by Aziz Salim
The Western Mindanao State University-College of Criminal Justice Education (WMSU-CCJE) held a badge and donning of ranks ceremony with the Matalasik Class of 2023, on December 9, 2022.
Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorenam, WMSU President, acknowledged and accepted the Matalsik Class of 2023. “Integrity and honesty are two of the most important qualities a policeman should have; without these, do not expect the citizens to respect you. Always remember what your teachers thought of you, and always remember that WMSU is proud of you!” Dr. Ochotorena reminded the interns.
Dr. Mario Richie O. Hibionada, CCJE Dean, said that he takes pride in the fact that WMSU is the only state university that offers the Bachelor of Science in Criminology program in Zamboanga City. He also said that he takes pleasure in the fact that the college provides a quality, inclusive education to its students. Further, he emphasized that the college trained the students well in the core areas of criminology: law enforcement administration, crime detection and investigation, criminal sociology, forensic science, criminal jurisprudence and corrections, and jail management, making them competent to walk on the path that they choose.
The speaker, PCOL Lemuel P. Nalangan, Regional Chief, Health Service IX, complimented the CCJE faculty members because he saw that the interns were well-mannered and disciplined. Also, he highlights that students should be mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially prepared since there are five phases in the PNP recruitment process: the initial interview, the neuropsychiatric examination, the agility test, the physical examination test; the medical and dental examination, and the final interview.
On the same day, Dr. Ochotorena spearheaded the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the eleven different government agencies in Zamboanga City: the Zamboanga City Police Office, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, Regional Highway Patrol Unit IX, Maritime Police, Aviation Police, PNP Forensic Unit IX, Regional Internal Affairs Service, Bureau of Corrections, and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.