THE Philippine National Police (PNP) clarified on Sunday that it has not officially hired or authorized fitness vlogger Rendon Labador to lead a weight loss program for the entire police force.
The clarification comes after a June 19 fitness activity held at Camp Crame, Quezon City, where Labador was seen participating.
According to the PNP, the event was organized solely by the Police Community Affairs and Development Group (PCADG) and involved only their personnel.
In a memorandum dated June 21, Maj. Gen. Roderick Augustus Alba, Director for Police Community Relations, emphasized that the activity was not part of an organization-wide program and was not sanctioned by PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
“In this regard, PNP personnel are directed to refrain from sharing misleading content. The Chief PNP has not authorized any fitness instructor to primarily lead a weight loss program for the entire PNP,” the memo stated.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, in a media interview, said she has no personal knowledge of any official arrangement with Labador.
However, she noted that individuals who wish to contribute to the organization’s fitness goals are welcome, especially in support of Torre’s push for physical fitness among police officers.
Torre earlier warned that police officers who fail to meet fitness standards may be asked to consider a “graceful exit” from the service.
Labador, for his part, said he volunteered to lead PCADG’s 93-day fitness program without compensation, citing his respect for the police force and the fact that his father was also a policeman.
