ORMOC CITY – As part of a nationwide health and fitness initiative directed by the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Police General (PGen.) Nicolas D. Torre III, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 8 has relaunched “Pulisteniks” at Camp Kangleon, Palo, Leyte, on June 26, 2025.
Under the direction of Regional Director Police Brigadier General (PBGen.) Jay R. Cumigad, PRO-8 conducted a number of physical training exercises, including lifting, basketball, volleyball, and Zumba, to keep police officers psychologically and physically prepared. Regular “Pulisteniks” sessions are now scheduled at 3:00 P.M. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and all lower units of this PRO have been instructed to implement the same.
RD Cumigad stressed that police efficiency depends on the physical and mental health of its officers as well as their training and expertise. “As one of the country’s primary law enforcement agencies tasked with maintaining peace and order, we ensure that our police officers remain physically fit and mentally prepared. A healthy and well-conditioned police force is essential to delivering fast, reliable, and quality service to the Filipino people,” he said.
The regional office hopes to foster a culture of resilience, discipline, and health among its staff by fully implementing this program in PRO-8.
To recall, the PNP formally launched the resumption of its regular physical conditioning program dubbed “Pulisteniks” through a kick-off ceremony held at the Transformation Oval, Camp BGen Rafael T. Crame on June 24, 2025. During said event, the Deputy Chief PNP for Administration (TDCA), Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., represented the PNP Chief and led the ceremony, wherein he delivered Torre’s message that highlighted the critical importance of physical fitness among police personnel.
“This initiative is not just about stretching or running laps. It is about recognizing a simple truth that too often gets overlooked: a healthy body is a healthy mind,” delivered Nartatez, Jr., adding, “Let us not treat this as an obligation. Gawin po nating bahagi ng ating lifestyle bilang pulis ang pagiging malusog. Kasi kapag malusog ang katawan, malinaw ang isipan, matatag ang loob, at mabilis ang kilos.”
“Pulisteniks” reinforces the idea that a healthier body makes a stronger, more reliable force and is a component of the PNP’s larger internal wellness campaign. (By Gwen Maurillo / EV Mail JUNE 16-22, 2025 issue)
