493 police rookies deployed around Region 12 for field trainings

COTABATO CITY -- Hundreds of police rookies were deployed Tuesday around Region 12 to study law-enforcement missions in culturally-pluralistic and ethno-linguistic communities.The region ---- covering the cities of Tacurong, Cotabato, Kidapawan, Marbel and General Santos, and the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato --- is home to tri-people, which means mixed Muslim, Christian and indigenous non-Moro Lumad residents.Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales of the Police Regional Office-12 led Tuesday’s symbolic send-off rite for the 493 newly-trained police personnel, held at Camp Fermin Lira in General Santos City.Morales said they will also be taught important lessons on the current peace overture of President Rodrigo Duterte with local Moro secessionist groups.Morales had also called on his newly-enlisted subordinates to perform their duties in the field with utmost honesty and dedication. Give honor, justice and respect to the very good salary rate you are getting now courtesy of our president who understands the difficulties of police work, Morales said in a message.President Rodrigo Duterte doubled in January the salary grades per rank of police and military personnel in the country.The salary increases started during the first payday last January. Our regional director also warned to prosecute them to the fullest extent of law if they commit infractions of the code of conduct of the Philippine National Police, said Chief Inspector Aldrin Gonzales, PRO-12 information officer.