Abalos allows PNP, BJMP, BFP to wear light uniforms

MANILA, Philippines — To ease the working conditions of uniformed personnel amid the rising heat index across the country, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos on Friday said police, fire and jail officers can wear light uniforms in the performance of their duties.

In an urgent memorandum, Abalos directed the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to issue an advisory for all its personnel to wear light uniforms in the performance of their respective duties.

He said the measure shall help mitigate discomfort and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, exhaustion and heat stroke.

“The tri-bureau’s line of work already poses a lot of risks, now that it is coupled with the hazards of extreme heat temperature, we also need to protect our PNP, BFP and BJMP,” Abalos said.

PNP, BFP and BJMP are attached agencies of the DILG.

“The welfare of our uniformed personnel comes first, especially as they perform their sworn duty,” Abalos said.

Earlier this week, the BJMP issued a memorandum on the modified schedule of wearing BJMP uniforms during the summer season.

The DILG issued the order as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration issued a warning that the dangerous heat index in various parts of the Philippines would persist until mid-May.

The Department of Health likewise advised the public to take precautionary measures against the dangers of heat-related illnesses.

Col. Jean Fajardo, chief information officer of the PNP, said yesterday police officers on field duties can wear the more comfortable patrol shirts.

“Those rendering patrol duties are allowed to wear light patrol shirts with at least a breather for when they get exposed to the sun,” she said.

Among the police officers on field work are members of the Highway Patrol Group, special weapons and tactics teams and those from territorial units on beat patrol.