PNP supports cop’s beauty pageant bid, but reminds him ‘badge can’t be defiled’

Go for the title, but respect the badge.

The Philippine National Police on Wednesday expressed support for a police officer competing in a male beauty pageant, but reminded him "not violate any PNP ideals" while doing so.

Police Officer 2 Mariano Perez Flormata, Jr., 29, is vying for the Misters of the Philippines title under the name Neil Perez, and has since become a bit of an Internet sensation after his photos and story went viral on social media.



"The PNP supports this extra curricular activity as long as they don't violate existing PNP ideals, and it does not go against public morals," PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac said in an interview.

When asked if Flormata could use his police uniform in the pageant, Sindac said: "We will have to check on what manner it will be used. If it's for a formal presentation, it could be, pero kung pagagawin siya ng kung ano-anong stunts, sigurado naman hindi."

He also reminded the police officer that the badge "cannot be defiled" nor be put on a swimsuit.

Opportunity

For his part, Flormata said joining the pageant has been an opportunity for him.

"The Misters of the Philippines pageant can bring additional opportunities for me in terms of exposure which will eventually help me financially. Through this pageant, I can also show other people that I can do more aside from being a police officer," he said.

Flormata is a BS Criminology graduate from the Manuel L. Quezon University, and has been a member of the Aviation Security Group for six years.

The Misters of the Philippines 2014 pageant will be held on September 7 at the Grand Theater of the University of Makati. — Amanda Fernandez/BM, GMA News