KALIBO, Aklan – In the observance of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) “Oplan Tamang Bihis” program or the proper wearing of uniforms, the chief of the Police Provincial Command here has ordered the confiscation and proper disposal of faded police uniforms.
Colonel Esmeraldo Osia Jr., director of the Police Provincial Office here, led the overall appearance and checking of uniforms of police personnel yesterday.
Osia said the campaign was part of the “internal cleansing program” of the PNP in the entire region under the directive of Police Regional director Major General Rene Pamuspusan.
“Our uniform is an important part of our daily life as it carries an undeniable symbolic value reflecting the police’s authority and source of our pride and respect. A dirty and faded one, on the other hand, decreases the respect people have for the police for it loses their positive symbolic value,” Osia added. “So, we should be at all times disciplined and snappy in wearing our uniforms.”
Every three years, all police officers are given P14,000 each termed as Replacement Clothing Allowance to buy their new sets of uniforms.
“We believe that with this program, all police personnel will be forced to make use of their clothing allowance to buy new ones. There is really no reason for us not to change our old and worn-out uniforms,” Osia said, adding that the confiscated uniforms will be shredded and buried per the order of the police national headquarters.
Last year, the PNP planned to impose stricter measures in the sale of police uniforms so that police impersonators “won’t get hold of them.”
There was also a proposal to assign serial numbers on each set for easy identification of the fake ones which are allegedly used by criminals.
Unauthorized wearing of police or military uniforms is penalized under Republic Act 493, which prohibits civilians from wearing, using, manufacturing, and selling military uniforms, insignia, medals, and badges prescribed only for soldiers and policemen.(With a report from Noel Cabobos/RadyoTodoAklan/PN)
