NOW: Donning of ranks for lateral entry program for 294 technical officers at Camp Crame, QC @ABSCBNNews pic.twitter.com/zM3IflMOlG

— Bianca Dava (@biancadava) February 18, 2018

MANILA - A total of 295 licensed professionals took their oaths on Monday as new police commissioned officers of the Philippine National Police.

The licensed professionals were commissioned into the PNP under the 2017 Lateral Entry program to fill up requirements for more technical service officers in the police force.

The newly-inducted officers include lawyers and medical doctors, who were appointed to the initial rank of Police Senior Inspector.

Among those appointed to the initial rank of Police Inspector were dentists, psychologists, nurses, architects, civil engineers, electrical engineers, forensic chemists, IT officers, and communication and electronics officers.

"Your entry means an infusion of fresh blood that will revitalize the entire organization," Director General Ronald Dela Rosa said in his speech as he administered the oath of office and donning of ranks of 295 new commissioned officers.

"We warmly welcome you to the police force. You are joining the PNP at a crucial time wherein we are faced with problems on terrorism, crime and all forms of lawlessness."

PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa attends flag raising ceremony, mass oath-taking, donning of ranks for lateral entry program for technical officers CY 2017 at Camp Crame pic.twitter.com/ad1HHCZotm

— Bianca Dava (@biancadava) February 18, 2018

The PNP chief noted that the new officers possess special technical qualifications and expertise that cane be used by the police organization.

"I expect you to perform your duties with honor, justice and ideals," Dela Rosa told the officers.

"Integrity, integrity. Huwag kayong magpapasilaw sa pera. Hindi kayo nag-opisyal para magpamayaman. Nag-opisyal kayo para magserbisyo... As you assume your new posts, keep in mind that lives depend on you and the decisions you will make. Work hard and prove that you are worthy of the badge you wear," he added.

The new police commissioned officers will be assigned to regional offices and national operational support units at Camp Crame.

They will also undergo the mandatory Officers' Basic Course and Field Training Program before reporting to their respective assignments.