The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday reminded the public to treat the police uniform with respect and refrain from using it as a costume, following a backlash over a partygoer who wore a modified PNP attire for Halloween in Makati City.

Acting PNP Chief P/LtGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stressed that the uniform is “a symbol of service, sacrifice, and integrity” and should never be used as a gimmick or novelty outfit.

“The uniform represents the trust and responsibility vested in our police officers; it should always be treated with respect,” Nartatez said in a statement.

The controversy arose after National Police Commission (Napolcom) vice chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan voiced concerns over photos circulating online that showed a man, identified as Daryll Isidro, wearing a customized PNP uniform with the sleeves cut off.

“This use of PNP uniform as a Halloween costume is total disrespect for our men in uniform,” Calinisan wrote in a social media post, noting the incident was “not a laughing matter but against the law.”

Isidro later issued a public apology to Calinisan and the PNP.

Calinisan, while citing that the unauthorized wearing of a police uniform is punishable by law under Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code, accepted the apology.

“His sincere apology is humanely acceptable, as he learned his painful lesson today,” Calinisan said during a press conference. “We must not forget that we are human, let’s forgive.”

Isidro admitted he bought the tailor-made police uniform for P450 at a store on Raon Street in Manila.

Following the incident, Calinisan vowed to crack down on the unauthorized sale of police attire. He ordered the Napolcom’s Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service to inspect the store where Isidro bought the outfit and will ask the PNP to launch a wider crackdown.

Nartatez, meanwhile, ordered the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group to monitor online platforms and coordinate with e-commerce sites to remove unauthorized listings selling or distributing police uniforms or imitations.

“We remind the public that unauthorized use of the PNP uniform is punishable by law,” Nartatez warned, urging everyone to be mindful and respectful of all symbols of authority.