On May 15, 1999, 350 successful applicants reported to the Philippine National Police Academy in Silang, Cavite to join the ranks of the long Maroon and Gold Line. Two days later, Reception Day marked the beginning of a new life for them as a plebe.
May 15, 2000, was a challenging day for the class. Heads rolled with an ultimatum issued by Dr. Ernesto G. Gimenez, President of the Philippine Public Safety College, on June 2, 2000, led to the suspension of their classes, causing uncertainty and turmoil. Nevertheless, as their motto stated, “In every dawn there is always sunrise”. They continued to live on. Finally, 240 members of the Class were reinstated on August 14, while the rest awaited the court’s decision.
Out of the 350 who were original members of the Class 2002, only 297 graduated on April 15, 2002. In their hearts they are proud to say that they are the members of the Philippine National Police Academy Cadet Corps and never yielded to pressure from the hardships they encountered.
The class was among those affected by the transition from a two-year program to a three-year college curriculum, making their journey even more demanding. The SINAG-LAYA Class of 2002 produced its first star-rank officer in the Bureau of Fire Protection, FCSUPT HONEE FRITZ N ABANGAN-DIEL, with 189 still active in service.
Sources:
Bugle Call, 2019
PNPAAAI Records
Philippine National Police Academy
