A Filipino police officer has ranked first overall in a highly selective international police training program hosted by the UAE Ministry of Interior, marking a major professional milestone for the Philippine National Police on the global stage.
Police Major Florece Inar Vic V. Florece of the Philippine National Police placed #1 out of 52 international officers in the UAE Ministry of Interior International Police Exchange Program, held at the Abu Dhabi Police College. The international cohort represented 35 countries, according to UAE-based reporting.
Another Filipino participant, Police Captain Joseph G. Pelobello, also placed strongly, finishing 5th overall in the same program.
Beyond the rankings, the officers completed a Level 4 Post Secondary Qualification in Advanced Police Science, a credential formally awarded by the UAE Ministry of Interior Security Qualification Center. The qualification focuses on modern policing strategies, leadership development, and international law enforcement cooperation, aligning with the UAE Ministry of Interior’s broader push to professionalize and standardize policing practices across borders.
The exchange program itself began in September 2025 and ran for several months at the Abu Dhabi Police College, combining academic instruction with performance based assessments. Participants were evaluated on leadership skills, operational readiness, and their ability to apply policing concepts in multinational environments. This structured assessment framework explains why final rankings are treated as academic distinctions rather than honorary citations.
During the graduation ceremony held on 29 January 2026, Major Florece and Captain Pelobello were formally recognized alongside other graduates from different policing tracks. The presence of senior UAE leadership reinforced the program’s role as part of the country’s official international cooperation agenda, rather than a symbolic exchange.
In his brief graduation remarks, Major Florece thanked the UAE Ministry of Interior and the Police College for the opportunity to gain new operational knowledge he intends to apply upon returning to the Philippines, underscoring the program’s practical intent.
Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso A. Ver publicly praised both officers, noting that their performance reflected positively on the Philippine National Police and strengthened bilateral professional ties between the Philippines and the UAE.
The International Police Exchange Program is an official initiative of the UAE Ministry of Interior, designed to strengthen cross-border cooperation, professional standards, and leadership development among police forces worldwide. The program is also recognized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, underscoring its international credibility.
Big congratulations to Police Major Florece Inar Vic V. Florece and Police Captain Joseph G. Pelobello! You both have made your home country and kababayans very proud for representing the flag as well as your unparalleled hard work and commitment to excellence.