THE Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has told its personnel who are obese to reduce weight or face penalties.
BCPO spokesperson, Police Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Pico said personnel are now required to pass the Philippine National Police's (PNP) body mass index (BMI).
Pico said cops who do not pass the required BMI will not be able to seek for promotion or avail of the PNP's career schooling.
To address the issue of overweight cops among its personnel, Pico said the BCPO has introduced several programs to promote physical activities among its personnel.
Pico said every Tuesday and Thursday the BCPO hosts a Zumba program at the police headquarters. Aside from those who are overweight, the program also caters to cops who are also underweight.
The BCPO spokesperson even stated the Zumba program they host is applicable to cops who are suffering from high blood, diabetes, or in their advanced age as the exercise is not too strenuous.
Earlier this month, PNP officer-in-charge Lt. General Archie Gamboa ordered the strict enforcement of the BMI after Interior Secretary Eduardo Año issued a directive putting emphasis on fitness for police personnel.