The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday vowed to intensify its crackdown on recruitment fixers and “slot-for-sale” schemes to prevent money, connections and other forms of influence from affecting the entry of new personnel into the police service.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said all Police Regional Offices and National Support Units have been directed to closely monitor recruitment activities and immediately act against individuals involved in irregularities.

“We have instructed all regional offices and support units to strictly monitor recruitment activities and immediately act against fixers and slot-for-sale schemes. Safeguards are in place to ensure that only qualified applicants enter the service,” Nartatez said.

The directive came as the PNP welcomed thousands of newly appointed patrolmen and patrolwomen under its 2026 regular and attrition recruitment programs.

Nartatez administered the oath to the new recruits on Wednesday, 16 September.

According to the PNP, 946 patrolmen and patrolwomen took their oath at Camp Crame and will be assigned to National Support Units, while the remaining recruits were welcomed by regional offices.

Nartatez said enforcement against recruitment-related irregularities remains ongoing, citing an operation last week that led to the arrest of active police personnel allegedly involved in a “slot-for-sale” scheme.

The PNP said the crackdown is aimed at ensuring that recruits enter the organization based on qualifications rather than money or personal connections.

“This new batch of 7,000 personnel represents a disciplined, integrity-driven police force. We want the public to see officers who serve with honesty, competence, and commitment to the Filipino people,” Nartatez said.