Bacolod city: The Philippine National Police (PNP) advised all police applicants to adhere to the standard recruitment process following an alleged extortion incident in the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) in Bacolod City. A police corporal from the Regional Headquarters Support Unit is under administrative and criminal investigation after a formal complaint was lodged against him at the Bacolod City Police Office.
According to Philippines News Agency, the complaint was filed by a police applicant who claimed that the corporal offered assistance in securing his entry into the PNP in exchange for PHP50,000. PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that reforms have been institutionalized to protect the integrity and professionalism of the police force, emphasizing that entry into the PNP cannot be bought.
An initial investigation revealed that the victim allegedly handed PHP10,000 in cash to the suspect on April 6 inside the PRO-NIR headquarters at Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. in Barangay Estefania, Bacolod City. The remaining PHP40,000 was reportedly transferred via GCash under the suspect's instructions. It was later discovered that the corporal lacked the authority to facilitate recruitment, prompting the victim to report the incident to Police Station 4 of the Bacolod City Police Office.
Nartatez reiterated the PNP's strict policy against recruitment irregularities and cautioned personnel against exploiting aspiring police officers. He instructed all regional directors to intensify monitoring of recruitment activities, enforce anti-corruption measures, and address any reports of unauthorized recruitment schemes promptly.
The PNP chief also tasked PRO-NIR with determining if others have fallen victim to similar schemes, urging witnesses and complainants to come forward. He reaffirmed that recruitment into the PNP is merit-based, transparent, and governed by established procedures, and advised applicants to reject and report any offers of guaranteed admission in exchange for money or favors.
