D.P.A. (Straight from the Camp)
By Francisco B. Lindero, Jr.

Recruitment blues

The crowd is diminishing in number!! I don't mean the crowd in the protest rallies everywhere calling for President Arroyo's resignation. Well, they are! Aren't they? But, the crowd I'm referring to is the PNP applicants at Police Regional Office 6. From a thousand, they are now down to 510. And, still losing!

Napolcom announced last Wednesday the results of qualifying examination given last July 2. The moment was full of suspense as one never knew who were in the list. The test was difficult, they say; and one could never be sure of his chances of passing. But, more than half successfully beat the odds.

Looking at the survivors, I could not help but reminisce the moment I was four years ago. Me too was once an applicant in the PNP service. And, I know the intensity of emotion especially upon hearing one's name being called for the next level. It's like hearing Kris Aquino's Corrrrrect!!! that calls you to the higher block of Game Ka Na Ba pyramid.

The 510 applicants are advancing their chances to make it in the top 340 slots. But, they still have to show their worth as they go through the agility test, neuro-psychiatric test and panel interview. Thus, as the process progresses, some will be left behind to join the rank of the “fallen”. This is where the applicants have their bitter-sweet experience of winning and losing. They may be triumphant as they hurdle every stage; but, they are also broken as their fellows' names gradually disappearing from the list.

It is inevitable that friendship may be developed in the process. As the recruitment program lasts for several months, we can't dislodge the possibility that aspirants attract one another. It may start from sharing a candy or lighting a cigarette or asking what time is until a group is formed. It is not also remote the probability that destiny has its fulfillment through the process. Like the story of how I found the woman now I call my Ga (short of the Hiligaynon endearment “Pangga” or My love (It could also mean Beloved ) ! I may share this story soon!

The selection process, however, is not all a happy moment. Many will be more disappointed than feel sorry for falling short of the qualifications required. Many will feel they are cheated. Defrauded.

With all the controversies in the past recruitment, it is truly unavoidable for unlucky aspirants to think they are prejudiced. They may have reasons for feeling that way. But, like other agencies, the PNP has standard criteria in selecting its would-be members. At times, the criteria may appear to defy the bar of our logic. Or, we can hardly fathom how they go through it. But I'm sure the members of the selection board are doing their best to give justice to each applicant. Such is the moral obligation they are bound with. Besides they are also compelled to limit the number of qualified applicants to the quota intended for the region by the National Headquarters. So, let the best and the brightest in!

For all those who did not make well in the qualifying exams and those who are yet to be eliminated in the process, take this advice: This is not the end of a career you wish to have. Just take your time! You may have your luck the other time. Or, maybe, better opportunity awaits you with the other agencies! Good Luck!

-o0o-

For comments and suggestions, send e-mails to rogatepnp@yahoo.com or text to 09193161190.