CCPO chief: Civilian attire may be allowed

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Police Office director Melvin Ramon Buenafe is granting exemptions to city policemen on the wearing of uniform policy implemented by Police Regional Office-7 director Marcelo Garbo, Jr. provided that prior authority is obtained.

Buenafe said that wearing of civilian clothes may be allowed but it has to be justified and cleared first with him or his deputies.

 “If they need to be in civilian attire, they should ask clearance from their supervisor, sa ilang chief, sa ako or sa akong deputy,” Buenafe told The FREEMAN.

Buenafe issued the statement following an unexpected drawback experienced by investigators while interacting with witnesses in various crimes.

According to investigators, most witnesses are hesitant to approach uniformed personnel. Until the directive of Garbo, police investigators especially homicide and Theft and Robbery Section normally respond to crime scenes in civilian clothes.

Buenafe explained that a policeman who wishes to wear civilian attire while on duty should provide a justification.

Garbo has been very strict in the wearing of the proper police uniform. In fact, several policemen have already been relieved and transferred outside Cebu for violating the “Tamang Bihis” policy and by command responsibility for the officials of those caught not wearing proper uniform.

Based on the PNP Manual, under general procedures, rule 2, “all members of the police force reporting for duty shall wear the authorized and prescribed uniform. A police officer shall, at all times, appear presentable, smart and well-groomed before the public.”

Any violation to the said policy shall be meted with a 15-day suspension.  (FREEMAN)