The National Police Commission (Napolcom) is eyeing expanding scholarship programs to include children of active members of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Napolcom vice chairperson and executive officer Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan issued the statement after two policemen died in the line of duty—a Patrolman Mark Gomer Ornopia Sr. of the Danao City Police Station and Patrolman Curtney Harwin Baggay of Quezon City Police District.

For Calinisan, the existing policy should not wait for any active policemen to either be permanently disabled or make the ultimate sacrifice for the inclusion of their children to scholarship programs.

Two officers have died in succession—this is a grim testament to the fact that the life of a policeman is lived with one foot already in the grave. Our police are doing their best to keep our streets and communities safe,” said Calinisan.

My aim is to uplift the morale and welfare of the police force by working on scholarship programs—not just for the families of those killed or wounded in operations, but even more so for those still actively serving, he added.

Scholarship program will help boost the morale and welfare of law enforcers and as an initial run to make this happen, Calinisan urged the private sector to collaborate with Napolcom in supporting scholarship initiatives that will benefit the country’s dedicated police officers and their families.

“We welcome partnerships with private institutions who share our goal of empowering our men and women in uniform through education and meaningful support,” Calinisan said.

Last month, Calinisan pushed for the resumption of scholarship programs for policemen who died or permanently incapacitated and expanded the program from kindergarten to college.