Civilians are prohibited by law from wearing police uniforms (including this PNP athletic shirt) or any other uniforms of law enforcement agencies in the Philippines.
MANILA, Philippines — A 38-year-old civilian was arrested on Monday morning for taking selfies while wearing a police athletic uniform in Parañaque City, according to the Southern Police District (SPD).
SPD’s report identified the man as “Jefferson,” who was spotted by police officers wearing a police athletic shirt paired with jogging pants and slippers, onboard a bus along Coastal Road.
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Authorities said Jefferson “appeared to be behaving suspiciously while taking selfies,” prompting them to approach him after the bus reached the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange.
No PNP ID
He was arrested in Barangay Tambo around 11 a.m. after failing to show SPD personnel his Philippine National Police (PNP) identification card.
Jefferson is now facing complaints for usurpation of authority and illegal use of PNP uniforms.
In line with this, the SPD reminded the public that only bonafide members of the PNP are authorized to wear police uniforms.
“Unauthorized wearing of PNP uniforms is strictly prohibited and anyone caught will be criminally held liable for Usurpation of Authority under Revised Penal Code Article 177 (Usurpation of Authority of Official Function) and Article 179 (Illegal Use of Uniforms and Insignias),” it added.