For police officers who dedicated decades of their lives to protecting communities, the PNP Salamat Kapatid Program is a heartfelt way of saying thank you upon their retirement. The program honors the retiring officer not only with awards and recognition but also with mementos and assistance for life after service. It’s not just a formal send-off, but a recognition of years of sacrifice, loyalty, and service to the nation.
If you are a retiring police officer in the Philippines or a family member preparing for this chapter, regardless if you served as part of the PNP, AFP, or as a non-uniformed personnel, this guide will walk you through what the program is, who qualifies, what to expect, and how to apply for the ceremony and its benefits.
Program Overview
The Salamat Kapatid Program (SKP) is a PNP tradition that gives recognition to both uniformed and non-uniformed personnel who are retiring, either by optional or compulsory retirement.
The program:
- Honors retirees through a formal ceremony organized by the PNP National Headquarters (NHQ), Police Regional Offices (PROs), and Police Provincial Offices (PPOs).
- Includes awarding of medals, plaques, service awards, cash incentives, and other mementos depending on rank.
- Provides retirees who are members of the Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund Inc. (PSMBFI) with their equity value (savings) plus interest.
- Allows retirees to continue their PSMBFI membership up to age 65 if they wish.
- Serves as an official farewell and tribute to the dedication and sacrifices of police officers and their families.
This program is not just about handing over plaques—it’s about recognizing that behind every badge are stories of sacrifice, courage, and commitment to public service.
Why It Matters
For many officers, retirement brings mixed emotions. It’s the end of a lifelong commitment to public service, but also the start of a new journey.
The program eases this transition by:
- Giving retirees a dignified send-off.
- Recognizing both the officers and their families who supported them.
- Providing financial and symbolic tokens of gratitude.
- Keeping retirees connected to the PNP family even after service.
As one retiring officer shared during the Baguio City Police Office ceremony:
“While the badge and uniform may be retired, the spirit and commitment live on in each of us.”
Ceremony Guidelines: What to Expect
The Salamat Kapatid Program follows official PNP guidelines to maintain respect and dignity in every ceremony. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
- Ceremony Venue
- For retiring Star-Rank Officers of the Command Group – ceremonies may be held at the PNP NHQ Building, Grandstand, or Multi-Purpose Center (MPC).
- For other Star-Rank Officers – ceremonies are held at their current unit of assignment.
- For PNP Crame-based personnel from Police Colonel (PCOL) down to Patrolman/woman (Pat), including NUP – ceremonies are held at the PNP MPC.
- Schedule
- Held on the 3rd or 4th week of every month.
- Maximum of 30 retirees per ceremony. If more than 30, another ceremony will be scheduled before their official retirement date.
- Guests
- Each retiree may bring up to three guests.
- Program Highlights
- Retirement speech from the highest-ranking retiree.
- Awarding of service medals, plaques, and mementos.
- Official recognition of both retirees and their families for their sacrifices.
- Refreshments served after the ceremony.
What Retirees Receive
Depending on rank, retirees receive various awards, medals, and incentives. Here’s a complete list:
- For Police General (CPNP)
- Medallion
- Encased Command Saber
- Encased Personal Flag
- PNP Wooden Badge Case
- PNP Retiree’s ID
- PNP Service Medal
- Philippine Legion of Honor (upon approval of the President)
- Police Personnel File (PPF)
- For PNP Command Group & APC Commanders (PLTGENs)
- Medallion
- Encased Command Saber
- Encased Personal Flag
- PNP Wooden Badge Case
- PNP Retiree’s ID
- PNP Service Medal
- Police Personnel File (PPF)
- For Other Star-Rank Officers (PMGENs and above)
- Medallion
- Encased Command Saber
- Encased Personal Flag
- PNP Wooden Badge Case
- PNP Retiree’s ID
- PNP Service Medal
- Police Personnel File (PPF)
- For Police Colonels down to Patrolman/woman (PCOL–Pat) & NUP
- PNP Service Medal (for uniformed personnel)
- Loyalty Award (for NUP)
- Memento from the CPNP
- PNP Medallion
- Cash Incentive
- 30 Liters of Fuel Incentive
- PNP Retiree’s ID
- Police Personnel File (PPF)
Who Can Apply?
You are eligible if you are:
- A retiring PNP personnel, whether through optional or compulsory retirement.
- Either uniformed (police officers of all ranks) or non-uniformed personnel (NUP).
You are not eligible if you are:
- Inactive in service (e.g., under suspension, on automatic leave of absence, or under preventive suspension pending investigation).
Requirements
Before everything, here’s a complete list of documents that you will need:
- Retirement Orders
- Police Personnel File (PPF)
- Clearance from your unit/office
- Membership documents if you are part of PSMBFI (for withdrawal of savings/equity value)
Step-by-Step Guide
If you are interested in the program, then here’s how to be part of it:
Step 1. Check Eligibility
- Confirm that you are a retiring PNP personnel (either optional or compulsory).
- Ensure you are not under suspension or inactive service.
Step 2. Coordinate with Your Unit
- Notify your unit commander or administrative office about your upcoming retirement.
- Your office will be in charge of coordinating your inclusion in the SKP ceremony.
Step 3. Prepare Required Documents
- Make sure you have your documents ready and in order.
Step 4. Wait for Ceremony Schedule
- The Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM) prepares the monthly list of retirees.
- You’ll be notified of your scheduled ceremony date, usually the 3rd or 4th week of the month.
Step 5. Attend the Ceremony
- Come in proper uniform.
- You may bring up to 3 guests (usually family members).
- Participate in the awarding and recognition program.
Step 6. Claim Your Incentives and Tokens
- Receive your medals, plaques, ID, and other mementos.
- Collect your cash incentives and fuel incentives (if applicable).
- If you are a PSMBFI member, you will also receive your equity value with interest.
Fees and Processing Timelines
Becoming part of the Salamat Kapatid Program is free of charge — retirees don’t need to pay any application or ceremony fees. The entire process is handled by the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM) through the retiree’s respective unit or administrative office, which coordinates scheduling and document processing. Once all retirement documents are cleared, inclusion in the ceremony and release of tokens or incentives usually take place within one to two months before the official retirement date.
Video: Salamat Kapatid Program Ceremony
If you’re a retiring police officer in the Philippines, the Salamat Kapatid Program is your formal farewell and recognition of service. This program is not just about awards and plaques—it’s about celebrating your dedication, honoring your family’s sacrifices, and starting a new chapter with dignity. To learn more about what happens during to those who are part of the Salamat Kapatid Program, watch this video below:
For more details and official updates, visit the PNP Official Website or inquire at your unit’s DPRM Office.