Pension for PNP Members

by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

At least Php6.964M in welfare benefits have been awarded to 36 members and/or beneficiaries of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Northern Mindanao who were killed or injured in line of duty, last year.

"The amount included the lifetime pension for PNP members who were permanently incapacitated and the 5-year pension for those killed in the performance of duty, reimbursement of medical and hospital expenses, gratuity equivalent to one year salary and burial expenses equivalent to 3-month salary in 2005," Regional Director Raquel Q. Ramos of the National Police Commission, region 10, said.

Pursuant to the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 448 and 1184, Napolcom administers the welfare benefit program for PNP members belonging to this category.

Meanwhile, Ramos said the government has come up with measures to better compensate the policemen for their efforts in battling crimes by addressing their concerns on the education of their children.

Last year, she said, Napolcom paid at least Php372,834.82 for 42 scholarship grantees who were children of the policemen killed in action or injured while in the performance of duty.

"The mode of payment for the scholarship of these children who were enrolled in the primary, secondary and tertiary levels in various educational institutions, regionwide, was made either through direct payment to the schools or as reimbursement of expenses to the scholar through the parent/guardian," she said.

In another development, Ramos said Napolcom-10 administered the PNP entrance and promotional examinations, twice, last year: April with atotal of 1,979 (1,776 males and 203 females) applicants and October with a total of 4,011 (2,032 (1,822 males and 210 females) applicants.