Overweight police officers who fail to meet fitness standards within a year may be dismissed from service, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Nicolas Torre III warned on Tuesday.

In a radio interview, Torre cited Section 30 of Republic Act No. 6975, or the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990, which mandates that officers “must weigh not more or less than five kilograms from the standard weight corresponding to his or her height, age, and sex.”

“So it means, if there is a standard weight and height, you should not exceed it by more than five kilos — you should not be fat,” Torre said.

Torre emphasized that physical fitness is not only a health issue but may also impact eligibility for promotion. He gave all PNP personnel one year to comply with the weight standard.

“After one year, there may be separation from the service,” he said.

Officers with legitimate medical conditions will be treated differently, according to Torre. He said they could be reassigned to administrative duties or, in some cases, may qualify for a “complete disability discharge.”

“We’ll consult with the NAPOLCOM regarding that matter. That may actually be possible,” he added.