100 FORMER REBELS JOIN GOV’T POLICE FORCE

SOME 100 former rebels who returned to the fold of the law graduated on Monday as new members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) under the Bangsamoro Police Basic Recruit Course (BPBRC) Batch 2023-01 Classes Alpha-Bravo “Bakas-Lipi.”

In his speech during the first BPBRC graduation ceremony in Maguindanao del Norte, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said he is one with the Filipino people in congratulating them for choosing the right path and public service.

“Kasalo ako sa inyo ng mga mahal sa buhay sa kasiyahang nararamdaman nila sa araw na ito. Kabilang din ako sa inyong mga kasamahan na ipinagmamalaki ang tagumpay na inyong nakamit ngayon. Kaisa ako ng mga kapwa ninyong lingkod-bayan na ikinalulugod ang pagpasok ninyo sa serbisyo publiko,” he said.

“Higit sa lahat, kasama ko ang sambayanang Pilipino sa tuwa at pasasalamat sa inyong nalalapit na pag-lingkod sa ating bayan,” the Chief Executive added, assuring them of the government’s continued support towards an inclusive Bagong Pilipinas.

The government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) signed an agreement on April 7, 2022, allowing qualified former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to take the NAPOLCOM Special Qualifying Eligibility Examination (NSQEE).

At least 11,033 examinees took the NSQEE in Cotabato and Lamitan City, Basilan on May 29, 2022, including the 1,249 candidates who were endorsed by the Bangsamoro government.

Of the figure, at least 7,145 candidates or 64.76 percent passed the examination. They were further reduced after several assessments of the Philippine National Police (PNP) such as physical and psychiatric examinations and drug tests.

Records showed that 102 candidates, composed of 52 MILF and 50 MNLF passed the final screening. But only 100 graduated after one opted to resign during the training while another was found unfit due to a medical condition but he recovered and is training with the next batch.

Before concluding his speech, President Marcos extended his gratitude to all stakeholders, government agencies, the BARMM and the graduates for the success of the BPBRC.