Cops on the ramp: Not stylish enough for PNP chief

MANILA, Philippines - After brand new guns come brand new uniforms.

Days after President Aquino led the distribution of the first batch of nearly 60,000 Glock pistols to policemen, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is now searching for a replacement for the decades-old design of its uniform.

PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima has approved the use of mixed cotton and polyester for the new police uniform.

However, the uniform styles presented during the first “CopWalk: PNP on the Ramp” fashion show at Camp Crame last Thursday failed to pass the fashion police, led by Purisima.

Instead, he ordered the PNP Directorate for Research and Development (DRD) to plan within 90 days the second CopWalk fashion show, where designers will again showcase styles and colors for the new police uniforms.

“With the uniform we wear, people can easily identify their servant and protector. Through our uniform, we can command respect from the public we serve,” Purisima said during the fashion show.

The PNP launched a competition among Filipino designers to come up with about six sets of police uniforms for formal engagements, while inside camps, in the streets, athletic activities, patrolling the beats and patrolling the jungles.

The Copwalk fashion show featured creations of Renee Salud, Eddie Baddeo and other designers.

Purisima said the designs presented can still be improved.

He stressed that comfort, functionality and appearance are the prime considerations.

“With the changing times, including the changing weather, we have to take steps to enable our personnel to perform their duties more effectively,” Purisima added. “We want uniforms which our policemen and policewomen will be proud to wear.”

He said the materials for the new uniforms – mixed cotton and polyester – are comfortable and dry fast but at the same time, will not easily fade under the heat of the sun.

Popular clamor

 DRD chief Director Gil Hitosis said the move to have new sets of uniforms was a popular clamor from the rank-and-file personnel based on an internal survey that they conducted.

Some policemen complained that their present uniform – consisting of a gray blue top and dark blue pants, and made of 100 percent polyester – is too hot, especially at noon.

This is further aggravated by the metals attached to their uniforms, which indicate commendations that they have received and training that they have attended.

Senior Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP public information chief, said policemen are entitled to a P14,000 replacement clothing allowance every three years, so there is no need to allot an extra budget for the proposed new uniforms.

Down memory lane

During the fashion show, active members of the PNP patrolled the stage in the proposed uniforms.

Copwalk featured 10 different sets of uniforms, including designs for male and female cops.

Aside from the creations of known fashion designers, the DRD also showcased 12 other sets of uniforms, including dark long sleeved shirt and bush coat donned by Hitosis, who drew the loudest cheers from the crowd.

Another highlight of Copwalk was the presentation of past uniforms of the police, from the pre-war era up to 1996.

Before the present blue uniform, policemen wore khaki uniforms.

Change in attitude

Former senator Panfilo Lacson, for his part, expressed hope that the change in the uniform of the country’s 140,000 policemen will also mean a change in their attitude.

Lacson reiterated his call to rid the police of scalawags and abusive personnel.

“At one point, the changing of the police uniforms may have a psychological effect on the perception of the public on the police,” said Lacson, who was PNP chief during the time of former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.

“The change should come with a better image and attitude through improved public service where there is no longer extortion and abuse. Also, no more big stomachs,” Lacson said.

During his term as chief PNP, Lacson ordered his men to trim their big stomachs so that they would be physically fit to run after criminals. 

He also designated weekly physical exercise for all cops in the different police camps nationwide.  – Cecille Suerte Felipe, Christina Mendez