PRO-NIR probes police recruitment extortion complaint

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region strongly condemned any form of extortion, illegal solicitation, or unauthorized representation that undermines the credibility of the police organization and the aspirations of qualified applicants.

This came after a complaint was filed before the Bacolod City Police Office involving allegations that a police personnel member assigned from the Regional Personnel Holding and Administrative Unit demanded and received money from a police applicant in exchange for purported assistance in securing entry into the police service.

The complainant also alleged that additional payments were later requested.

Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, acting PRO-NIR director, assured the public that the complaint will be subjected to 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 in a statement.

Appropriate criminal charges are being pursued, and a parallel administrative investigation is underway to establish accountability and determine corresponding sanctions under existing police policies.

The PRO-NIR serves the Negros Island Region, which was established under Republic Act 12000 and is composed of Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.

The PRO-NIR reaffirmed its commitment to a fair, transparent, and integrity-based police recruitment process, reiterating that no applicant is required to pay any amount of money to secure an appointment into the Philippine National Police.

It said recruitment and selection are based solely on qualifications, competencies, 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 emphasized that the police recruitment process is governed by established policies, merit-based standards, and strict procedures designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity for all qualified applicants.

He added that the integrity of the recruitment process is non-negotiable, and that the police force will never tolerate any act that undermines public trust or exploits the aspirations of individuals who wish to serve in the organization.

The PRO-NIR encouraged other individuals who may have experienced similar incidents or who possess relevant information regarding illegal recruitment-related activities involving any police personnel to come forward and formally report such incidents.

“The public deserves a police organization that is professional, ethical, and worthy of trust,” Cardiño said.

Meanwhile, the PNP, in a statement released Tuesday, confirmed that it has taken cognizance of the complaint and that an appropriate investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

All relevant facts and evidence are being carefully validated, pending the investigation.

The PNP reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against any form of misconduct, including allegations of extortion, abuse of authority, or any act that undermines the integrity of the police service.

It assured the public that all such complaints are acted upon without delay and properly investigated in accordance with due process.

Appropriate administrative and legal actions will be pursued should sufficient evidence warrant the filing of charges, it said.