Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Thursday officially welcomed to the country's police force the 294 recruits under the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front recruitment program.

Abalos led the historic oath-taking and turnover ceremonies of the new 255 men and 39 women joining the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region at Camp Pendatun, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.

In his message, Abalos congratulated the new members of the Philippine National Police and urged them to live by the PNP's mantra to serve and protect the Filipino people.

"The uniform you are wearing now does not symbolize authority. It's not all about prestige" he said.

He continued: "Ang mas mahalaga, it represents a commitment to uphold the rule of law as well as a promise to serve the community with honor and integrity,".

The new 294 recruits will fill the 400 slots given under the MILF and MNLF Recruitment Program for CY 2023.

They will undergo a six-month field training program.

Abalos challenged the recruits to finish the training program and serve as inspirations to their fellow MILF and MNLF comrades.

He wanted them to serve as inspiration for their former comrades to join the government and the entire Filipino citizenry in attaining peace and sustainable development.

"Marami na kayong pinagdaanan at ipangako n'yo sa akin na hindi na kayo aatras," Abalos continued .

The recruits hurdled the PNP's rigid recruitment process, including passing the special qualifying eligibility examination and physical agility test.

They also passed comprehensive medical assessments comprising psychological and psychiatric examinations and drug tests.

The entry of former MILF and MNLF members into the PNP is covered by Republic Act No. 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which was enacted after the signing of a peace agreement between the government and the MILF.

The first batch of 102 MILF and MNLF recruits took their oath as members of the PNP last 10 August.