PNP steps up measures vs illegal use, sale of police uniforms
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified measures to prevent the sale and unauthorized use of police uniforms.
Acting PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said the move was aimed at protecting the integrity of the police force as he explained that the organization has gone through a lot before it reached the kind of professionalism and reliability today.
“Our uniforms are not only a symbol of authority. They also represent the honor, integrity and professionalism of the organization which we represent. It is the obligation of every police officer to protect and wear them with pride and dignity,” said Nartatez.
“Our uniforms are not only a symbol of authority. They also represent the honor, integrity and professionalism of the organization which we represent. It is the Nartatez.
The order came as the National Police Commission (Napolcom) convened its accredited uniform suppliers to discuss stricter measures and accountability against the illegal sale of police uniforms.
Earlier, a partygoer was lambasted on social media for using a police uniform in a Halloween party.
Nartatez stressed that the PNP will actively collaborate with online selling platforms to curb illegal sales and will conduct inspections of physical stores, including those within and near the vicinity of Camp Crame, to verify authorization for uniform production and sale.
“We will work with online selling platforms to thwart any illegal sale of police uniforms and we will also inspect stores to check if they are authorized to produce and sell these uniforms,’’ he said.
He explained that the PNP as an organization has gone through a long transformation to do away with negative public perceptions against the police force.
He then urged all policemen to be active in protecting PNP uniforms, insignias and all other accoutrements.
“A number of policemen before us invested so much hard work and sacrifices for the Philippine National Police to become what it is now. Let us honor them by properly wearing them and doing nothing to compromise the integrity and honor of the police force,” said Nartatez.