Dili, August 8, 2025 (Média Democracia) – In an interview, Minister of Interior Francisco Guterres requested the media to accompany the recruitment process for new candidates for the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) for the year 2025.
“We ask the media to assist us in observing the recruitment process for PNTL agents so that documents and procedures are transparent, because we want only capable individuals to be in the police,” said Minister of Interior Francisco Guterres to journalists at the Ministry of Interior (MI) premises in Caicoli.
The Ministry of Interior continues to place its trust in the jury commission, the supervisory commission under the Secretariat, and the jury which also involves the National Republican Guard (GNR), expecting the process to remain transparent.
“We all need to pay close attention. You (media) shouldn’t just wait for us to act; you must also observe. If something arises, speak up so we can intervene. We don’t question the process, but we want everything to run well. We’re not suspicious of each other, we simply want police officers who serve with integrity. That’s why we continue to ask everyone to help monitor and choose the best candidates, not those who come with bad intentions,” added the Minister of Interior.
The Minister further explained that 20% of the PNTL recruitment quota is reserved for veterans, but they must also meet all set criteria. The age requirement for new candidates is between 18 and 23 years, as defined by the government, which is recruiting 400 new members for police service.
On the other hand, PNTL Recruitment Commission spokesperson Superintendent Antonio da Luz stated that Ministerial Diploma No. 17/2025 dated 25 June outlines the general admission conditions under Articles 20, 21, and 22. These regulations cover the public admission process for the PNTL agent training course, with a total recruitment target of 400 candidates.
“We guarantee that the recruitment process is carried out professionally. We won’t favor anyone, as all citizens have equal rights in this process. We don’t look at who’s A or B, we follow the law and serve impartially. We don’t judge based on color or race, or on someone’s status. We want professional service and to show the public that PNTL is capable,” said Superintendent Antonio da Luz during a press conference at the PNTL Police Academy Training Center (CFA-PNTL).
The Recruitment Commission emphasized that they will not block or prevent any response in case of irregularities. Regarding the special modalities for veterans or children of police officers, the commission clarified that submitting documents alone does not guarantee acceptance, everyone must pass the same selection process. If a candidate fails the test, they are not eligible, regardless of background.
“We continue to inform that if any members commit irregularities during the PNTL recruitment process, we will immediately alert the coordinating point or relevant officials to review their involvement. If necessary, they will be replaced because we want this process to proceed smoothly and without public doubt,” emphasized the PNTL Recruitment Commission Spokesperson.
As of August 5, 2025, candidates who have submitted recruitment forms come from municipalities such as Aileu, Ainaro, Atauro, Baucau, Bobonaro, Covalima, Dili, Ermera, Lautem, Liquiça, Manatuto, Manufahi, Oe-Cusse, Viqueque, and the Police Academy Training Center in Dili. The total number of applicants recorded was 1,233 males and 422 females, totaling 1,655. On August 6, an additional 690 males and 267 females applied, bringing the total number of applicants to 3,666.
Reported by: Domingas
Photo: Domingas