NAPOLCOM accepts apology of man who wore police uniform for Halloween

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) accepted Monday the apology issued by the man who went viral online for wearing a real police uniform during a Halloween party. 

Daryll “Dha” Isidro cut the sleeves of the uniform he wore in a party, which drew flak from the police force. 

“Hindi ko po intensyon na mabastos ang uniporme ng mga kapulisan at ng opisina. Lubos po ang aking paggalang sa inyo at sa miyembro ng kapulisan. Hindi ko po inaakala na hahantong sa ganitong sitwasyon ang paggamit ko ng uniporme bilang costume sa isang Halloween party at magiging isang usapin. Muli po akong humihingi ng kapatawaran,” he said at a press briefing with NAPOLCOM vice chairperson and executive officer Rafael Calinisan. 

(It was not my intention to disrespect the uniform of the police and the office. I have the utmost respect for you and the members of the police. I did not think that my use of the uniform as a costume in a Halloween party would lead to this situation and become an issue. I am once again asking for forgiveness.) 

Following his apology, the NAPOLCOM decided not to issue a show-cause order against Isidro as Calinisan tore the order at the presser. 

“So ito po ay wala na, sisiguraduhin mo lang na ‘wag mo nang uulitin. We will not serve this anymore, ‘wag na nating palakihin. Nagsisi na si da...magsilbing leksyon ito sa mga taong nagbabalak gumamit ng uniporme ng pulis,  ‘wag ninyo na gawin, ilegal po talaga.” the NAPOLCOM official said. 

(So this is void now, just make sure you don't do it again. We will not serve this anymore, let's not blow it out of proportion. Daryll regrets it... let this serve as a lesson to those planning to use the police uniform, don't do it, it is really illegal.) 

Isidro explained that he decided to wear a police uniform for Halloween as he likened the police to superheroes. 

“When it comes to Halloween costume, ang uang-unang pumapasok sa isip ng iba ay yung mga character na nagtatanggol sa atin, so naisip ko lang yung mga superhero po. Ayun pumasok sa isip ko na superhero ang ating mga kapulisan,” he explained. 

(When it comes to a Halloween costume, the very first thing that comes to mind for some are characters that defend us, so I just thought of superheroes. That's when it occurred to me that our police are superheroes.) 

Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code provides that a penalty of arresto mayor — or a day up to six months of imprisonment — shall be imposed to any person who improperly uses uniforms or insignia of offices which he is not a member of. 

Calinisan said that he will order an inspection at Raon in Quiapo, Manila as it was where Isidro allegedly bought the police uniform. 

“Hindi dapat binebenta nang ganun yung uniporme ng PNP. Dapat ding silipin o aralin yung access ng general public sa uniporme o kagamitan ng Philippine National Police. Hindi dapat nabebenta 'yan sa kahit sino na lang....Isipin niyo tunay na uniporme ang ginamit sa Halloween costume party, tunay na badge ng pulis ang ginamit, ginupit lang yung badge number,” he said. 

(The PNP uniform should not be sold like that. The general public's access to the Philippine National Police uniform or equipment should also be looked into or studied. That should not be sold to just anyone.... Imagine, a real uniform was used for the Halloween costume party, a real police badge was used, only the badge number was cut out.) 

For his part, PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that the matter will be investigated. 

“Malinaw po ang nakalagay sa batas...the use of uniforms and insignia ay pinagbabawal po. this will lead to sanction or can be penalized or arrest [...]  In fact, through the DPCR, the Philippine National Police, we have entered into an agreement or understanding, several years ago, na ito po ay pinagbabawal. Therefore, kailangan magpaalam, lalo-lalo na in the utilization of these police uniforms,” he said in a press briefing. 

(What is stated in the law is clear... the use of uniforms and insignia is prohibited. This will lead to sanction or can be penalized or arrest [...] In fact, through the DPCR, the Philippine National Police, we have entered into an agreement or understanding, several years ago, that this is prohibited. Therefore, one needs to ask permission, especially in the utilization of these police uniforms.) — RSJ, GMA Integrated News