on crime prevention, he said.

PRO13 will also attend a dialogue with National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) for the five Pillars of Criminal Justice System, he said. (Mike U. Crismundo)