Cops test proposed uniforms

MANILA, Philippines - Selected police officers have been putting on proposed uniforms to test their comfort, functionality and presentability before the Philippine National Police (PNP) chooses the official uniform of 148,000 police officers nationwide, an official said yesterday.

Director Gil Hitosis Jr., chief of the PNP Directorate for Logistics, said several police officers, including himself, have been using the new uniforms for some time now.

“We have tapped some police officers to wear these new sets of uniforms on certain days. I wear my new sets of uniforms on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We will prepare a report and recommendation for the approval of the PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima,” Hitosis told The STAR.

Hitosis refused to elaborate on the comfort, functionality and presentability of the uniform, which will cost P900 for every set.

Purisima said he has given instructions to different directorates involved in preparation for the new police uniforms to fasttrack their work so police officers can wear the new official uniform within this month.

CopWalk fashion shows were held last July and January for designers to showcase new designs and colors of police uniforms – one set each for formal engagements, while inside camps, on the street, athletic activities, patrolling the beats and patrolling the jungles.

Some police officers have complained that the current uniform – a gray-blue top and dark blue pants made of 100 percent polyester – is too stifling.

Purisima said the new uniforms will not entail additional expenses for the PNP since each police officer receives P14,000 replacement clothing allowance every three years.

In pushing for new sets of uniforms, Purisima said the PNP considered the changing times as well as the changing weather.

Purisima added that a cotton-polyester blend would be advisable since the fabric dries quickly but will not easily fade under the heat of the sun.

During martial law, police officers wore khaki uniforms. They were later replaced by the current blue uniforms.