Gamboa: Those who fail to meet standard BMI will not be promoted

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, General Archie Francisco Gamboa, clarified the law enforcement agency’s policy on overweight and obese police officers and affirmed those who fail to meet the standard BMI (body mass index) will not face administrative sanctions.
“Walang specific violation sa mga obese at overweight na police (Obese and overweight police officers have not committed any specific violations),” the law enforcement official explained.
However, Gamboa confirmed those considered obese and overweight will not be eligible for promotion.
“Hindi sila ma-promote kasi they are not allowed to undergo training at schooling (They are not eligible for promotion because they will not be allowed to undergo proper training),” he added. “Schooling and training are needed in order [for] a police officer [to] be promoted.”
Police personnel must attain a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9, which, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is normal range.
Earlier this month, Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) director, Police Brigadier General Rene Pamuspusan, held a press conference where he discussed a message sent to police directors across the region requesting a list of officers who are considered obese and overweight and encouraged them to exercise in order to meet Gamboa’s order calling for overweight police officers to “shape up.”
“Obese and overweight police officers who fail to meet the standard BMI will be denied schooling and will not be promoted,” the regional director explained. “They need to exercise more in order to look fit and run after criminals.”
“Police officers who are in good shape will gain the trust and confidence from the community,” he added.
In order to address the obesity issue, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) introduced several physical fitness programs, including Zumba every Tuesday and Thursday.
BCPO spokesperson, Police Lt. Colonel Ariel Pico, added, the Zumba program is also beneficial for personnel with high blood pressure and diabetes, along with those older in age./WDJ