In 2019, PhP3.0 billion of the proposed budget of the Philippine National Police (PNP) will fund the creation of 10,000 Police Officer 1 positions. This will improve the uniformed personnel strength of the PNP to a 1:505 police-to-population ratio, nearly the ideal 1:500 ratio.

“The government eyes more recruits in the police force to ramp up efforts at addressing criminality in the country.” Department of Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said.

The proposed additional positions will be covered by the new salary scheme for the Military and Uniformed Personnel pursuant to Congress Joint Resolution No. 1, s. 2018, issued in January this year.

Said Congress Joint Resolution increases the base pay of the military and uniformed personnel in the PNP and equivalent ranks in the defense and other public order and safety units.

In addition, the government has provided funds for the creation of additional positions in the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

PhP803 million has been allotted for the creation of additional 3,000 Fire Officer 1 positions in the BFP. On the other hand, an allocation of PhP576 million has been provided for the creation of additional 2,000 Jail Officer 1 positions in the BJMP to improve the manpower resources for custodial and security functions, especially in view of the increasing number of inmates as a result of the intensive campaign against criminality.(BITS)

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