PNP News Releases 2006

CALDERON ORDERS ARREST OF POLICE IMPOSTORS

PNP Chief, Director General Oscar C Calderon today reiterated his order to arrest unauthorized civilians wearing military and police uniforms.

Calderon said offenders will be prosecuted for violation of Articles 177 (Usurpation fo Authority or Official Functions) and 179 (Illegal Use of Uniforms or Insignia) of the Revised Penal Code that imposes imprisonment terms to violators.

The law also prohibits the illegal use of police and military insignia, logos, headgear and badges by unauthorized persons.

The Chief PNP issued this directive in the wake of recent reports of crime incidents involving suspects clad in military and police uniforms.

At the same time, Calderon remined all police personnel to strictly observe PNP regulations on the proper wearing of the police uniform.

"The police uniform is a symbol of authority that must be used properly, and kept clean and presentable at all times," Calderon said.

According to PNP Spokesman, Chief Superintendent Samuel D Pagdilao Jr., the use of manufactured shirts, jackets and other garments with POLICE or PNP markings by unauthorized civilians is also prohibited.

"The PNP reserves exclusive right to use the word ‘POLICE' by virtue of Republic Act 6975," Pagdilao said.

Pagdilao said the PNP also supports pending legislative measures that seek to impose stiffer penalties for violation of Articles 177 and 179 of the RPC.

The Chief PNP also reminded all personnel assigned to conduct checkpoint operations to strictly follow PNP regulations prescribed in the Police Operational Procedures.

Under the Police Operational Procedures, checkpoint operations must be led by an officer, must be situated in a well-lighted area, must have clear and visible markings indicating that a checkpoint operation is ongoing and the unit involved, and must not pose a hazard to road safety.

Calderon enjoined the public to report any irregularity or misbehavior by police personnel manning checkpoints thru TXT PNP 2920 or Patrol 117.

Over the weekend, Honesty Teams from the National Capital Region Police Office uncovered an alleged irregularity in a checkpoint operation manned by three NCRPO personnel in Muntinlupa City.

NCRPO Chief, Director Reynaldo P Varilla has since relieved the three policemen of their duties to undergo investigation.