BUTUAN CITY – A total of 220 recruits officially joined the ranks of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-13 (Caraga) and began their six-month mandatory training under the Public Safety Basic Recruit Course on Tuesday.
“The 220 new police officers were part of the 1,413 applicants, of whom 1,056 were males, and 357 were females,” said Police Major Jennifer Omiter, the chief of information of PRO-13, in an interview on Tuesday.
She added that of the 220 recruits, 200 were part of the attrition-based recruitment, while 20 were from the regular quota for PRO-13.
The new police personnel formally took their oath of office on Monday, administered by PRO-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Marcial Mariano Magistrado IV.
After their oath-taking, the new personnel were turned over to begin their six-month training program at the Police Regional Training Center Caraga, Camp Sen. Robert Z. Barbers, in Surigao City.
Meanwhile, the PRO-13 on Tuesday deployed more police officers and tightened security measures in the region for “Simbang Gabi” (dawn Mass) and Christmas.
“Mobile patrols are also stepped up and police assistance desks (PADs) strengthened to ensure immediate police response for any untoward incident,” Ometer said.
Surprise and random checkpoints were also conducted in several strategic areas as part of crime prevention and visibility operations.
“The general public is advised to remain vigilant and to report immediately any suspicious activity to nearby authorities,” Ometer said.
Magistrado presided over the fourth PRO -3 command conference at the PRO-13 conference room in Camp Rafael Rodriguez, headquarters of the PRO-13.
He reiterated the guidance of Philippine National Police chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. emphasizing resource management and accountability, as well as operational focus and performance of PNP units. (With PNA)