Fitness influencer and motivational speaker Rendon Labador admitted he was shocked and hurt upon learning he was no longer part of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) fitness program.
“Actually, nalungkot ako. Kasi hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari. Nakita ko na lang sa news na tinanggal na pala ako,” Labador shared in an interview with News5, following the abrupt end of his involvement in a supposed 93-day weight loss challenge for overweight police officers.
“So, as a normal na tao, siyempre masakit sa akin ‘yon na tanggalin ng PNP. Kasi isang araw pa lang kami nagte-training tapos wala man lang nagsabi sa akin,” he added.
Labador claimed he had no idea why he was removed and whether it was due to issues with his fitness routines or internal decisions by the PNP.
The confusion stemmed from a memorandum issued by the Police Community Affairs and Development Group (PCADG), which clarified that the activity conducted by Labador on June 19 at Camp Crame was not a PNP-wide initiative. The memo stressed: “The CPNP (Chief, PNP Gen. Nicolas Torre III) has not authorized any Fitness Instructor to primarily lead a weight loss program for the entire PNP.”
The PNP also reminded its social media officers to refrain from sharing “misleading content” to avoid confusion, following the circulation of online posts implying a nationwide program led by Labador.
Despite this, Labador insisted he only intended to help and claimed he volunteered to spearhead the fitness campaign out of respect for the PNP and in honor of his late father, a former officer.
PNP spokesperson P/BGen. Jean Fajardo confirmed there was no formal appointment designating Labador as the official fitness coach of the entire organization. However, she welcomed public figures who wish to support ongoing health initiatives.
Meanwhile, the PNP launched its official physical conditioning program, ‘Pulisteniks,’ on June 24 at Camp Crame. During the launch, PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III highlighted the importance of physical wellness, stating, “This initiative is not just about stretching or running laps. It is about recognizing a simple truth that too often gets overlooked: A healthy body is a healthy mind.”
Torre also reiterated that the program should be seen not as an obligation, but as a sustainable lifestyle goal for every police officer.
