‘Dream come true’ for police cadets

Redgie Glecer (left) and his twin brother Rodgie Louell Montejo (right) with Katy Salvacion (2nd from left) and her twin sister Karen give a wacky pose to the media. The two twins were among the 311 new police recruits. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)

Parents and family members yesterday waved and cried as trucks set off with 311 cadets headed off for boot camp in Balamban town, Cebu.

The new recruits of the Philippine National Police (PNP) had an emotional sendoff after an oath-taking ceremony at Camp Sergio Osmeña in Cebu City.

But the cadets were in high spirits, looking forward to six months of rigorous training after getting their temporary appointments as Police Officers 1.

The batch included two sets of twins, Rodgie Louel Montojo and his brother Redgie Glecer from Tuburan town and twin sisters Katy and Karen Salvacion.

As boys, the Montojos dreamed of becoming policemen. They both graduated with college degrees in education. Even if Rodgie and Redgie studied to become teachers, they aim for careers in law enforcement.

“Ganahan lang gyud mi,” said Rodgie. (We just really wanted it.)

His brother Redgie said they can rely on each other for support in the tough training ahead in the PNP Regional Training in barangay Gaas, Balamban.

“Og magkalisod na siya – Rodgie – ako siyang agakon, ipadayon namo ang among gusto nga maka-serve sa katawhan,” said Redgie. (If Rodgie will have difficulty, I will be there to help him just so we can pursue our desire to serve the people.)

Women make up one fifth of the batch or 54 women and 257 men.

A temporary PO1 will receive basic pay of about P16,000 a month until he or she completes the Field Training Program (FTP) in 12 months. After training, they will be commissioned as regular PO1s and enjoy other benefits.

There were 818 applicants; 507 didn’t make it.

PRO-7 Regional Director Prudencio Tom Bañas said he hopes the new recurits “learn well what is taught them” and do their best to serve their countrymen.