• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has launched an investigation into a recruitment-related extortion scheme involving a police personnel, who demanded money in exchange for assistance in securing entry into the police service.
The complainant, who filed a formal complaint before the Bacolod City Police Office, alleged that the police personnel initially asked for money to facilitate his recruitment into the Philippine National Police (PNP).
He further claimed that additional payments were later demanded.
In a statement, Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, PRO-NIR acting regional director, said the allegations are now the subject of appropriate criminal and administrative proceedings.
“The integrity of the recruitment process is non-negotiable. We will never tolerate any act that undermines public trust or exploits the aspirations of individuals who wish to serve in the police organization,” Cardiño said.
He emphasized that the PNP 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.
Cardiño assured the public that the complaint would undergo a thorough and impartial investigation.
He added that any personnel found to have violated existing laws, rules, and regulations would face appropriate administrative and criminal sanctions.
According to PRO-NIR, necessary actions related to the case have already been initiated.
Cardiño encouraged individuals who may have experienced similar incidents or possess information regarding illegal recruitment-related activities involving police personnel to come forward and formally report such cases.
PRO-NIR likewise reminded the public that no applicant is required to pay any amount to secure appointment into the PNP, stressing that recruitment and selection are based solely on qualifications, competencies, and compliance with established requirements. | GB
