Manila: The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will appoint female officers to key frontline positions to showcase their leadership skills and dismiss the notion that women in law enforcement are for administrative duties only. Female officers will be placed in key positions across Civil Disturbance Management contingents, desk operations, and elite Special Weapons and Tactics teams.

According to Philippines News Agency, Acting NCRPO Director Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin stated that aside from their leadership skills, female officers offer reassurance, empathy, and accessibility, making it easier for victims to come forward. "Female police officers play a crucial role in creating a more approachable and inclusive police force. They serve as first responders, investigators, and community protectors," Aberin said.

He emphasized that their presence in police stations nationwide provides a safe space for women and children, especially victims of gender-based violence, who may hesitate to report incidents to male officers. Aberin added that leadership is not defined by gender but by the ability to inspire, empathize, and make sound decisions.

To ensure an approachable, professional, and service-oriented presence, all desk officer positions, especially in police stations, will be assigned to female officers, Aberin noted. He highlighted that the NCRPO has a total strength of 25,743 dedicated able, active, and allied police personnel, with 19 percent of them being women.

Moreover, of the more than 200,000 Philippine National Police personnel, 42,757 are female officers, including 151 holding key command and operational positions.