The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said it plans to increase the number of its port police personnel amid the expansion of ports across the country.
PPA general manager Jay Santiago said port police force plays a crucial role in maintaining safety, order, and peace at PPA ports. They are essential in preventing, responding to, and managing any disasters, unwarranted incidents, or security threats that may arise.
On August 19, 2024, the PPA successfully held a graduation ceremony for 31 new port police officers at the PPA Head Office in Manila. During the ceremony, Santiago also issued brand new service firearms to the new port police officers.
Prior to the graduation, the 31 new port police officers underwent a series of training sessions. The Basic Port Police Training Course was conducted at the PPA Training Center in La Union, where the skills, abilities, and dedication of the applicants were tested as the first line of defense at the ports. The training included port operations, criminal law, marksmanship, firearms safety, water search and rescue, and endurance exercises. Another training session is scheduled for September 2024.
Currently, there are 270 active port police officers ensuring the safety and security of major ports across the country. Due to ongoing port expansions, there is a continuing need for additional personnel.
Applicants for port police positions must be Filipino citizens, college graduates, passers of the Civil Service Commission or Professional Regulatory Commission exams, not been previously dishonorably discharged from the military, police, or any government job for serious reasons, and must not have been convicted of a crime involving bad moral conduct. For more information on the requirements for applications, applicants may visit the PPA website and official social media accounts.
