Dili, 11 February 2026 (Média Democracia) – HAK Association held a press conference to inform the public about the recruitment test for new PNTL agents, which shows indications of discrimination and doesn’t demonstrate good governance practice. The coference took place at Farol Hak’s Hall in Dili.
HAK spokeperson, Marina Galucho stated in a communiqué that HAK as a non-governmental organization working in the area of human rights, observes that the ongoing recruitment process for the National Police Timor-Leste (PNTL) is a crucial moment to continue strengthening professionalism, integrity, and public trust in the state’s security forces.
“We appreciated and recognized the efforts of the Government and revelant institutions in this recruitment policy, but as a human rights organization that oversee human rights issues, we want to emphasize that the recruitment of the National Police Timor-Leste (PNTL) needs to follow the principles of legality, transparency, and opportunity, in accordance with human rights principles and the exissting legal framework.” Said HAK spokeperson, Marina Galucho
The spokeperson added that, seeing the security needs in the country, the Council of Minister decided to open vacancies for new PNTL candidates through Ministerial Diploma number 17/2025, June 25, 2025, amended by Ministerial Diploma number 37/2025, October 10, regarding recruitment for National Police Agents. This recruitment is very important because PNTL is apublic security institution that has a strategic role in protecting and guaranteeing the security of citizens in a democratic rule of law.
“On February 3, 2026, through the PNTL Recruitment Commission, a general of new candidates was published, totaling 12,874. Of this number, 10,597 candidates were approved and 2,277 candidates were not approved. From the approved number, priority will be given to 400 candidates who follow the quota for each Municipality to proceed with medicall test.” Added HAK spokeperson
The spokeperson stated that this situation has become a public controversy and received strong reactions from candidates, because consider all approved names were on the list, but weren’t admitted to the medical test. There’s also a strong indication that the list of new cadets approved for the mdical test is mostly made up of PNTL senior officers’ children.
“We recommend and urge the Ministry of Interior and PNTL to immediately annul the decision, Futhermore, we alert the PDHJ to immediately conduct a through investigation to uncover tendencies of practices that contravene the principles of good Governance in Timor-Leste.” Affirms HAK spokeperson, Marina Galucho
The spokeperson informed that the National Parliament’s Committe B, which handles Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Security, should conduct oversight on the recruitment process of good governance.
HAK futher explains that they believe a PNTL recruitment that follows good standards and is credible will contribute to building a professional police forces that’s diciplined and respect human rights principles. Appreciate the new PNTL cadet candidates who’ve shown maturity in seeking truth and justice through legal and democratic.
Reporting : Nelfiano
Photo : Nelfiano