Nearly 40 percent of examinees passed the Philippine National Police (PNP) entrance and promotional exams held in October, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) announced on Sunday.

Napolcom reported that 17,403 out of 44,309 examinees, or 39.28 percent, were successful in the 19 October tests. The results include 14,438 civilians who passed the entrance exam, making them eligible for appointment to the rank of patrol officer.

Another 2,965 active-duty personnel passed the promotional exams to qualify for higher ranks.

Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan said the testing process is essential to maintaining the integrity of the police force.

"The role of Napolcom is to ensure that everyone who enters and advances in the police force goes through a fair, honest, and just process," Calinisan said.

He added that public trust is tied to the quality of personnel selected for service and promotion, stressing the commission's responsibility to ensure a trustworthy and professional police force.

The full list of successful examinees has been posted to the Napolcom website. The commission will mail certificates of eligibility to those who passed, while those who did not will receive a report of their rating.