The Philippine National Police will start the probe on the release of service recognition incentives to police officers for the fiscal year 2022 after reports that some received less than the agreed amount.

PNP chief Gen.Benjamin Acorda Jr. said that they will be coordinating with Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.  and other offices to look into it because if there is a complaint, there are things that should investigate.

“We are constantly coordinating with the SILG. We are looking into this because if there is a complaint, it seems that there are things that should be looked into we are investigating and we are now coordinating with other offices that have something to do with this and I am asking them, we will be sitting down with them to hear for myself together with my command group and we might be inviting also from the other officers of the DILG to see to it and hear together what this explanation is and from there we can see what our next move,” Acorda told reporters after officiating in  the oath-taking, donning and pinning of rank 606 insignia for the Newly Appointed Police Commissioned Officers on Monday afternoon held at Camp Crame.

Earlier, Abalos said he would also seek guidance from the Department of Budget and Management regarding the policies on the payout of the incentive.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through Administrative Order 1, authorized in December last year the release of a one-time SRI for employees in the executive branch in recognition of the collective and invaluable contribution to the government’s continuing efforts to ensure the responsive delivery of services, especially in the midst of the public health emergency due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and other socio-economic challenges.

The AO authorizes the grant of a one-time SRI at a uniform rate not exceeding P20,000 for those working under the executive department.

Meanwhile, Acorda urged all the police commissioned officers to continue learning and growing as professionals, always striving to be the best they can be as he reminds them of their responsibility to serve the people and encourages them to seek guidance from the Lord.

“Let us embody the spirit of ‘Serbisyong Nagkakaisa’ as we serve and protect our fellow Filipinos.  Remember to serve well and in harmony with your fellow police officers, to other government agencies, and to the community that relies on our service and protection,” Acorda said.

Acorda emphasized the significance of their roles, stating, “As newly appointed police commissioned officers, you have already proven your capabilities in your respective fields, and now it is time to channel that expertise into the law enforcement arena. You will be entrusted to lead while upholding justice, protecting the innocent, and ensuring the safety and security of our nation. This is a sacred duty that requires integrity, courage, and compassion.”

Among the appointees were 91 Technical Officers, and 515 Line Officers, all chosen under the PNP Lateral Entry Program CY 2022 for Line and Technical Officers.

Under the program, 29 lawyers, four priests, two pastor, and seven doctors were appointed to the initial rank of Police Captain, entitling them to a basic monthly salary of P56,582.00. The remaining 564 newly appointed PNP officers, which include dentists, psychologists, architects, engineer, chemists, IT, and line officers were appointed to the initial rank of Police Lieutenant, with a basic monthly salary of P49,528.00, along with allowances and various cash and non-cash benefits.

The successful candidates of the Lateral Program have undergone a stringent selection process, demonstrating their commitment to excellence, professionalism, and the core values of the PNP.