DBM allots P3 billion for 10,000 Police Officer 1 posts

MANILA, Philippines — To further beef up the country’s police force, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) yesterday allocated P3 billion in the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s budget for the creation of 10,000 Police Officer 1 positions next year.

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the funding would improve the uniformed personnel strength of the PNP to a 1:505 police-to-population ratio, close to the ideal 1:500 ratio.

“The government eyes more recruits in the police force to intensify the campaign against crimes,” Diokno said in a statement.

The PNP has a proposed budget of P172.62 billion for 2019, 30.2 percent higher than this year’s appropriation of P132.58 billion.

According to Diokno, the proposed additional PO1 positions will be covered by the new salary scheme for the PNP and military personnel.

The DBM also provided funds for the creation of additional positions for firemen and jail officers.