Overweight officers in the Philippine National Police (PNP) have been given a stern warning as the newly appointed police chief, Gen. Nicolas Torre III, declared that those who fail to lose excess weight within a year will be dismissed from service.
This announcement was made during a radio interview on dzBB, where Gen. Torre underscored the importance of discipline and physical fitness among police officers.
Referring to Republic Act 6975, also known as the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act, he emphasized that officers are required to maintain a body weight within five kilograms above or below the standard appropriate for their height, age, and sex.
While recognizing that some officers may have legitimate medical conditions, Gen. Torre stated that two options are being considered in such cases: either separation from service due to total disability or reassignment to administrative roles.
He added that consultations are ongoing with the National Police Commission to decide on the most appropriate course of action.
The new fitness directive applies to all personnel, regardless of rank — from senior officials to patrol officers.
According to PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, Gen. Torre’s directive reflects the principle that physical fitness is closely tied to discipline within the police force.
“It is incumbent upon every police officer to maintain a physical appearance acceptable for a police officer,” she stated.
Fajardo further noted that officers should begin monitoring their body mass index (BMI), while emphasizing that they are free to choose their own methods for achieving fitness—particularly those with existing health conditions.
“The directive does not dictate how you should lose weight,” Fajardo concluded, “but of course, we will take individual circumstances into consideration.”
