The Metrobank Foundation and Rotary Club of New Manila East (RCNME) have launched the 2005 Metrobank Foundation Search for the Country’s Outstanding Policemen in Service (COPS) during the recently concluded awarding ceremonies of the 2004 COPS at the Malaca ñang Palace.

The Metrobank Foundation, RCNME and the Philippine National Police (PNP) signed a tripartite memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to highlight the launch of the 2005 COPS award. Signing the agreement were officials from Metrobank Foundation led by its President Placido Mapa Jr., RNCME pr2esident Efren Yambot, and PNP Deputy Director General Edgar Aglipay. Interior and Local Government secretary Angelo Reyes was also present to witness the event.

COPS started as the search for the Best Community Oriented Policemen by RCNME. In 2002, Metrobank Foundation partnered with RCNME to recognize the exemplary achievements of Filipino men and women in uniform who have been in active duty in the PNP for at least seven years. The search is in line with the “ONE PNP” Program of the PNP, with emphasis on its Neighborhood Participation thrust, which encourages involvement of local communities to ensure crime prevention, solution and intervention. Ten members of the PNP, of which four are Commissioned Officers and six are Non-Commissioned Officers, would be declared winners in the COPS search.

The 10 outstanding policemen who will be chosen will each receive a cash prize of P15, 000 (increased from P100, 000 this year) and a trophy courtesy of the Metrobank Foundation.

Deadline f submission of entries is on January 28, 2005. Nomination forms are available at all PNP regional offices, RCNME accredited Rotary Chapter and Metrobank branches nationwide. Forms can also be downloaded from www.mbfoundation.org.ph. For inquiries, please contact 209-1951 or 209-1952 or visit Metrobank Calbayog Branch