THE Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership headed by General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil is sticking to its’ no-tattoo’ rule for members of the police force and other aspiring policemen.

The PNP earlier issued Memorandum Circular 2024-023 which required all personnel with existing tattoos to provide a written affidavit declaring their tattoos and while having the visible ones removed.

PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean S. Fajardo said the policy applies to all PNP personnel and even cadets in the Philippine National Police Academy.

According to the official, Gen. Marbil pushed for the strict implementation of the memorandum after observing that the tattoos of some personnel are so glaring as if they’re civilians who can have tattoos as big as they want.

Three months would be given for the tattoo removal, while administrative charges will be filed against those who refuse to comply after the three-month period, Col. Fajardo explained.

When he was still the Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary, now National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año said that they won’t support a pending proposal in the House of Representatives to scrap the “no-tattoo” rule for aspiring policemen.

“Call it old school, but the police service should not only deliver excellent law enforcement service but should be composed of men and women who acknowledge that they are role models to the people and the youth,” he said.

He issued the reaction to a controversial proposal in Congress stating that tattoos shouldn’t be a basis for barring the entry of well-meaning individuals in the police organization.

Ano says that though having a tattoo does not hinder the exercise of a police officer’s duties, it cannot be discounted that it creates an impression associated with thugs and law offenders which the PNP cannot afford especially now that it is working to gain public trust and cooperation in its anti-crime and anti-illegal drugs efforts.

“We want our police to look dignified, wearing proper uniform, and with no tattoos,” he said.

PNP Memorandum Circular No. 2014-010 states that “the Recruitment Officer shall initially conduct a visual physical inspection for presence of tattoos and noticeable deformities of the applicant.”

The PNPA also lists tattoo and other brotherhood marks as one of the grounds for medical disqualification.

Col. Fajardo said that shortly after he assumed his post as the country’s 30th PNP chief, Gen. Marbil noted that there has been no directive to erase or remove tattoos of any PNP personnel.

However, there is a memorandum circular regarding the bearing and sporting of tattoos.

“Those who enter or intend to enter the PNP via lateral entry, whether line units or technical units, our cadets in the PNPA (Philippine National Police Academy), our incoming patrolmen and patrolwomen definitely cannot enter the PNP with a tattoo,” Col. Fajardo said.

Under the new MC 2024-023, policemen won’t be allowed to add additional visible tattoos.

“Visible tattoos, especially on areas like the face, head, neck, arms or any visible part while in uniform, are prohibited,” she said.

Failure to comply with the directive may result in disciplinary measures, including pre-charge investigation, she added.

According to the official, while some may view tattoos as a form of creative expression, being in the PNP means adhering to specific rules and policies.

She likewise underscored the importance of maintaining a professional image and following organizational regulations and thus, policemen who refuse to remove visible tattoos on their bodies are free to leave the police force.

“If you cannot follow regulations, then the PNP’s door is wide open for you to resign,” she said.