National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Vice Chairman Atty. Rafael Calinisan on Monday accepted the apology of Daryll Isidro, who wore a police uniform to a Halloween party, and vowed to crack down on the unauthorized sale of police uniforms.

In a press conference, Calinisan said that although the unauthorized wearing of a police uniform is punishable by law, Isidro’s sincere apology was “humanely acceptable.”

“Not to say we bend the law. We must not forget that we are human—let’s forgive,” Calinisan said.

Isidro publicly apologized and sent word to Calinisan that he would surrender himself Monday after his social media post—showing him wearing a tailored official police uniform—drew backlash and angered many members of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In a statement also on Monday, Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. reminded the public that the police uniform is “a symbol of service, sacrifice, and integrity” and should never be used as a costume or novelty outfit.

Nartatez urged the public to respect official police uniforms.

“Umuusok ang celfone ko sa text, galit ang maraming uniformed servicemen, iba nga di pa pulis. This is not a laughing matter but against the law,” Calinisan said. (“My phone has been flooded with messages. Many uniformed servicemen are angry, even those who aren’t police officers. This is not a laughing matter but against the law.”)

“If he (Isidro) did not happen to come here, he would be facing a case that we will file against him,” he added. “Tama na, natuto na siya, tama na that we make a corrective measure.” (“That’s enough; he’s learned his lesson. It’s enough that we take corrective measures.”)

Calinisan said he would order the Inspection, Monitoring, and Investigation Service (IMIS) to inspect the store where Isidro bought the police uniform and coordinate with the PNP to crack down on the unauthorized sale of such uniforms.

Isidro admitted that he bought the uniform for P450 at a store on Raon Street in Manila to use as a Halloween party outfit.