The province of Oriental Mindoro has announced a search for its finest police officers, aiming to recognize exemplary service and boost morale within local law enforcement ranks.

Dubbed “Oriental Mindoro’s Finest: Search for Outstanding Police,” the search calls for nominations of active members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) currently serving in the province.

The search seeks to honor those who have “excelled and manifested exemplary performance” in their line of duty.

According to the official announcement, nominees must demonstrate “outstanding accomplishments and remarkable influence in the maintenance of public safety and order and fight against all forms of criminality, lawlessness and the protection of the lives and properties of every Mindoreño.”

The search will select eight recipients across four categories: Commissioned Officers (1 awardee), Non-commissioned Officers (1 awardee), Administrative (2 awardees), and Operational (4 awardees).

To be eligible, nominees must have served a minimum of two years in Oriental Mindoro. They should possess “good moral character” and have no convictions for administrative or criminal offenses.

Additionally, officers who have received the Outstanding Police Officers Award in the past five years are ineligible.

The judging criteria place a strong emphasis on accomplishments, which account for 50% of the assessment.

Other factors include an interview (25%), field validation (20%), and educational attainment, training, performance evaluations, and previous awards (5%).

The search committee has outlined specific scoring guidelines for educational qualifications, ranging from 80% for four-year course graduates to 100% for doctoral degree holders. Similar scales apply for training courses completed and performance ratings received.

Previous accolades will also factor into the scoring, with the prestigious Medalya ng Bayan earning the highest mark of 100%.

Each awardee will receive a cash prize of P25,000 pesos and a plaque of recognition inscribed with the title “Oriental Mindoro’s Finest.”

In the event of a posthumous award, the next of kin will receive the honors.

The nomination period runs from August 17 to 30, 2024, with submission of nominations scheduled for September 2 to 6, 2024.

The awarding ceremony will take place during Oriental Mindoro’s Founding Anniversary week-long celebration.

Provincial officials hope this initiative will not only recognize outstanding service but also motivate all police personnel to strive for excellence in their duties.

“This search underscores our commitment to public safety and our appreciation for the men and women who protect our communities,” said the provincial government.

The announcement comes at a time when police forces nationwide face scrutiny over conduct and effectiveness.

Officials in Oriental Mindoro believe that by highlighting exemplary officers, they can help improve public trust and encourage best practices within the force.

As the nomination process begins, anticipation builds among the province’s 908,000 residents to see which of their local protectors will be deemed Oriental Mindoro’s finest.