New PNP chief hints at reviving fitness program for cops

New Philippine National Police chief Deputy Director General Nicanor Bartolome hinted over the weekend he may intensify physical fitness program to get rid of “beer bellies" in the police force. In an interview on government radio, Bartolome said he agreed with observations several cops have gotten out of shape. “Napapansin ko rin yan. Meron akong moral ascendancy to say this because... ako nagsusumikap gampanan ang pagiging isang pulis sa pagkakaroon ng tamang pangangatawan," he said on government-run dzRB radio. Former PNP chief and now Sen. Panfilo Lacson had imposed a 34-inch limit for police personnel’s waistlines. He also imposed a physical fitness regimen for police officials. But the physical fitness regimen for the police force that Lacson imposed was scrapped in 2001 after the Joseph Estrada administration was toppled by popular uprising. Last Friday, Bartolome took over as new head of the PNP, replacing Director General Raul Bacalzo. Bartolome served as PNP spokesman when Lacson headed the PNP. Also, Bartolome said he will lead by example in reviving the physical fitness program. “Dapat ako mismo mangunguna. Napansin ni Sen. Lacson na may nagkakaroon ng beer bellies sa mga pulis, kaya palalakasin natin ang programa to maintain physical fitness," he said. — MRT/LBG, GMA News