“Juan,” not his real name, is a policeman who has a tattoo.

He said that his tattoo is a symbol with deep meaning, not an obstruction in carrying out his responsibilities as a policeman.

He pointed out that his tattoo - an artist's rendition of the face of Jesus Christ and two hands cupping the image - has no direct connection with his job as a cop.

According to "Juan," what is more important is that he stays loyal to his oath, that is "to serve and protect."

This is his reaction after the Philippine National Police (PNP) issued a memorandum circular reinforcing its policy against tattoos, especially visible tattoos.

The directive stipulates that visible tattoos must be erased or removed. Aspiring policemen with tattoos will be denied entry into the police service.

The Police Regional Office 6 has yet to wait for the guidelines on the directive.

According to its spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Solis, the policy has always been part and parcel of the requirements for persons aspiring to join the PNP organization.