Napolcom amends guidelines on VIP security detail uniform

MANILA, Philippines - The National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Friday issued its amended policy guidelines on the wearing of uniform by police officers on VIP (very important person) security detail.

Napolcom vice chairman and Executive Officer Eduardo Escueta said the agency has approved Memorandum Circular No. 2013-006 further amending the general guidelines and procedures on the detail of police uniformed personnel as protective security as provided for under MC No. 2009-004.

Escueta said the Commission issued the amended guidelines to clarify the extent and coverage of the wearing of the prescribed uniforms by police security and to ensure the full and accurate compliance by the PNP (Philippine National Police) personnel concerned.

Escueta said all police security must wear the general office attire (GOA) Type B while securing VIPs during official functions, and the athletic/multi-use uniform worn with the PNP-issued pants while securing VIPs during disaster, relief and rescue operations.

Escueta added that VIPs may require their police security detail to wear barong, bush jacket, suit or any suitable clothes (which the VIP shall provide) during official functions in a critical area where wearing of police uniform may cause unnecessary threat or danger to the VIP and/or police security, and also during private or social functions.

"For purposes of proper identification, all protective security police personnel are required to carry with them their respective identification cards (IDs), Letter Order, Acknowledgment Receipt of Equipment (ARE) and/or Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR), as the case may be,” Escueta said.

Escueta said that under existing policies, the following government officials are entitled to police protective security even without a written request: President and Vice-President of the Philippines, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Secretary of National Defense and Secretary of the Interior and Local Government.

Cabinet Secretaries, Senators, Representatives and Local Chief Executives are also provided with protective security upon approval of their written request by the chief of the Philippine National Police.

Former presidents and their spouses, former vice presidents and former PNP chiefs are also entitled to police protective security.