MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is currently reviewing its policy regarding the removal of visible tattoos among police personnel.
According to PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo, PNP chief General Rommel Marbil has ordered the review of the said memorandum, which was released during the time of former PNP head Benjamin Acorda.
“Our PNP chief, General Marbil told our concerned directorates, particularly the directorates for personnel and records management, that this circular will be studied again because it was passed during the time of former PNP chief, Benjamin Acorda,” Fajardo said.
“He ordered a study of its implementation, particularly the provisions requiring the removal of tattoos of our police officers,” she added.
PNP’s Memorandum Circular 2024-023, which was approved on March 19, 2024, stated that both uniformed and non-uniformed or civilian police personnel are required to have their “visible” tattoos removed.
They are also required to execute an affidavit declaring their tattoos that are not visible, noting that they are no longer allowed to have additional tattoos in any parts of their body whether visible or not while they are still in the service.
The said memorandum further stated that aspiring policemen are also not allowed to have tattoos at all, and if they have, they will be given three months to have their tattoos removed.
Aesthetic tattoos on eyebrows and lips, among others, are excluded from the circular.
Fajardo said Marbil ordered the review of the controversial regulation due to health concerns and financial aspect for personnel needing tattoo removal.
However, Fajardo clarified that only the tattoo removal aspect was put under review as police officers are no longer allowed to add tattoos to avoid facing administrative sanctions./PN
