Philippine National Police chief Debold Sinas reminded the public that the unauthorized use of PNP’s uniform is punishable by law.
Below is the press release of the PNP published on their Facebook account:
Philippine National Police Chief, Police General Debold M Sinas reminded civilians or unauthorized persons to desist from wearing police or military uniforms, citing that it is punishable by law and they can be penalized for it.
The Chief PNP reiterated the warning after the CIDG filed criminal charges for usurpation of authority against a 41-year old “policewoman” poser who walked into Camp Crame on Wednesday wearing PNP athletic uniform.
MARILYN DE PAZ ROJERO, 41, widow of Sto. Niño, Parañaque City was accosted by Base Police personnel at 3:00PM on Wednesday in front of the Land Bank Crame Branch for jaywalking.
When asked for identification, Rojero failed to present a PNP ID and was brought to the Base Police Office for investigation where she was found to be a fake policewoman. Base Police personnel endorsed her case to the CIDG-NCR for further investigation. On Thursday she was presented before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office for inquest proceedings for violation of Revised Penal Code Article 177 for Usurpation of authority and Article 179 for Illegal Use of Uniforms or Insignia. She was assisted by PAO Lawyer, Atty. Luigi L Biag.
Investigators are also verifying authenticity of the Unified Multi-purpose ID that the suspect presented.
Unauthorized use of PNP uniform punishable – Sinas
In the year 2000, Executive Order No. 297, Series of 2000, prohibits the unauthorized manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of uniforms, insignias, and other accouterments of the Philippine National Police.
The EO reinforced Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code (RA 3815), which penalizes “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 or she is not a member.”
EO 297 also orders the “immediate closure of the establishment, plant or office where the uniforms and other items are illegally manufactured, stored, sold or distributed.”
All PNP uniforms and accoutrements are registered with Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines to safeguard the ownership of PNP on its patented designs to stop the illegal production of substandard and unauthorized uniforms by illegal manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and sellers which is prohibited under Republic Act 8293 otherwise known as “Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.”