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The Philippine National Police Academy has opened its
doors to gays and lesbians who want to be police officers.
The academy’s director, Senior
Supt. Balligi Tira, said being a member of the “third sex” is
not a ground to disqualify persons enrolling in the institution.
Tira told reporters Wednesday
there’s no reason for them to be gender-biased against aspiring
police officers since Philippine society has accepted gays and
lesbians.
Tira said that despite of their
stringent screening process of applicants, some “closet” gays
were able to join the force.
The PNP had been reluctant to
accept recruits who are openly gay or lesbian, but acknowledged
there are divisions or offices in the agency where members of the
third sex are qualified to head.
Among these offices are the
Computer Service and the Logistic Support Service, both in Camp
Crame, the PNP headquarters.
The academy, which is located in
Silang, Cavite, is the police counterpart of the Philippine Military
Academy in Baguio City, which trains military officers.
--Anthony Vargas
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