Cops told to reduce weight or face penalties

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Police officers under the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) were told to reduce their weight or face penalties.

BCPO spokesperson, Police Lt. Colonel Ariel Pico said PNP personnel are now required to pass the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) body mass index (BMI).

Pico said cops who do not meet the required BMI cannot seek promotion or avail of the PNP’s career schooling.

To address the issue of overweight cops among its personnel, Pico said the BCPO has introduced several programs to promote physical activities among its regiment.

Pico said the BCPO hosts a Zumba program every Tuesday and Thursday at the police headquarters. Aside from those who are overweight, the program also caters to underweight cops.

The BCPO spokesperson further said that the Zumba program they host is applicable to cops who are suffering from high blood, diabetic, or in their advanced age as the exercise is not too strenuous.

Earlier this month, PNP officer-in-charge Lt. General Archie Gamboa ordered the strict enforcement of the BMI after Interior Secretary Eduardo Año issued a directive putting emphasis on fitness for police personnel.