PNP recruits 25 medical, forensic specialists

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has inducted 25 technical officers to strengthen its medical, psychological and forensic services.

The newly recruited professionals took their oath and received their ranks during a ceremony at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Tuesday, 27 October, under the PNP's 2026 Lateral Entry Program.

Of the 25 officers, 14 were assigned to the PNP Health Service, including five doctors, four dentists and five psychologists.

The remaining 11 joined the PNP Forensic Group, comprising one doctor, one odontologist and nine chemists.

PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. urged the new officers to apply their expertise in improving personnel welfare and criminal investigations.

“Your expertise is more than a professional qualification as it is also a responsibility to serve the Filipino people with competence, integrity, and compassion. Use your knowledge to strengthen police health services, improve forensic investigations, and help ensure that every service we deliver meets the highest standards of professionalism,” Nartatez said.

The lateral entry program allows the PNP to recruit qualified professionals for specialized positions requiring expertise beyond regular police training.

Nartatez also ordered an assessment of healthcare and psychological services across police units nationwide to identify gaps in medical care, mental health support and access to specialists.

He directed concerned offices to strengthen professional development programs and coordination among technical officers, investigators and operational personnel.

The PNP said the new officers are expected to improve healthcare services for police personnel and strengthen forensic examinations used in criminal investigations.

“Professionalism is measured not only by how we enforce the law but also by the quality of our services and the integrity of our decisions. By putting specialized knowledge to work in personnel welfare and evidence-based investigations, we can strengthen public trust through results that are accurate, timely, and accountable,” Nartatez said.