SOME 80 overweight and potbellied police officers of the Police Regional Office (PRO)–Northern Mindanao are being challenged to lose weight within six months under the program “Mission: Slim Possible.”

The program was launched on Tuesday, July 11, at PRO-Northern Mindanao, Camp Alagar, Barangay Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City.

Lemuel Gonda, PRO-Northern Mindanao spokesperson, said the program aims to help policemen achieve a 34-inch waistlines and a weigh within their recommended weights.

The program, however, will not impose sanctions on policemen, who show no improvement.

Gonda said police work is physically demanding this is why being physically fit is important.

"We want to promote physical fitness by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which is an essential element in effective law enforcement," Gonda said.

"Importante kung physically fit ang kapulisan kay para maka-perform ug maayo sa duty, sa paglakag sa mga daotan, sa pag-respond sa mga rescue (It is important that our police can perform their duty well). However, what we are doing is gradual exercise, dili tong pinakalit (not abrupt). They are doing physical activities na ma-tolerate ra nila (that they can tolerate)," he said.

The policemen will be required to participate in Zumba dances twice a week, or go an extra mile by doing a physical activity on his own and follow a healthy diet, Gonda added.

The said program will be replicated in all city and provincial police offices in Northern Mindanao.

Gonda urges his fellow policemen to lessen intake of rice, fatty foods, alcohol, cigarette smoking, and sleeplessness.