SOME 180 new police recruits got a taste of what their life would be like for the next six months as their strength was put to the test in front of anxious family members and loved ones Friday morning.
Before they were taken to the Regional Training School in Barangay Gaas, Balamban on board police trucks, an oath-taking ceremony and “reception” was held at the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7.
During the ceremony, PRO 7 Director Lani-o Nerez told them there will be times when they will feel pity for themselves during training.
But he assured the recruits and their families that no harm will come to them and that officers will look after their welfare.
“Please understand. When your loved ones join the police force, that would mean lesser time for you,” Nerez added.
He also explained why strict rules and exercises are necessary to becoming a police officer.
Transition
“This is a transition from pure civilian life to a somewhat regimented one. This is to maintain the level of discipline,” Nerez said.
The recutis were asked if any of them were backing out. When none replied, a hoard of police officers from the Regional Mobile Group 7 marched into the PRO 7 grounds and barked orders at the recruits to do a series of exercises.
For one hour and under the scorching heat, recruits did push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, stretches and duck walks in front of family members.
An ambulance was on standby with nurses and a doctor from the Regional Health Services.
Dreams
One mother admitted she pitied her son, but she said she did not want to stand in the way of his dreams.
Another mother was also teary-eyed, saying she was happy that her son’s dream had come true.
Supt. Renato Dugan, who supervised the reception, told the family members that the purpose of the activities was to get the recruits out of their shells and not feel shy about anything because they need to be confident when they begin serving the public as police officers.
As for 231 other recruits who passed but could not be included in the 180 quota of the PRO 7, they were passed on to other PNP units that were unable to fill up their quota. (MEA)