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)
By Liezelle Soriano
The Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed to be impartial in implementing the law that prohibits the government officials from using sirens, blinkers and other similar signaling or flashing devices.
“Wala po tayong sisinuhin sa pag-implement at pag-enforce po ng PD (Presidential Decree) 96 regardless kung ano po ang estado nila sa buhay,” PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said.
Fajardo said that prior to the Administrative Order No. 18, the PNP has been enforcing the PD 96.
“We will be more strict in the enforcement po nitong Presidential Decree 96,” Fajardo said.
“But like I said, even prior to the issuance po ng Executive Order 18, the Highway Patrol Group has been enforcing the provision ng PD 96,” she added.
PD 96 states that “it shall be unlawful for the owner or possessor of any motor vehicle to use or attach to his vehicle any siren, bell, horn, whistle, or other similar gadgets that produce exceptionally loud or startling sound, including dome lights, blinkers and other similar signaling or flashing devices.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy some 34,000 police officers in crowded locations to ensure public safety during the observance of Holy Week and summer vacation.
On Sunday (17 March 2024), PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said in her interview on Super Radyo dzBB that the national police will maintain a presence at places of worship, tourist destinations, and major thoroughfares, including bus terminals, airports, and seaports.
She underscored that police assistance desks will also be placed in these areas.
“Ang ating Oplan SUMVAC (summer vacation), traditionally nagsa-start ng April 1 hanggang May 31, but since ang ating Semana Santa ay outside of the summer vacation ay nag-advance deployment tayo. Ito pa lamang Palm Sunday ay magde-deploy na tayo ng ating mga kapulisan diyan sa ating mga simbahan,” Fajardo quipped.
She also said the PNP is already on heightened alert a week before the Holy Week.
“As a matter of practice, kapag ganitong mga Holy Week observance ay naka-heightened alert na tayo pero ang mga regional director are given the discretion kung sa mga area nila ay kailangan pang itaas ang full alert level. They have the authority and discretion to do so,” Fajardo explained.
It was gathered that the Holy Week this year will begin on March 24, on Palm Sunday, and will last until March 30, revered as Black Saturday.
This will be succeeded by Easter Sunday when the Catholic faithful celebrate Jesus’ resurrection.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday (01 Mar 2024) issued a cautionary advisory to the public regarding scams associated with inexpensive vacation offers found online.
This warning comes following alerts from the PNP-Anti Cybercrime Group indicating a potential rise in cases of vacation or tour scams this summer.
“We would like to take this opportunity to warn and remind the public to be vigilant. Especially when the immediate requirement is to send money without knowing who the recipients are,” stated PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo.
“To travel agencies, there are ways to verify the authenticity of authorized travel agencies that genuinely have the authority to offer promotions for vacation and travel packages,” she added.
According to PNP data, there were 39 vacation scam cases recorded in 2021, 91 cases in 2022, and 313 in 2023.
Meanwhile, there have already been 35 vacation scam cases reported this year.
“Vacation scams are ICT-enabled crimes wherein criminals impersonate legitimate establishments, offering online accommodation services at prices lower than usual. However, upon arrival, victims discover that their reservations do not exist in the establishment’s system, revealing the scam,” stated the ACG.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — General Benjamin Acorda Jr., the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), underscored the importance of addressing cybercrimes despite the overall improvement in the country’s crime statistics.
“While it may seem that our crime statistics have improved—showing a decrease of 10 percent—further examination reveals the necessity for us to concentrate on cybercrimes,” he stated.
Presenting the National Peace and Order Situation report to the President, General Acorda noted a 10.66 percent reduction in reported crimes between July 1, 2022, and January 31, 2024, compared to the period from December 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022.
In response to this, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. directed the enhancement and fortification of the Philippine National Police’s cybersecurity systems.
“We observed a slight increase, as reported during the last quarter. In line with this, as per the President’s directive, we are bolstering and equipping our police personnel on the ground. Previously, our cybercrime units were only operational up to the regional level,” General Acorda remarked.
He further elaborated, “This time, we are conducting training for our personnel, to reach down to the police station and municipal levels. We will have police officers trained to address cybercrimes or online offenses.”
General Acorda revealed that the majority of cybercrimes reported to the PNP were committed locally, with swindling or estafa being the most commonly reported cybercrime.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr., welcomed Police Lieutenant General Emmanuel Peralta as the new Acting Deputy Chief for Administration of the PNP.
“We extend a warm welcome to P/LtGen. Emmanuel Peralta, who has assumed the role of Acting Deputy Chief PNP for Administration—a respected leader who showcases a profound commitment to our collective mission,” Acorda said.
Peralta expressed his commitment to assisting the PNP in managing the police force, stating, “Ito po ang official, ang pinakaunang araw ko sa opisina. Tutulungan po natin ang Chief PNP at ang buong kapulisan sa pag-manage at pag-supervise ng ating mga directorial staff,” Peralta said.
Peralta takes over the position from P/LtGen. Rhodel Sermonia following the latter’s retirement.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy a total number of 2,093 police officers during the Bagong Pilipinas kick-off rally on January 28.
PNP Police Colonel Jean Fajardo that this number is in addition to force multipliers and standby force.
Fajardo also said that the PNP has not received any serious threats regarding the said activity.
However, the National Police is ready to provide security to those who will participate in the activity that will be held at the Quirino Grandstand.
An estimated number of 200,000 individuals are expected to participate in the launch of Bagong Pilipinas.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Gerardo Baria said that the event would show the commitment of the Executive Department to help the public.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. announced on Monday (22 January 2024) that six PNP personnel have tested positive for shabu or methamphetamine.
“Six individuals tested positive for methamphetamine… Confirmatory tests were conducted, yielding positive results as well,” stated Acorda.
“Rest assured, the PNP will not tolerate such behavior, and we will ensure that appropriate charges are filed to address this issue and uphold the uncompromising principles of a drug-free police force,” Acorda added.
A total of 4,614 personnel, including 4,517 uniformed personnel and 97 non-uniformed personnel, underwent random drug testing.
The nation’s top police officer revealed that, in the first 18 days of the year, authorities discovered P132 million worth of illegal drugs.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced that certain areas in Manila, forming part of the Traslacion 2024 route, will be designated as “no-fly zones” for drones.
PNP Chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr. confirmed the decision, stating, “Yes, there are decisions like that (no-fly zone and use of signal jammers). It will be a no-fly zone, and, of course, authorities will be allowed.”
To ensure the safety and protection of devotees, a total of 15,200 officers will be deployed during the Feast of Nazarene.
“We are anticipating eagerness as it has been a while since such an event took place. The RD NCRPO is requesting additional forces, and we are considering that. We will be getting augmentation from other regions nearby,” added the PNP Chief.
He further mentioned, “All scenarios have been considered. The NCRPO conducted tabletop exercises, including medical stations in each segment. I’m pleased with their preparations.”
To uphold public safety, Acorda urged everyone to comply with the security measures implemented for the parade. Prohibited items include backpacks, umbrellas, water bottles, and the wearing of bull hats.
(El Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday (28 Dec 2023) strongly advised revelers for the coming new year not to purchase firecrackers online.
Colonel Jay Guillermo, Chief of the Cyber Response Unit in the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, emphasized that physical establishments are required to obtain government permissions and undergo inspections, a process that online sellers often bypass.
“There is no government authorization for the sale of firecrackers online because our primary concern is the safety of buyers and the areas where the firecrackers will be used,” explained Guillermo in a recent teleradio interview.
He added, “It is prohibited. You need to visit a physical store to ensure the safety and legitimacy of your purchase.”
Guillermo revealed that three online firecracker sellers have been apprehended since December 19.
(IAmigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Benjamin Acorda said that they are planning to post bus marshals on the heels of the fatal shooting incident in a bus in Nueva Ecija.
Acorda said that he directed the PNP Chief for Operations through the Regional Police Office to issue directives to initiate measures if they need to bring back bus marshals.
“We will do that and we will coordinate also with the transport buses and also in some areas… lalo ngayon papasok na ang Christmas,” Acorda said.
During the Senate plenary discussions on the PNP’s proposed P196.744 billion budget for 2024, the senators brought up many issues, including the incident.
Through Sonny Angara, the head of the Senate Finance Committee, who defended the PNP’s budget, Acorda claimed that the new wave of killings was a “slap on their face.”
Recently, two passengers were shot dead aboard a bus traveling to Carangalan in Nueva Ecija.
(ai/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Thursday that the observance of Undas 2023 was generally peaceful, with approximately three million individuals visiting cemeteries.
PNP spokesperson PCol. Jean Fajardo stated that the police continue to monitor the situation as they expect more Filipinos to visit cemeteries.
“Kahapon, almost three (3) million individuals were observed entering and exiting cemeteries across the nation, and today, our security coverage continues as we anticipate more visitors,” Fajardo mentioned in a Teleradyo interview.
“Overall, the observance of Undas has proceeded smoothly, with no major incidents recorded,” she added.
Fajardo also mentioned that police regional directors will decide on Friday whether to lower the alert status in their respective regions.
She emphasized that authorities are prepared for the expected return of tourists who spent the Undas and barangay election break in the provinces and are now returning to Metro Manila.
(ai/mnm)
Elements of the Philippine National Police have been monitoring the steady influx of visitors to the Manila North Cemetery since Tuesday, 31 October 2023.
As of 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 01 November 2023 (All Saints’ Day), their number accordingly reached 100,000 and counting.
Located in the City of Manila, the country’s capital, this modern necropolis holds a community of an estimated 10 to 50 thousand
Filipinos that live alongside the over one million dead in PH’s largest cemetery.
(ai/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
THE systems of the Philippine National Police and the Department of Science and Technology have been breached, the Department of Information and Communications Technology said Friday, the 13th of October.
“Dito sa DOST, we confirm na mukhang breaches nga ito. Initial report is that there are some experts’ data, [personal identifiable information] ng mga experts,” DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy said in a radio interview.
“Meron din kasing report sa PNP, pero iyan ay sobrang luma naman iyan so kumbaga hina-hype lang nila pero lumang tugtugin na rin iyon,” added Dy.
While experts consider the data breach “dangerous,” Dy claims the leak is on a small scale.
“We’re going to advise DOST to also advise the people whose credentials were leaked to make the proper defenses or mitigations,” Dy said.
Earlier, a data breach in the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) was also reported.
DICT said that is now looking at possible suspects behind the data breach in PSA.
However, Information and Communications Technology Spokesman Assistant Secretary Renato “Aboy” Paraiso did not disclose the name or what group was behind the attack.
“We want to be responsible as well in statements that we would issue out so we will be more accurate and responsive to all the queries. With the PSA, our suspect is local and amateur,” Paraiso said.
Meanwhile, the official reminded the public to be vigilant.
“We would like to ask the public to be very vigilant at huwag ho masyadong mag-panic given that again we have very competent people here in DICT and we would be very transparent if there is an actual attack that happened as long as we can confirm it we will tell the public right away,” Paraiso said.
(ai/mnm)