PNP warns groups against unauthorized use of ‘Police’ on uniforms

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police on Tuesday warned groups and organizations against the unauthorized use of the word “Police” on their uniforms.

PNP Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome also cautioned the public about the illegal activities of bogus nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) using the PNP’s name to solicit donations, sponsorships and selling of tickets for personal interest.

“As provided by law, the PNP reserves exclusive right and sole authority to use the word ‘Police,’ and it is expressly unlawful for any person or entity to usurp this law-mandated authority,” Bartolome said in a statement.

He said the unauthorized use could confuse or mislead the public into believing that it is part of the national government or another law enforcement agency.

Director Rommel Heredia of the Directorate for Police Community Relations said NGOs must abide by regulations on the illegal use of uniforms and/or insignia, and only accredited NGOs are permitted by the PNP to use these in community relations projects.

The PNP issued the reminder after presidents of 30 NGOs belonging to the PNP Federation of Accredited NGO aired their concerns over the wearing of uniform with the word “Police” by a non-accredited NGO known as Police Hotline Movement Inc.

Members of PHMI were observed wearing T-shirts with the word “POLICE” in boldface, even though their organization is not accredited by the DPCR, the groups said.

But PHMI said it had a memorandum of agreement with Police Station 3 of the Manila Police District allowing its members to use “POLICE,” as force multipliers of the police.