They say a tattoo is a creative art, an expression of one’s belief using human skin as a canvas.

But as far as the Philippine National Police (PNP) is concerned, there is a line that separates tattoo as an art and the dignity of the police as an organization.

On Monday, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo announced that the issuance of a memorandum that set the rules for sporting tattoos for all the members of the police organization, particularly those who wear the uniform.

“For some, it considered as a creative art, an expression of oneself belief on their artistic side. But in every right there’s a boundary. We are in the uniformed service and it is unpleasant to see policemen in uniform with so many tattoos,” said Fajardo.

“It’s not a curtailment of their rights. Once you enter the PNP, there are certain rules and tradition and policy that you have to follow,” she added.

And rule includes the Memorandum Circular 2024-023 which states that both uniformed and non-uniformed or civilian police personnel are required to have their visible tattoos removed. 

The memo covers both active PNP members and applicants in the police force, including incoming cadets of the PNP Academy.  

And for policemen who already have tattoos, Fajardo said they are required to execute an affidavit declaring their tattoos in any part of their body— the intention is to see to it that there will be no further tattooing in their body, whether or not the tattoo is visible.

The memorandum, dated March 19, would take effect 15 days after its publication, according to Fajardo. 

The memo, however, excludes aesthetic tattoos “such as eyebrows, eyeliner or lips”. 

No compromise

While the PNP is focusing on the removal of the visible tattoos, it said that even hidden tattoos must be removed if they are related to expression that are offensive to groups and certain cultures.  

“Definitely, tattoos on the face, head, ear, or any visible part of the body like neck and arm are prohibited,” said Fajardo.

“Tattoos should not be visible but even they are hidden but fall on what we call indecent tattoos, they are still prohibited, she added.

Those indecent tattoos, according to Fajardo, are:

• extremist tattoos
• ethnically or religiously discriminatory and offensive tattoos
• indecent tattoos
• racist tattoos
• sexist tattoos
• tattoos associated with prohibited or unauthorized

Exit door is open 

Fajardo said policemen who would defy the policy will face administrative charges: “ They will face sanction under this particular memorandum. They will be subjected to pre-charge investigation.”  

She said that once the policy takes effect, those covered by the prohibition must remove their tattoos within three months, or face the sanction for defying the PNP rules. 

“Remember that when you entered the PNP, you are expected to follow the rules and regulations. If you cannot follow the regulations, then you are free to leave the PNP,” said Fajardo.

"So for those who intend to join the uniformed service particularly the PNP, these are the rules and we have been implementing these even before," she added.