By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson, Col. Jean Fajardo, emphasized on Wednesday (April 24, 2024) that the PNP does not discriminate against officers who have tattoos, viewing them as a form of self-expression.
Fajardo clarified that tattoos not visible while officers are in uniform are not subject to removal.
“Even when I entered the PNP academy, it was strictly prohibited to have tattoos. However, there is no policy once you are already in service… The PNP saw fit to issue a circular to regulate this,” Fajardo stated during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay.
“But again, we want to emphasize that we do not discriminate against those with tattoos, and we understand that getting a tattoo is a form of self-expression, which we allow,” she added.
“There are certain norms and a code of conduct that the PNP must adhere to. Once this becomes effective, those with tattoos that are not visible while they are in uniform do not need to have them removed.”
The PNP spokesperson mentioned that once Memorandum Circular 2024-023 takes effect, police officers cannot add additional tattoos to their bodies.
Meanwhile, Fajardo noted that tattoos deemed “indecent, discriminatory, and extremist,” even if not visible, must be removed.
(el Amigo/MNM)
