PHILIPPINE National Police chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. has reiterated his directive regarding the crackdown on the unauthorized sale and use of police uniforms and other accoutrements which is prohibited by the law.

“It is essential to remind everyone that we do not tolerate any misuse of our police uniform and insignia. Unauthorized use, particularly for committing heinous crimes, is a serious offense that will be met with legal consequences,” the top cop said.

Gen. Acorda directed PNP Director for Logistics, Major Gen. Mario A. Reyes to ensure that only duly-accredited PNP suppliers and dealers will be allowed to sell police uniforms to members of the force.

“I have asked the PNP-DL to check our suppliers, reassess the situation and be strict in implementing the provision of the law. We should be watchful of these stores,” he said.

Gen. Acorda issued the instructions amid a robbery-holdup incident in Koronadal City last February 23 in which rifle-wielding thieves, one of them wearing a police uniform, robbed a local pawnshop at gunpoint.

The man wearing a police uniform during the heist was found to be a fake cop, he said.

The Koronadal City local government has offered a P500,000 reward for any information that would lead to the identification and arrest of the armed men. The local police are also conducting follow-up operations to apprehend at least six suspects in the daring heist.

Gen. Acorda said that unauthorized use of police uniforms and other accouterment (accessory items) is a “criminal offense” that could send them to jail for as much as six years in the event they are proven to have committed a crime while wearing an officer’s outfit.

PNP Public Information Office chief Colonel Jean S. Fajardo said any civilian wearing a police uniform and pretending to be a person of authority or public officer is committing a violation of Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), otherwise known as usurpation of official functions.

Article 179 of the RPC, or “illegal use of uniform or insignia,” also says that the penalty of prison mayor in its maximum period shall be imposed upon any person who shall publicly and improperly make use of insignia, uniforms or dress pertaining to an office not held by such person or to a class or persons of which he is not a member.

Col. Fajardo said they are very strict on the matter since there have been many incidents wherein criminals, specifically robbers and kidnappers, have posed as policemen by wearing PNP uniforms when they attack their targets.

Even New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas in the past have managed to attack some police stations and other facilities by disguising themselves as police officers.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon