The chief of the Police Regional Office-10 (PRO-10) has challenged police personnel in the region to “shape up” and strive to become physically fit for the job.

Brigadier Gen. Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. issued the challenge following a report that about 40 percent or 3,762 of the 9,407 active regional police personnel were either overweight or obese.

“Although it should be an individual’s responsibility, it’s good that everyone is reminded that our police force is giving importance to their bodies, especially our job requires a healthy body and a sound mind,” Acorda said in a statement Wednesday.

Following the report, the Regional Learning Development and Doctrine Division (RLDDD) conducted a 15-day Enhanced Health and Fitness Program, capping with its ninth batch Wednesday.

Under the program, each batch with 30 to 50 participants will undergo the fitness exercises.

Colonel Danilo B. Tumanda, chief of the regional staff, said self-discipline is crucial in maintaining physical and mental fitness.

“The most important thing is there is progress and development of your body weight and that you should lose at least 2 kilograms (kg.) or more. This is not to discriminate but this program is made to help our personnel achieve their standard or acceptable BMI (Body Mass Index,” Tumanda said.

For the ninth batch, SSgt. Joel T. Pardillo from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-10 was announced as the “biggest loser,” shedding 10.09 kg. after the 15-day program.

He was followed by SSgt. Michael E. Hisoler from Regional Logistics and Research Development Division with 9.36 kg. loss; and SSgt. Dennis G Palangpangan from Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division who lost 8.18 kg. (PNA)