PNP denies hiring fitness influencer to lead weight loss program for entire force

The Philippine National Police clarified that they did not authorize Rendon Labador or any fitness influencer to lead a weight loss program for the entire agency to help cops become fit.

Previously, Labador told News5 that the police force approached him to participate in their 93-day fitness challenge, which was launched on June 19 at Camp Crame.

According to him, his job was to lead the program and personally monitor the participating officers. He will also work closely with nutritionists to give them the proper diet.

PNP Directorate for Police Community Relations head Maj. Gen. Roderick Augustus Alba issued a memorandum on June 21, clarifying that it was the Police Community Affairs and Development Group that engaged Labador for an activity.

Alba stressed that this event was intended solely for PCADG personnel, not the broader PNP. The challenge itself was led by Brig. Gen. Marvin Saro.

"The Chief PNP has not authorized any fitness instructor to primarily lead a weight loss program for the entire PNP. Social media officers should exercise caution in posting and sharing content to avoid spreading misinformation that may cause confusion," the memorandum stated.

PNP personnel were also directed to refrain from sharing misleading content.

The issue regarding the weight of PNP officers came after PNP chief Nicolas Torre III had expressed his disapproval of overweight cops and warned that they could be dismissed from service if they don't keep their weight in check within a year.

"May mga regulations tayo d’yan. Ang basic d’yan is one year na pinagbibigyan na magkaroon ng chance na maka-comply at makabalik doon sa standard," he said in an interview with DZMM.

He cited Section 30 of Republic Act No. 6975, which states that one of the qualifications for appointment to the PNP is that a person "must weigh not more or less than five kilograms of the standard weight corresponding to his or her height, age, and sex."