BACOLOD City – The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has directed its operating units to stop wearing uniforms and other identifiable clothing associated with private companies during police operations following concerns over the use of a delivery rider uniform in an anti-illegal drug operation.
BCPO Director Col. Eugene N. Rebadomia issued the directive, particularly to the Drug Enforcement Teams (DETs) and the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), to prevent public confusion and protect legitimate workers from possible security risks.
The directive followed a police anti-drug operation on November 7, 2026, which drew concerns after a police operative was reportedly seen wearing a distinctive uniform associated with a private delivery service provider.
Rebadomia clarified that the use of the attire was unintentional, stressing that the police personnel involved neither identified himself nor pretended to be a member or rider of the company.
Nevertheless, following concerns raised by the company’s riders, the BCPO chief ordered all operating units to refrain from wearing uniforms, shirts or other identifiable clothing associated with private companies and service providers during police operations.
The precautionary measure aims to prevent legitimate delivery riders, taxi drivers and other transport service providers from being mistakenly associated with police activities, potentially exposing them to suspicion or retaliation.
Rebadomia also directed the police personnel involved to explain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He said the BCPO would initiate a dialogue with the company concerned to address its concerns and strengthen coordination.
The city police director assured delivery service provider riders that the incident was not intended to misrepresent the company or put its members at risk.
He also encouraged delivery riders to immediately seek police assistance through the 911 emergency hotline should they encounter security concerns or emergencies.
Meanwhile, Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) Director Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Licup Reales acknowledged the concerns raised by delivery riders and ordered a thorough review of the incident, including compliance with existing operational guidelines and protocols.
Reales emphasized that effective anti-illegal drug operations must be balanced with public safety, professionalism and the protection of innocent members of the community.
He stressed that delivery riders should not be exposed to unnecessary suspicion, intimidation or retaliation because of their legitimate occupation.
The police leadership maintained that its campaign against illegal drugs must not only protect communities from criminal activities but also ensure that innocent workers are not placed at risk by police operations./PN