300 new recruits join Bicol police force; 45 NPA rebs pledge allegiance to gov’t

By Connie Calipay

Strive for excellency, always choose right over easy, never stop learning.

Brig. Gen. Westrimundo Obinque, Police Regional Office 5 (Bicol) director, gave these pieces of advice to 300 new recruits, who took their oaths at Camp Gen. Simeon Ola here on Friday.

“There will be many more obstacles along the way. If the time comes that you will have to choose between what is right and what is easy, I hope that you will always remember the hardships, difficulties, and sacrifices that you have had to face just to be here today and be a part of the long blue line,” Obinque said in his speech after administering the recruits’ oaths of office.

Obinque urged them to always strive for excellence.

“Let me urge our recruits to make the most of their time in the training school, to learn from the books and manuals, and the wisdom and experience of your mentors and instructors. Aim to be the best versions of yourselves and gain not only knowledge and skills but, more importantly, the attitude to become capable and effective police officers shortly,” he added.

The new officers will undergo an intensive and progressive training on police science, administration, combat operations, and tactics.

While undergoing training, they will receive a monthly basic pay of PHP29,668, exclusive of allowances.

After the training, they shall be granted permanent status as patrolman or patrolwoman.

NEW COPS. A total of 300 new police recruits take their oaths as members of the Police Regional Office 5 at Camp Gen. Simeon Ola in Legazpi City, Albay on Friday (Nov. 17, 2023). They will then undergo intensive and progressive training on police science, administration, combat operations, and tactics. (Photo courtesy of PRO-5)