TRUE public service is difficult without commitment. This is how Sr. Insp. Gretchin Roca Cinco, administrative officer for Regional Director's Office of the Police Regional Office (PRO), defines her profession as a policewoman.
As a member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for about 11 years now, Cinco finds satisfaction in her job. Despite the immense responsibilities of being a law enforcer, she has not entertained the thought of quitting.
Born in Dulag, Leyte on January 14, 1985, Cinco says being in the service was just an accident but she is grateful for the chance given to her.
"I never thought of being a policewoman. When I passed the exams, then I told myself that I am for this career and I have to be here, so here I am, happy and fulfilled. I get to help others at marami din akong natutunan sa trabaho ko," Cinco said.
Cinco believes that being a woman is not a hindrance to pursuing a PNP career since female cops are indeed positive and complementary presence in the police force.
"A policewoman doesn't need to act like boys. Although man and woman will never have the same strength, what matters most is that both can serve the public not only with their abilities but also with the passion to do well in this kind of profession, Cinco said.
Cinco said being dedicated to the service is already an achievement to her, next of course, to being able to balance her personal life and police work. She makes it a point to spend quality time with her parents and friends.
Cinco added that despite some bad allegations against the PNP, she will continue to set a good example for the neophytes to follow and for the public to keep trusting men and women in uniform.
Cinco holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Safety degree from the PNP Academy where she graduated in 2007. She had also graduated from her Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Economics course at the University of the Philippines in Tacloban in 2003.
In 2003, Cinco was designated as police cadet. She was promoted as police inspector in 2007 and police senior inspector in 2010 when she was assigned in PRO 11.
In March 2008, she was assigned as a police community relation officer for the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) in Tagum Police Station. A month later, she was assigned as officer-in-charge of the Women and Children Protection Desk and Family Juvenile and Gender Development (WCPD-FJGD) at the Davao del Norte Provincial Police Office S.O number 144.
In August 2009, she was appointed as officer of the WCPD-FJGD in Davao del Norte Provincial Police Office S.O number 045.
In 2011, Cinco was detailed as officer and assistant spokesperson for the Public Information Office of the Police Regional Office's (PRO).
Recently, she was assigned to be the admin officer for Regional Director's Office of the Police Regional Office PRO.