The Philippine National Police will take up with the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) the case of an actor wearing a police uniform performing a striptease in a television drama which has outraged many members of the police force.
The controversial episode of “On the Wings of Love” (OTWOL) prompted the PNP, through its legal and community relations units, to bring to the MTRCB the issue of the improper use of the PNP uniform.
“The PNP will write the MTRCB a letter on the episode. The PNP uniform cannot be used just like that, especially if it is degrading and does not reflect a policeman’s work and duties,” said Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesperson.
Mayor said the PNP Legal Service and the Directorate for Community Relations will also be dealing with the agency.
Last Monday’s episode of OTWOL which aired on the ABS-CBN television station featured James Reid as Clark wearing a police uniform performing a striptease during a bridal shower for Leah, his future wife played by Nadine Lustre.
Reid wore a PNP general’s uniform with a badge of the Quezon City Police District with the rank of SPO4, a senior noncommissioned officer rank.
While viewers enjoyed the show, policemen and policewomen took to social media to express their anger over what they claimed was disrespect for the police uniform that they had worked hard for.
The PNP said the striptease scene of Reid wearing a police uniform did not properly reflect a policeman’s duty to enforce the law and assist citizens in need.
“It does not mirror a policeman’s duty. The PNP uniform is sacred to policemen and policewomen,” Mayor told a press briefing yesterday.
The PNP also appealed to the show biz industry, particularly the producers of TV shows and movies, to be conscious about using police uniforms.
Mayor said the producers could consult with the PNP on the use of police uniforms in their shows.