Philippine National Police chief P/Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Wednesday warned that wearing police uniforms without authority or posing as a police officer is a criminal offense punishable under the Revised Penal Code.

“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,” Nartatez said.

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

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

Nartatez also reminded businesses that manufacturing, selling, or distributing police uniforms without proper authorization violates Executive Order No. 297.

After due notice and hearing, violators may face closure of their business, confiscation of products, cancellation of licenses or permits, and administrative fines.

“Hindi biro ang responsibilidad ng isang pulis. Ito ay pinagkakatiwalaan ng mamamayan. Kaya bilang public service, mariin po naming pinapaalala: huwag subukan ang batas,” Nartatez said.

He urged the public to report individuals who misrepresent themselves as police officers, saying such acts expose communities to scams, fraud, and other forms of harm.