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The Philippine National Police (PNP) has embarked on an initiative to prioritize physical fitness among its officers, a move championed by PNP Chief General Nicolas Torre III.
During a recent press conference on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo announced that Torre has issued a directive amending the PNP's police policy regarding weight and physical fitness.
According to Fajardo, based on the new policy, failing the normal Body Mass Index (BMI) and physical fitness test (PFT) may prevent promotions.
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The BMI, a common yardstick used in physical fitness programs, is determined by an individual's weight-to-height ratio. It's applicable to both males and females.
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This update comes from the increasing concern about weight issues among the force.
Typically, a normal BMI falls within the range of 18.5 to 24.9. A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight, while a BMI of 30 or more is deemed obese[2].
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Officers are expected to maintain their weight within five kilograms of their ideal weight, a common requirement under the PNP's professionalization drive[3].
The policy will be rigorously enforced, with no exceptions. Officers who have gained weight are advised to consult doctors to devise suitable workout plans to meet the fitness standards[5].
Moreover, PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III leads by example, demonstrating personal fitness even at the age of 55[5]. The aim of this policy is to guarantee that officers are truly fit for duty while upholding a professional image.
Insights from the Enrichment:
- Police officers who fail the PFT twice will no longer be eligible for promotion or training due to these weight and fitness requirements[2].
- Maintaining physical fitness is considered a reflection of good discipline, and having a sound body is essential for police officers[5].
- Officers who have gained weight are encouraged to seek medical advice to develop workout plans tailored to their needs[5].
- The new PNP policy, initiated by PNP Chief General Nicolas Torre III, requires officers to maintain their weight within five kilograms of their ideal weight, promoting weight management as part of the fitness-and-exercise focus.
- Superbalita reported on June 11, 2025, that PNP's health-and-wellness push, including the stringent Body Mass Index (BMI) and physical fitness test (PFT) requirements, will apply to all officers to ensure they uphold a professional image and are fit for duty, as exemplified by Chief Gen. Torre himself.
- In the Philippines, Cebu-based Superbalita revealed that the revised PNP policy disqualifies officers who fail the normal BMI and PFT tests from promotions or training, especially considering the growing concern about weight issues among the police force.
