MANILA, Philippines ? The Philippine National Police said it was ?taking it slow? in going against unauthorized sellers and makers of police uniforms, even after the brazen robbery in an upscale mall where armed men posed as members of the police bomb squad to gain entry into the establishment.

Chief Superintendent Benjamin Belarmino, director of the PNP?s Research and Development unit, on Wednesday said that the PNP is holding back because of ?humanitarian reasons,? citing that several of the venders ?have been there longer than some of us have been.?

?Don?t rush us,? Belarmino said, adding that police are still finalizing all their legal options to prevent human rights violations in dealing with the venders.

Ironically, a good number of venders are situated right outside the police?s national headquarters at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Belarmino said that the PNP recognizes only 18 accredited dealers and manufacturers of police uniforms.

Even with a nine-year-old Executive Order, the PNP said it has yet to arrest or prosecute anyone illegally selling their uniforms.

Executive Order 297, signed by then President Joseph Estrada, regulates the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of PNP uniforms, insignias, and other accoutrements.

Section 1 of the EO states that the unauthorized manufacture, sale, and distribution of PNP uniforms and accessories ?shall, after due notice and hearing, result in the immediate closure of the establishment, plant, where the uniforms are manufactured, stored, sold, and distributed; the cancellation of its business license or permit?and the imposition of reasonable administrative fines?and the filing of civil and criminal actions.?

Belarmino said that several PNP units are set to meet next week to resolve the lingering problem of the illegal manufacture and sale of police uniforms.

He said that the PNP is set to issue a memorandum on all venders outside the police camp, reminding them of the existing EO. After the warning, the PNP will launch a crackdown against the illegal sellers and makers of police uniforms.