Acorda orders inspection of PNP uniform suppliers

MANILA, Philippines — A robbery incident involving men in police uniform in Koronadal, South Cotabato has prompted Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda to order an inspection of establishments supplying PNP uniforms and paraphernalia.

Two men wearing police uniform robbed a pawnshop on Feb. 21. They were backed by two men, who disarmed the security guards.

The suspects escaped on separate motorcycles.

At a press briefing at Camp Crame yesterday, Acorda said the PNP has witnesses and leads in the incident.

“I cannot disclose further details at this time to avoid alerting the suspects,” Acorda said.

He cited legal prohibitions on wearing PNP and military uniforms without authorization.

“There are provisions in the law that ban wearing PNP and military uniforms. It violates article 179 of the Revised Penal Code, and this will be aggravated if you wear this while committing a crime,” he said.

“Inspections are being conducted on suppliers and stores selling police uniforms,” he added.

Acorda said proper identification is required by these suppliers.

He said the PNP Directorate for Logistics has been ordered to check the list of PNP suppliers with certificates of conformity for police uniforms.