Abalos allows PNP, BJMP, BFP personnel to wear comfortable uniforms
By Chito Chavez

Amid the soaring heat, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur’’ Abalos Jr. said that police, jail and fire officers may wear light uniforms while on duty.
“The welfare of our uniformed personnel comes first especially as they perform their sworn duty. Kaya sa gitna nang sobrang init sa ating bansa (That is why in the midst of the extreme heat in the country), wearing of light and comfortable uniforms is the way to go,” Abalos said.
He made the statement after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a warning on the dangerous heat index in various parts of the Philippines to persist until mid-May.
PAGASA recorded the highest heat index of 48 degrees in Aparri, Cagayan last April 23, 2024.
Likewise, the Department of Health (DOH) advised the public to take precautionary measures against the dangers of heat-related illnesses.
In an urgent memorandum, Abalos directed the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to issue an advisory for all its personnel to wear light uniforms in the performance of their respective duties.
He said that the measure shall help mitigate discomfort and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Earlier, the BJMP issued a memorandum on the modified schedule of wearing BJMP uniforms during the summer season.
From April 22-June 15, BJMP personnel in jail units shall wear their prescribed gray shirts every Tuesday until Friday and would only don their regular bush coat and general office attire on Monday for both junior officer ranks and junior non-officer ranks, respectively.