PNP supports bill on use of cops, troops' uniforms

House bill 368, authored by Cebu City 1st District Representative Raul del Mar, seeks to amend Republic Act 493 that prohibits the use and production of PNP and AFP uniforms.

 

 "The PNP welcomes the proposal of Cebu Representative Del Mar for there are criminal elements that use PNP uniforms to conduct illicit activities  which reflects negatively to our organization,"Police Director Lina Sarmiento, Director for Police Community Relations, said.

 

At present, the PNP strictly adheres on the proper wearing of police uniforms by the PNP personnel through its Letter of Instruction "Tamang Bihis" (proper attire), a directive prescribing authorized PNP uniform with insignia and accoutrements and requiring PNP personnel the proper wearing of all PNP uniforms.

 

Some of the violations of the policy include  unauthorized or improper wearing of uniforms, insignias and accoutrements, unauthorized haircut, dirty shoes, dirty uniform, unshaved moustaches and other similar minor infractions.

 

"The PNP emphasizes the projection of good image by wearing proper uniform while in performance of our duty, that is why our uniforms dignify the police profession which is very vital especially to our police officers in frontline units and operations," Sarmiento said.

 

 "The creation of House Bill 368 is very significant for us in the PNP as this will pave the way to enforce penalties that will discourage civilians to wear our uniforms and use our identify  as real police officers," she added.