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Philippine police get their teeth into new image
MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine police with bad teeth got something to grin about when President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's husband handed out free dentures to improve the confidence and public image of the national force.
Mike Arroyo's "A New Smile for the Toothless" campaign originally focused on market vendors in Manila but was extended to police officers, who earn as little as $157 (83 pounds) per month.
Omar Taribul, a senior officer with two decades of service, said he had endured years of humiliation since losing his teeth in a gunbattle with communist rebels in 1994.
"I can smile because I now have a brand new set of teeth," Taribul said on Monday at the headquarters of the Philippine National Police's southern command in Manila, as dentists examined members of the force.
About 200 officers have received free dentures, worth about $50 per set. The scheme is due to help another 200 police, as well as their families, with dental care.
"This will boost their confidence," said dentist Marilen Acuna Principe. "When you're missing some teeth and you have to talk to people, then you tend to become embarrassed."
MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine police with bad teeth got something to grin about when President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's husband handed out free dentures to improve the confidence and public image of the national force.
Mike Arroyo's "A New Smile for the Toothless" campaign originally focused on market vendors in Manila but was extended to police officers, who earn as little as $157 (83 pounds) per month.
Omar Taribul, a senior officer with two decades of service, said he had endured years of humiliation since losing his teeth in a gunbattle with communist rebels in 1994.
"I can smile because I now have a brand new set of teeth," Taribul said on Monday at the headquarters of the Philippine National Police's southern command in Manila, as dentists examined members of the force.
About 200 officers have received free dentures, worth about $50 per set. The scheme is due to help another 200 police, as well as their families, with dental care.
"This will boost their confidence," said dentist Marilen Acuna Principe. "When you're missing some teeth and you have to talk to people, then you tend to become embarrassed."
Article
"This will boost their confidence," said dentist Marilen Acuna Principe. "When you're missing some teeth and you have to talk to people, then you tend to become embarrassed."
2 Can't argue with that. So, I guess this will make it easier for them cops to ask you about that bribe money as well. 
