Vlogger facing probe for alleged illegal use of PNP uniform

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is investigating a vlogger who allegedly wore the PNP uniform illegally as seen in posts circulating online.

“Ang possible violation po niya ay Revised Penal Code Article 179. Ito po ay illegal use of uniforms or insignia,” PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño said at a press briefing on Wednesday.

(His possible violation would be that of Revised Penal Code Article 179. This is the illegal use of uniforms or insignia.)

Authorities are also looking into how the vlogger got hold of the PNP uniform.

“Within the day, lalabas po ‘yung authenticity ng picture po. Bagama’t may mga initial report na yung ating regional director… Hintayin natin yung official na resulta ng Regional Anti-Cyber Crime Unit,” he said.

(Within the day, the authenticity of the picture will be revealed. Although there are already initial reports from the regional director... Let’s wait for the official results of the Regional Anti-Cyber Crime Unit.)

Some videos online showed the vlogger allegedly challenging Police Regional Office 2 director Police Brigadier General Antonio Marallag Jr. to a fistfight.

In a separate statement, the PNP reminded the public that the unauthorized use of police uniforms, insignia, or presenting oneself as a PNP officer is a serious criminal offense.

“Alam natin, may ilan na nagkukunwaring pulis para sa kanilang pansariling kapakinabangan. Ito po ay hindi lamang labag sa batas, ito rin ay panganib sa ating mamamayan. Ang sinumang magtatangkang magsuot ng uniporme o magpanggap bilang miyembro ng PNP ay puwede makasuhan ayon sa batas,” PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

(We know that there are some who pretend to be police officers for their own personal gain. This is not only illegal, it is also a danger to our citizens. Anyone who attempts to wear the uniform or impersonate a member of the PNP can be charged according to the law.)

Under Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code, the unauthorized wearing of the PNP uniform or insignia carries a penalty of arresto mayor, or one month and one day to six months imprisonment.

Meanwhile, Article 177 punishes those who usurp official police functions under false pretenses with prision correccional in its minimum or medium period, or six months and one day to four years and two months in prison.

The PNP also reminded establishments that the manufacture, sale, and distribution of police uniforms without proper authorization violates Executive Order No. 297. 

Violators may face closure of their business, confiscation of products, cancellation of licenses or permits, and administrative fines.

In addition, the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) is planning to file criminal charges against the vlogger.

“In solidarity with the whole PNP, the NAPOLCOM will initiate CRIMINAL charges against Mangusin. Ayaw na sana namin patulan ito (We don’t want to respond to this), but you gave us no choice. Do not use the PNP uniform for clout. You will surely pay for it,” NAPOLCOM vice chairperson and executive officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said in a statement.

“I am directing our Legal Affairs Service (LAS) and our Inspection Monitoring and Investigation Service (IMIS) to coordinate with the PNP to file the appropriate charges and put a stop to this circus,” he added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News