MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa ordered stricter enforcement of applicable laws and regulations to curb the illegal and unauthorized sales of police uniforms and other related accessories.
In a memorandum circular released this month, he ordered all PNP offices and units to implement stricter measures on the regulation and control of the use, manufacture, sale, and distribution of police owned industrial designs of uniforms and accoutrements.
The new order reinforces the courses of action that will guide the Task Force “Bantay-Bihis” and other PNP units in implementing it, Dela Rosa stressed.
It also pointed out that some PNP uniforms with patches and seals are being used by some criminals and other civilians to usurp authority for their illegal activities.
In 2000, Executive Order (EO) No. 297 prohibited the unauthorized manufacture, sale, distribution and use of uniforms, insignias, and other accoutrements of the PNP.
EO 297 reinforced Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code (RA 3815) which penalizes “any person who shall publicly and improperly make use of insignia, uniforms or dress pertaining to an office not held by such person or to a class or persons of which he or she is not a member.”
It also orders the “immediate closure of the establishment, plant or office where the uniforms and other items are illegally manufactured, stored, sold or distributed.”
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Research and Development (DRD) said most of the PNP uniforms and accoutrements are already registered with Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to safeguard the ownership of the PNP on its patented designs.
DRD head, Director Efren M. Perez, said the registration is an effective measure to stop the illegal production of substandard and unauthorized uniforms by illegal manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and sellers which is prohibited under Republic Act 8293 otherwise known as the “Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines”.
He added that the PNP has accredited persons and entities through Dayspring Consolidated, Inc. to manufacture, sell, and distribute PNP uniforms and accoutrements given the rights and privileges as authorized and exclusive distributors. (PNA)
