Cuevas warns cops against non-wearing of uniform
PNP Regional Director Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas warned that sanctions will be slapped against policemen for non-wearing of complete uniform.
Cuevas said that it has reached his attention that some policemen were reported to be wearing civilian clothes when responding to a call.
“I have been cautioning the provincial and city police directors to remind their subordinate unit commanders to always be in proper uniform,” he added.
More than that, the region’s top cop said that it’s double whammy for policemen since the country is observing a total gun ban.
“They could be arrested since they are violating the gun ban,” he added.
Under Comelec Resolution 8714, only regular plantilla members of PNP/AFP and other law enforcers (who are receiving regular compensation for services rendered) are authorized to bear/carry/transport firearms or other deadly weapons, in prescribed uniform showing clearly and legibly his name/rank/serial number, in case rank and serial numbers are inapplicable, his agency identification card showing clearly his name and position (which ID card shall remain visible at all times), with valid mission/letter order and in actual performance of election/official duty or going to and returning from his residence or station.
Cuevas said that he would continue inspecting police stations for their compliance on the conduct of checkpoints.
These inspections had caused the recommendation for the relief of Chief Insp. Willy Diel of Dingle town, Iloilo.
Cuevas said that last January 10, he went to Dingle Police Station only to find that Diel was not on his post.
“The policemen there reasoned that he was at a certain area but he was not there,” he added.
Then on February 9, Cuevas again caught Diel conducting checkpoint but he was not in proper uniform.
“If they conduct police operations, they must be in proper uniform,” Cuevas said adding, “if they carry their firearms and in the performance of their official duties and functions, they must be in proper uniform.”
Cuevas stressed that policemen, even if they are in covert operations, have no reason not to wear uniform and yet carry their firearms.
