MANILA, Philippines — A goatee may look attractive to some, but it has no place on the face of a policeman in active duty.
A rookie learned this the hard way after he was reprimanded by Metro Manila’s top cop on Thursday morning during inspections for the State of the Nation Address.
Police Officer 1 Michael Castellano got a verbal lashing from Chief Superintendent Marcelo Garbo Jr., director of the National Capital Region Police Office, as the latter was checking the deployment of personnel.
Related stories
* Metro police to go on full alert Friday ahead of SONA
* Aquino orders full, fair probe of pork scam
“It is very unsightly. I am very serious in implementing the ‘Tamang Bihis’ directive for our policemen,” Garbo told reporters after scolding his subordinate.
Garbo was riding a bus with other Quezon City Police District officials and dropped by the South Gate to inspect the post.
The NCRPO chief immediately noticed Castellano’s goatee, which the rookie tried to hide by lowering his chin.
Chief Superintendent Richard Albano, QCPD director, added that the top button of the rookie’s uniform was even undone, showing the white undershirt inside.
“The policeman will be reassigned to NCRPO following his relief,” the QCPD chief said, adding that the goatee has been growing for at least a few days.
Another cop also got scolded for sporting a sideburn.
“Appearance is also performance,” Albano pointed out.
Castellano will also face administrative charges for violating a specific instruction of Garbo’s, according to the deputy director for administration Senior Superintendent Joel Pagdilao.
Garbo earlier warned policemen that he would strictly implement the “Tamang Bihis” program, emphasizing the proper wearing of the police uniform. He earlier told them to be conscious of their demeanor while wearing the uniform, criticizing policemen who have been seen scratching parts of their bodies while in uniform.