The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) has strongly condemned alleged extortion tied to its recruitment process, following a formal complaint filed before the Bacolod City Police Office in which a police personnel is accused of demanding money from a Philippine National Police (PNP) applicant in exchange for guaranteed entry into the police service.
The statement, issued on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, came as PRO NIR confirmed that both criminal charges and a parallel administrative investigation are now underway against the personnel involved. The regional office emphasized that no applicant is ever required to pay any amount of money to secure appointment into the PNP.
Complaint Filed in Bacolod Over Alleged Extortion of PNP Applicant
According to PRO NIR, the complaint was filed before the Bacolod City Police Office and alleges that a police personnel demanded and received money from a PNP applicant, claiming the payment would help secure the individual's entry into the police organization. The complainant further alleged that additional payments were subsequently requested after the initial amount was given.
The matter has since been referred to the appropriate authorities for both criminal and administrative action. PRO NIR confirmed that initial proceedings have already been set in motion, with the institution of criminal charges being actively pursued alongside the internal administrative inquiry.
The regional office did not disclose the identity of the accused personnel, citing ongoing proceedings, but confirmed that the individual is a member of the PNP under the Negros Island Region command.
PBGEN Cardiño Declares Integrity of Recruitment Process 'Non-Negotiable'
PRO NIR Regional Director Police Brigadier General Romano V. Cardiño issued a firm statement condemning the alleged act, calling the integrity of the recruitment process a non-negotiable cornerstone of the organization.
"The integrity of the recruitment process is non-negotiable. We will never tolerate any act that undermines public trust or exploits the aspirations of individuals who wish to serve in the police organization," PBGEN Cardiño said.
The regional director assured the public that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly and impartially, and that any personnel found to have violated existing laws, rules, and regulations would face the corresponding sanctions under PNP policies and applicable Philippine law.
Cardiño also stressed that the PNP badge is not a commodity that can be obtained through payment or influence, but something that must be earned through qualification, character, and a demonstrated dedication to public service.
"The PNP badge is earned through qualification, character, and dedication to public service, never through influence, promises, or payment," PBGEN Cardiño emphasized.
Criminal and Administrative Proceedings Now Underway
PRO NIR confirmed that it has already initiated the necessary actions relative to the case. According to the regional office, the institution of appropriate criminal charges is being actively pursued, while a separate administrative investigation is simultaneously underway to establish accountability and determine the applicable sanctions.
The dual-track approach — pursuing both criminal and administrative cases — is consistent with standard PNP protocols when personnel face allegations of misconduct that may carry legal liability alongside violations of internal regulations and the PNP's code of conduct and ethical standards.
The regional office did not provide a timeline for the conclusion of either proceeding but confirmed that both are ongoing as of the date of the statement.
PRO NIR Urges Other Victims or Witnesses to Come Forward
Beyond the specific case at hand, PRO NIR used the occasion to appeal to any other individuals who may have experienced similar incidents of illegal recruitment-related solicitation or who possess relevant information to formally report such matters to the appropriate authorities.
The regional office emphasized that public cooperation is vital to ensuring accountability and protecting the integrity of the organization as a whole. Individuals with information are encouraged to surface and assist authorities so that further action may be taken where warranted.
"The public deserves a police organization that is professional, ethical, and worthy of trust. We urge anyone with information to surface and assist authorities so that appropriate actions may be undertaken," PBGEN Cardiño said.
PRO NIR did not specify which office or hotline individuals should contact to file such reports, though complaints may generally be lodged with the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the PNP or directly with local police offices.
PNP Recruitment Policy: No Fees, Merit-Based Selection
PRO NIR reiterated the official policy of the Philippine National Police regarding recruitment: applicants are never required to pay any fee, gratuity, or other consideration to any person in connection with their application or selection into the police service.
According to the regional office, recruitment and selection are governed exclusively by established PNP policies and merit-based standards that assess candidates on their qualifications, competencies, physical fitness, background, and compliance with all legal and procedural requirements.
The PNP recruitment process involves multiple stages, including written examinations, physical agility tests, medical evaluations, neuro-psychiatric assessments, background investigations, and final deliberation by a recruitment board. No stage in this process requires payment to any individual or intermediary.
The regional office warned the public to be wary of individuals — whether claiming to be police personnel or civilian fixers — who offer to facilitate PNP applications in exchange for money, as such representations are unauthorized and constitute criminal conduct.
Commitment to Institutional Integrity Amid Public Trust Concerns
PRO NIR's public statement forms part of a broader institutional effort to reinforce the credibility of the PNP as an organization committed to professionalism, ethical conduct, and lawful service to the Filipino people.
The regional office emphasized that it remains steadfast in preserving the credibility of the recruitment process and in ensuring that those who ultimately wear the PNP uniform earn their position through merit, competence, and adherence to legal standards — not through corruption or undue influence.
Allegations of recruitment-related extortion and fixer activity within law enforcement have long been a concern in the Philippines, with the PNP's Internal Affairs Service and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) regularly receiving complaints tied to improper solicitation during the recruitment and promotional processes.
The filing of the Bacolod complaint represents one of the more recent instances of such allegations surfacing within the Negros Island Region command, and PRO NIR's swift public response signals an effort to demonstrate transparency and institutional accountability in addressing the matter.
As of June 10, 2026, both the criminal and administrative proceedings against the accused personnel remain ongoing. Further updates are expected as investigations progress through the appropriate legal and administrative channels.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of PRO NIR / PNP Public Information Office