POLICE in Northern Mindanao are ordered to use the modified rank classification similar to the military beginning on Thursday, February 28.
In an order dated February 27 from the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management of the national headquarters, police officers are directed to use the new rank classification pursuant to “An act providing for the rank classification in the Philippine National Police (PNP) or the Republic Act 11200.”
The new rank classification are as follows:
Police Director General to Police General
Police Deputy Director General to Police Lieutenant General
Police Director to Police Major General
Police Chief Superintendent to Police Brigadier General
Police Senior Superintendent to Police Colonel
Police Superintendent to Police Lieutenant Colonel
Police Chief Inspector to Police Major
Police Senior Inspector to Police Captain
Police Inspector to Police Lieutenant
Senior Police Officer 4 to Police Executive Master Sergeant
Senior Police Officer 3 to Police Chief Master Sergeant
Senior Police Officer 2 to Police Senior Master Sergeant
Senior Police Officer 1 to Police Master Sergeant
Police Officer 3 to Police Staff Sergeant
Police Officer 2 to Police Corporal
Police Officer 1 to Patrolman/Patrolwoman
Lieutenant Colonel Surki Serenas, spokesperson of the Police Regional Officer-Northern Mindanao, said the new rank classification is purposely for disambiguation and to erase confusions of the police ranks.
“Usahay man gud magka-interchange ang mga ranks so ang purpose ani is mawala ang confusion ug aron simple na lang kay pareho na ang rank sa military and police,” Serenas said.
However, he clarified that the new rank classification is not meant to militarize the police force as its functions will remain.
Serenas said the PNP is not military but civilian in nature.
“Naay issues but we don’t entertain nga ingon sila basin mobalik na pag-militarize sa ilang ranks ang PNP,” Serenas said.
Serenas said the PNP has the Philippine Public Safety College, a civilian training institution that handles the training process to ensure the police mentality is not militarized but more on community and public service.
“Actually wala gyud nausab except sa rank classification. The order is effective immediately so we will use it in all our communications," he added.
Serenas also said the rank classification will likely boost the morale of the policemen.