TACLOBAN CITY-The Philippine National Police (PNP) has issued guidelines concerning tattoos or body markings that must be followed by police officers, including those aspiring to join the force.
Based on Memorandum Circular No. 2024-23, all PNP personnel, whether uniformed or non-uniformed, are required to submit an affidavit detailing the location of their tattoos and the reasons behind their choice to get inked.
Col. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, clarified that individuals with tattoos are not permitted to enter the police force and must have them removed before applying.
For existing police officers with tattoos, they must provide information on the nature and location of their tattoos. Additionally, obtaining new tattoos, particularly those visible in areas not covered by the uniform, is now prohibited.
Moreover, existing tattoos cannot be modified or expanded upon. Tattoos depicting extremism, racism, sexism, or other offensive themes are strictly forbidden.
The PNP introduced these regulations due to the prevalence of tattoos among police officers, particularly in areas not concealed by the uniform.
Fajardo emphasized that while tattooing may be considered a form of expression, it is not permitted within the strict confines of the PNP’s organizational standards.
Failure to comply with these directives may result in administrative action being taken against the individual, including the possibility of facing disciplinary proceedings or termination.
This mandate will be officially published in the Official Gazette and will take effect 15 days after its publication.
(MARY ANN M.OLAYA, LEYTE NORMAL UNIVERSITY STUDENT INTERN)
