232 police recruits take oath, to begin 6-month training

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

POLICE recruit Rolie Arinas remained standing still in the dreadful heat during a short break, the morning sun bearing down on his face.

Called the “tiger look,” his expression, something between a frown and a grimace, meant to say he was ready for the grueling six months of training that awaits him in the town of Balamban, Cebu.

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The 25-year-old criminology graduate, sporting an army cut and wearing a white V-neck shirt tucked under his denim pants, took oath yesterday morning as a new member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 grounds in Cebu City.

He was one of the 232 police recruits transported to the Regional Training School (RTS) 7 in the mountains of Balamban, some 30 kilometers away, for training.

“Lipay kaayo ko (I’m so happy),” said Arinas.

In his speech, PRO 7 Director Marcelo Garbo Jr. said the new police officers will train in the basic recruit course in RTS 7 for six months, so they can “acquire the highest standard of police discipline, courtesy and value.”

Another 6 months

If they can pass, Garbo said, they will join a field training program (FTP) for another six months. He said FTP involves “actual observation and experience in the fields of investigation, traffic and patrol.”

“You should be ever mindful that the police (are) the protectors of the weak, defenders of the innocent, and advocates of human rights,” said Garbo, quoting PNP Director General Nicanor Bartolome, addressing the recruits.

“We are public servants. As new members of the PNP, you are expected to maintain a high standard of morality and professionalism,” he added.

During the break, the recruits’ loved ones swarmed around them to take pictures and bid goodbye.

But Arinas was alone.

When reporters interviewed him, he said his parents in San Francisco, Camotes Island were not able to find enough money for fare.

“Mag-uuma ra sila (They are just farmers), sir!” said Arinas, his reply snappy, as though addressing a senior police officer. “Ang ilang pamlite ilang gihatag nako para sa akong (They gave the money to me so I can comply with the) requirements, sir!”

Degree

Arinas, who carries the rank police officer 1 and receives a monthly salary of P13,492, earned his criminology degree at the Southwestern University in March last year.

Before getting his diploma, he said he had to work as a security guard at night so he can pay his tuition.

He said he is the seventh of 12 siblings and he is the only one who was able to finish college studies.

During the interview, Arinas’ emotions nearly betrayed the “tiger look” on his face, but he held back his tears.

“Hunahunaon nalang nako nga naa sila diri (I’m thinking that my parents are here),” he said, his lips quivering.