CARDINO
BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) is investigating allegations that a police officer demanded money from an applicant in exchange for assistance in joining the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The complaint, filed before the Bacolod City Police Office, alleged that a policeman assigned to the Regional Personnel Holding and Administrative Unit (RPHAU) received money from an aspiring police recruit and later requested additional payments.
Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, PRO-NIR chief, assured the public that the complaint would undergo a thorough and impartial investigation.
“Any personnel found to have violated existing laws, rules, and regulations shall be dealt with accordingly through appropriate administrative and criminal proceedings,” Cardiño said.
Authorities are pursuing appropriate criminal charges while a parallel administrative investigation is being conducted to determine accountability and possible sanctions under existing police regulations.
The PRO-NIR reiterated their commitment to maintaining a fair, transparent, and merit-based recruitment process.
It emphasized that applicants are not required to pay any amount to secure appointment to the PNP, as recruitment is based solely on qualifications, competence, and compliance with established requirements.
“The PNP badge is earned through qualification, character, and dedication to public service, never through influence, promises, or payment,” Cardiño stressed.
He added that police recruitment is governed by strict policies and standards designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and equal opportunities for all qualified applicants.
Cardiño underscored that the integrity of the recruitment process is non-negotiable and that the organization will not tolerate actions that undermine public trust or exploit aspiring police officers.
The PRO-NIR encouraged individuals who may have encountered similar incidents or possess information about illegal recruitment-related activities involving police personnel to come forward and report them to authorities.
“The public deserves a police organization that is professional, ethical, and worthy of trust,” Cardiño said.