No More fat cops?

No More Fat Cops? PFTs for policemen in May 2010

By Samantha Sales and Maita Piedra

Gone are the days when movies portray police officers with huge bellies, fresh donuts and hot coffee. In any incident that will happen along Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City, anyone can now safely assume that Mr. Policeman is fit enough to rescue the scene on time. All these made possible by the Physical Fitness Tests (PFT) being conducted bi-annually in the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Having been launched in 2000 by former PNP Chief Panfilo Lacson, its goal is to regulate the fitness of policemen so as to maximize their efficiency as law enforcers.

For this year, PFTs are scheduled to start by the first week of May. A series of exercises such as sit-ups, pull-ups and sprints are set to assess the health condition of our law enforcers. To pass this string of tests is mandatory to all police officers within the country. For them, it is more than just taking care of their personal well-being but also making sure that they are in shape to protect other people. Having failed this test would entail a 3-month crash course in Pampanga in order to regain the body fitness required as a police officer.

However, there are still some things keeping these police officers from being fit. PO1 Pasay City Police District 1 (PCP1) officers, for example, have their own share of privileges that may serve as a difficulty in achieving their goal in this fitness program. PO1 Fernando Cabilla shares that they get to eat for free in the cafeterias of nearby hotels such as Sofitel Hotel and Traders Hotel. They also get to network among some businesses within the vicinity when it comes to solving crimes. Benefits like those are given because of the good working relationship they acquire through the service they render in the community.


When asked about why some police officers have big bellies, Cantabilla argues thats its all about discipline. Some just dont know how to control themselves especially in consuming their privileges. But for him, no matter how much food there is, it is up to you to control your appetite.

In the latest update regarding the area of responsibility of PCP1, the 2.5 sq. km. land housing around 22,832 people only has 11 policemen to watch over their security. This means the ratio will be 1 police officer to 2000 persons. Each of them will have to leave the precinct at a particular time and situate themselves to specific posts where they will roam around the vicinity.

Their main goals include: monitoring suspicious-looking people, abandoned bags, baggage within the vicinity of hotels, serving as profilers of potential terrorists and monitoring cars abruptly parked within the area.

Conversely, there have been no recent crime reports that have required the policemen to do on site strenuous activities. The most common reported crimes however, are hold-ups and theft with cellphones and cash as the prime objects for stealing.


Throughout all this hard work to provide a safe environment for Pasay City residents and guests, the community itself has been an active member of solving crimes. They have been collaborating with the police department through the Barangay Ugnayan Program. This project is a means for the 201 barangays in Pasay City District to raise awareness on crimes that occur within their neighborhood.

According to PO1 Cantabilla, People are able to report about petty crimes and we provide ways to address them. The Ketchup Gang, Donut Gang and Tutok Kalawit Gang are the crime groups reported to commit theft which is prevalent in the area.

Talking about the real sense of the job, the officers admit that the amount of Php. 2,000 for Police Officer 1 a month is totally unrewarding. Its not only the fear of dangerous encounters that bothers them but also the worry of not being able to provide for their families. But in spite of this, being able to help people by solving at least one case at a time is still a significant factor that keeps the dignity of these officers. If getting fit is necessary to accomplish this, then they are ready to undergo the test.

In May 2010, the whole force of Philippine National Police will undergo these examinations to test how far they could go in fulfilling their profession. They are consciously trying to remove the negative notion of fat bellies, donuts and coffees in the minds of the people by proving that if anyone would call for help, there is no more need for a Superman. All you need is Mr. Policeman.