The Philippine National Police (PNP) has issued a directive ordering all overweight officers to shed excess weight within one year or risk losing their jobs.

The new Police chief, Gen. Nicolas Torre III, announced this during a radio interview on dzBB officers who fail to shed excess weight within a year will be removed from service.

Torre emphasized the need for discipline and officers physical fitness within the force.

Citing Republic Act 6975, also known as the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act, the police chief stressed that officers must maintain a weight not more or less than five kilograms from the standard based on their height, age, and sex.

The new policy affects the National Police of Philippines except the ones that may have medical conditions, the General explained that two options are being considered either discharge due to total disability or reassignment to administrative duties.

According to PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, Torre’s approach reflects the belief that a physically fit police force is a disciplined one.

“It is incumbent upon every police officer to maintain a physical appearance acceptable for a police officer,” she said.

Fajardo added that officers should begin monitoring their body mass index (BMI), but are free to choose their preferred fitness methods, especially those with health concerns.

“The directive does not dictate how you are going to lose weight, but of course, we will give considerations,” she concluded.

Consultations with the National Police Commission are underway to determine the best course of action.