Model cop? Police officer enters Misters of the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – A 29-year-old cop has piqued the interest of the online community after joining and qualifying for a pageant.

Meet Police Officer 2 Mariano Perez Flormata Jr or “Neil Perez” from the PNP’s Aviation Security Group. He is one of the contestants in the Misters of the Philippines 2014 pageant.

“Promoting the healthy lifestyle of the PNP personnel, PO2 Flormata serves as a model to all police officers who want to be fit and healthy while protecting our community from different crimes,” said the PNP in a statement on Tuesday, August 12.

Flormata is a BS Criminology graduate from the Manuel L. Quezon University-Manila and has been in the police force for almost 6 years, said the PNP.

“Misters of the Philippines pageant can bring additional opportunities for me in terms of exposure, which will eventually help me financially. Through this pageant, I can also show to other people that I can do more aside from being a police officer,” the PNP quoted Flormata as saying.

The PNP said keeping the “finest physical and mental” fitness of its personnel is important in their functions as police, but also so they are “always ready to protect and defend their family and themselves.” – Rappler.com