PPA SEEKS TO INCREASE PORT POLICE OFFICERS FOR ENHANCED SECURITY

21 AUGUST 2024 The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has announced that it is now accepting applications for new port police officers, in line with the ongoing expansion of ports across the country.

PPA’s port police force plays a crucial role in maintaining safety, order, and peace at PPA ports. They are essential in preventing, responding to, and managing any disasters, unwarranted incidents, or security threats that may arise.

On August 19, 2024, the PPA successfully held a graduation ceremony for 31 new port police officers at the PPA Head Office in Manila. During the ceremony, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago also issued brand new service firearms to the new port police officers.

In his address, GM Santiago emphasized the importance of the port police in the operation of the ports. He stated, “Higit sa pisikal na lakas at taktikal na kaalaman, inaasahan din nating mahuhubog ang inyong pagkatao – ang inyong katapatan, ang inyong pagpapahalaga sa katarungan, at ang inyong dedikasyon sa batas. Kayo ang nagsisilbing tulay sa pagitan ng pagpapatupad ng batas, seguridad sa mga pantalan at ng kalakalan.”

Prior to the graduation, the 31 new port police officers underwent a series of training sessions. The Basic Port Police Training Course was conducted at the PPA Training Center in La Union, where the skills, abilities, and dedication of the applicants were tested as the first line of defense at the ports. The training included port operations, criminal law, marksmanship, firearms safety, water search and rescue, and endurance exercises. Another training session is scheduled for September 2024.

Currently, there are 270 active port police officers ensuring the safety and security of major ports across the country. Due to ongoing port expansions, there is a continuing need for additional personnel.

Applicants for port police positions must be Filipino citizens, college graduates, passers of the Civil Service Commission or Professional Regulatory Commission exams, not been previously dishonorably discharged from the military, police, or any government job for serious reasons, and must not have been convicted of a crime involving bad moral conduct. For more information on the requirements for applications, applicants may visit the PPA website and official social media accounts.

Meanwhile, starting August 21, 2024, the Port Police Department of the PPA has commenced its three-day Annual Strategic Planning. The goal is to review issues discussed during the 2023 Annual Strategic Planning, share, and showcase best practices from various Port Police Divisions, and address security issues affecting ports at various levels, including Baseport Terminals and Terminal Management Offices.

Attendees include 25 Port Police Station Commanders from different Port Management Offices nationwide, led by Port Police Department Manager Senior Superintendent Genaro P. Mancio Jr. and Special Assistant to the Corporate Head II Eric E. Dimaculangan.

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