PNP clarifies dress code for cops acting as escorts
For purpose of uniformity and to do away with confusions, Police Regional Office (PRO) VI clarified the proper dress code for policemen acting as security details of politicians.
PNP Regional Director Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas stressed that policemen when on official duty should wear GOA (general officer attire) B or the blue uniform.
This clarification was issued following a near shootout episode that transpired in Estancia town between the security escorts of incumbent Mayor Restrituto Mosqueda and former Mayor Rene Cordero.
The incident stemmed when Mosqueda, a retired police general, confronted Cordero’s two bodyguards for wearing a fatigue uniform or battle dress attire.
But even earlier, Cuevas said that the prescribed uniform for PNP personnel is GOA A or GOA B (blue).
“There are times that camouflage is allowed if a policeman is a member of the Public Safety Management Unit,” he added.
In reference to the security details of Cordero, Cuevas opined that these personnel might not have been informed about the regulations but they could still be considered in proper uniform.
If there is a violation, he claimed that it is more on the administrative memorandum of the PNP and not on regulations set by Comelec for security details to politicians.
On the other hand, Comelec regional director Atty. Dennis Ausan said that he saw no violation on the part of Cordero’s security detail.
“Very clear ang aton guidelines. Let’s say for security details, they can only carry firearms when they are on duty and in complete uniform. And when we say, in complete uniform, officially prescribed by the agency,” he added.
And camouflage green, just like what Cordero’s security details donned, is still a prescribed police uniform, Ausan said.
He added that he had it verified with the PNP hierarchy and he saw, based on the complaint folder sent by Mosqueda’s camp, that Cordero’s two police security escorts were wearing a prescribed police uniform.
Yesterday, the Regional Joint Security Control Center composed of the Comelec, Philippine National Police, and the Armed Forces, among others held a regular meeting.
They discussed, among others, the pending application for security details, the Mondia case, and the Estancia incident.
