SHAPE UP OR SHIP OUT: PNP Chief orders overweight cops to slim down or face dismissal

National

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III has issued a directive mandating all overweight police personnel to meet prescribed physical fitness standards within one year or face separation from service.

Citing Republic Act 6975 or the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act, Torre emphasized that officers must maintain a body weight no more than five kilograms above or below the standard for their height, age, and sex.

The policy applies to all ranks across the police force.

For personnel with medical conditions, options under consideration include administrative reassignment or disability discharge, subject to consultation with the National Police Commission.

The fitness initiative, one of Torre’s flagship reforms since assuming office as the 31st PNP Chief, aims to instill discipline and professionalism. PNP spokesperson Brig.

Gen. Jean Fajardo echoed this, stating that physical fitness reflects the discipline expected of all uniformed personnel.

While the directive does not mandate a specific weight-loss program, officers are encouraged to monitor their body mass index (BMI) and pursue individualized fitness plans, taking health considerations into account.(Edu Sanico Toledo, PIT Comm Intern)