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Maguindanao Sur clash succumed
BIFF leader, 11 cohorts
By J.Lo
“We are thankful to vigilant people who promptly provided our units in Maguindanao del Sur with information on convergence there of these terrorists, enabling us to immediately launch calibrated anti-terror strike,” Philippine Army 6th ID commander Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera said leader of one of three factions of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and his 11 followers were killed in encounter with soldiers in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur.
Brig. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara, First Brigade Combat Team commander, said seven soldiers were wounded in the clash and evacuated to military hospital for treatment. Three other BIFF members managed to escape.
Mohiden Animbang, alias Kagui Karialan, tagged in bombings in Central Mindanao, and his brother Saga, said to be trained in bomb-making by slain foreign terrorist Zulkfli bin Hir, alias Marwan, were among those killed, according to members of various municipal peace and order councils and military commanders under 6th Infantry Division (ID).
Firefight erupted in Barangay Kitango at 7:30 in the morning.
Five M16 rifles, three M14 rifles, two M653 and an M14 were recovered from the fatalities.
Karialan and his men were known for bombing buses if operators refused to shell out protection money on regular basis, as well as drug trafficking.
Rillera said military, with assistance of Moro Islamic Liberation Front, has been reaching out to the group of Karialan to surrender.
”Government forces are sworn to protect community from this terrorist group where we have reached recourse to utilize the might to end terrorism,” he said.
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Smoking bans at NAIA-3 parking lot
By J.Lo
“I had grass removed from open parking area so there would not be repeat of incident,” Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Eric Ines prohibited smoking at open parking lot of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA-3) following fire that damaged 19 vehicles on Monday.
While Ines described incident as “grass fire,” he said MIAA is still waiting for official report from Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) on cause of fire.
Ines also approved recommendations to install portable fire extinguishers in the area and to have security and safety personnel conduct regular patrols.
Ines ordered review of closed-circuit television footage of the area to determine cause of fire.
Parking lot’s concessionaire, Philippine Skylanders Int’l (PSI), has committed to paying for damage incurred by owners of 19 vehicles burned in Monday’s fire.
In letter addressed to Ines, PSI vice president, general manager and director for legal Gerald Martin Carmiña said “in the spirit of humanitarian consideration and good faith,” PSI will “shoulder all damage incurred by owners of vehicles involved.”
Carmiñ said PSI will fully cooperate with BFP in investigation, but noted that cooperation is not “admission of fault or negligence on the part of PSI.”
Meanwhile, Sen. Grace Poe said Senate would give MIAA time to conduct its own investigation of fire before deciding whether Senate would conduct its own probe.
Poe, chairperson of Senate committee on public services, said airport management should evaluate how it responded to the fire “what should be improved and how quickly it should have been addressed.”
She asked if airport had enough fire extinguishers and whether airport personnel have proper knowledge and training to deal with emergencies.
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Removing bicycle lane from EDSA
By J.Lo
“It is still being studied… considering that we have probably the only major highway in the world where there are bicycles,” Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is exploring possibility of removing EDSA’s bicycle lane as part of study.
MMDA is working with Department of Transportation (DOTr) to consider exclusive motorcycle lane along highway.
Acting MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said there is proposal suggesting complete removal of bicycles from EDSA.
He highlighted concerns over underutilization of bicycle lane, with only 1,500 cyclists using it daily compared to 170,000 motorcycles going through EDSA per day.
Bicycle lanes along major roads in Metro Manila were designated during COVID lockdowns in 2020 when public transportation was banned as part of health protocols to help stop spread of disease.
Commuters shifted to cycling as an alternative mode of travel.
Artes emphasized current bicycle lane configuration only occupies half lane, leaving half unused.
He noted that there are proposals received by both DOTR and MMDA to expand bicycle lane and possibly allocate space for motorcycles.
However, Artes acknowledged concerns raised by bicycle advocates regarding safety of shared lanes.
Private vehicles are allowed to pass through these lanes, although Artes pointed out that motorcycle riders tend to enter bike lane despite availability of unused space.
In 2023, MMDA implemented regulation prohibiting motorcycles from using bicycle lanes along EDSA, with violators fined P1,000.
EDSA currently has two exclusive lanes: bicycle lane beside sidewalk and innermost lane for use of city buses and authorized vehicles.
There is non-exclusive motorcycle lane that is fourth lane from sidewalk that may also be used by drivers of vehicles with more than two wheels.
Artes emphasized extensive discussions have taken place between agencies, including intensive meetings before traffic summit or town hall meeting in San Juan last April 10.
Exclusive bicycle lanes are currently implemented along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, with another lane for motorcycle riders and yellow lane for public utility vehicles.
When asked about possibility of implementing drastic solutions to address traffic on EDSA before midyear, Artes said President Ferdinand Marcos Jrf. has instructed MMDA to expedite solutions.
He mentioned recent meetings regarding construction of bridges to redirect vehicles to alternative routes, highlighting President’s directive to promptly implement policies.
Data-driven solutions to address traffic congestion are needed, senators said as they opposed proposed exclusive lane for motorcycles along EDSA.
Dedicated motorcycle lane is questionable given limited road space, Sen. Grace Poe, chairs of Senate committee on public services, said.
“Intention to decongest EDSA is understandable, but we are curious how DOTr ,Deparment of Transportation will put up dedicated lane considering limited road space as it is,” Poe said.
To date, EDSA hosts busway on innermost lane and bicycle lane beside sidewalk.
Exclusive motorcycle lane to be put up beside bicycle lane is being studied to address traffic jams, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said.
EDSA currently has non-exclusive motorcycle lane, fourth lane from sidewalk.
“Are they intending to share it with the bike lane…should it be standardized across all highways… varying placements of motorcycle lanes can be confusing to motorists who traverse multiple highways daily, these are just some of concerns that must be addressed with actual data and not just mere experiments that can cause further confusion in our already chaotic roads,” Poe said.
Proposal highlights need for independent facts-based agency such as National Transportation Safety Board, should be able to “cull data and institute standards for designation of motorcycle lanes,” Poe said.
Sen. Francis Escudero recommended using artificial intelligence in traffic simulations before implementing motorcycle lane.
Sen. Nancy Binay said dedicated lanes are temporary solutions that do not address worsening traffic in Metro Manila.
“Reason why such alternative rides exist is because our public infrastructures fail to address urban mobility challenges purely palliative and short-term always…so let’s not dwell on policies that will deviate from mass transit solutions,” Binay said.
DOTr should instead shift its focus to mass transportation and “prioritize investments in efficient public transit systems such as buses, BRTs and trains,” she added.
Meanwhile, two motorcycle riders almost ran over traffic enforcers of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) who accosted them for using EDSA bus lane.
MMDA said motorcycle riders would be fined for violating EDSA busway policy.
Department of Transportation is studying establishing exclusive motorcycle lane along EDSA to mitigate traffic buildup along highway, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said.
Based on DOTr figures, more than 170,000 motorcycles go through EDSA on daily basis, according to Bautista.
He noted while EDSA has non-exclusive motorcycle lane, fourth lane from sidewalk, motorcycles travel through most of EDSA’s lanes and add to traffic congestion.
Bautista said if DOTr approves this measure, this would introduce another exclusive lane on EDSA. At present, EDSA hosts busway on innermost lane and bicycle lane beside sidewalk.
DOTr is examining viability of proposal with MMDA, eyeing to place motorcycle lane beside bicycle lane. Exclusive motorcycle lane would replace current non-exclusive one.
“As you see on EDSA right now, motorcycles eat up all lanes, so we are working with MMDA on how we can improve traffic situation relating to motorcycles,” Bautista said.
Bautista also said exclusive motorcycle lane on EDSA can help reduce economic cost of traffic gridlocks in Metro Manila.
Study from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in 2012 indicated Philippines loses up to P2.4 billion in productivity a day due to its traffic problem.
JICA said cost of lost productivity increased to P3.5 billion in 2017 and to P4.9 billion in 2022.
Government was warned that economic losses from Metro Manila’s traffic could hit P9 billion a day in 2030. Bautista stressed importance of trying to come up with solutions to improve traffic conditions in metropolis.
“Economic cost of traffic covers additional fuel, additional cost, lost opportunities for growth and lost time with family,” Bautista said.
Apart from this, DOTr is embarking on $140-million project to build extended walkway on EDSA as part of efforts to enhance infrastructure for active transport.
MMDA would strictly enforce ban on light electric vehicles such as tricycles and bicycles, Artes said .
Violators will be issued traffic violation tickets upon apprehension, he said.
“We deferred by two days just for consideration and also for information dissemination,” Artes said.
Artes clarified e-bikes and e-trikes without licenses and registrations would be impounded.
He emphasized that without proper documentation, penalties cannot be imposed, making impoundment necessary.
Ban on light e-vehicles applies only to selected roads deemed dangerous or prone to traffic congestion, Artes said.
Asked about registration procedure, he said Land Transportation Office (LTO) handles it and has issued guidelines on the process.
LTO will also determine placement of license plates.
Artes clarified local government units (LGUs) have authority over roads not included in list of prohibited routes.
“It is up to the LGUs to decide if e-bikes and e-trikes will be allowed or not in routes that are not on our list based on LGU’s ordinance,” he said.
Ban covers Recto Avenue, President Quirino Avenue, Araneta Avenue, EDSA, Katipunan/ C.P. Garcia, Southeast Metro Manila Expressway, Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, Osmeña Highway or South Super Highway, Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas Avenue, Magsaysay Boulevard/ Aurora Boulevard, Quezon Avenue/ Commonwealth Avenue, A. Bonifacio Avenue, Rizal Avenue, Del Pan/Marcos Highway/ McArthur Highway, Elliptical Road, Mindanao Avenue, Marcos Highway, Boni Avenue and España Boulevard.
Concerning impounded vehicles, Artes said these can be reclaimed upon payment of penalties. Fine for e-bikes and e-trikes is set at P2,500.
MMDA reported at least 55 tricycles, pushcarts or carts, pedicabs, crickets, e-bikes, e-trikes and light electric vehicles passed through national roads, circumferential roads, radial roads and areas covered or under jurisdiction of MMDA were apprehended during ban’s dry run.
MMDA earlier said among exemptions to ban are when identified vehicles are crossing these major roads, tricycles traveling no more than 500 meters going to or coming from U-turn slot to cross to the other side and light e-vehicles traveling on bike lanes on covered roads, pursuant to Republic Act 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Act.
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‘ICC probed talked to 50 PNP members on drug war’
By Nidz Godino
“ICC investigators have already directly communicated with more than 50 active and former PNP officials regarding their being implicated in crimes against humanity case of Rodrigo Duterte,” former senator Antonio Trillanes IV said in post on X representatives of International Criminal Court have communicated with around 50 active and former officials of Philippine National Police (PNP) in connection with ICC’s probe into drug war launched by former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Trillanes, staunch critic of Duterte, based his statement on what he described as highly credible information.
Police officials would face dire consequences should they refuse to cooperate with ICC investigators looking into alleged human rights abuses in course of Duterte’s brutal crackdown on illegal drugs, according to the former senator and Navy officer.
“Their status would be elevated to being suspects and, therefore, would result to travel restrictions initially and eventually arrest via Interpol,” he said.
Over 6,000 drug suspects were killed in alleged shootouts with lawmen during Duterte’s term, based on government records.
Sought for comment, PNP chief information officer Col. Jean Fajardo did not confirm or deny that ICC probers have talked with some police officers.
She maintained PNP is aware of the investigations related to anti-drug campaign during Duterte’s presidency but said they are taking their cue from national government, which stated country has working judicial system.
“We have courts that can judge abuses and irregularities within ranks of PNP and we have proven this as we already have policemen who were arrested, tried and convicted, so that is what PNP is going to do, it will be under jurisdiction of the Philippines,” she said at Kapihan sa Manila Bay news forum.
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Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla reiterated government is “serious” in its efforts to stop extrajudicial killings (EJK) and uphold human rights.
He issued statement in response to 2023 report by US Department of State that found EJKs remained “serious problem” in the Philippines and there were no significant changes in the country’s human rights situation.
Remulla said government is taking steps in holding accountable erring law enforcers and to change their mindset and attitude.
Over 13,114 kilos of marijuana and shabu and 7,412,292 pieces of marijuana plants worth P32.6 billion have been seized under administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., data presented by Fajardo during news forum show.
Illegal drugs were confiscated in 87,274 police operations from July 1, 2022 to April 22, 2024.
Also included are 1.4 tons of shabu valued at P9.68 billion intercepted in Alitagtag, Batangas, last April 15.
“This is biggest shipment of shabu that we have seized…but not one person died…no one died, no one was shot, no one was hurt,” Marcos said at the time.
Fajardo said holistic approach is needed to eradicate illegal drugs in the country wherein law enforcement agencies such as PNP and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency are working together with local government units and other sectors of society.
For his part, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said while billions worth of drug hauls in the past two years show success of Marcos’ campaign against illegal drugs, this shows necessity to protect country’s porous shorelines.
“We must protect our shorelines…we must work hand in hand with Philippine Coast Guard…on the part of PNP, they have maritime patrol but those are so few,” he said.
Meanwhile, crime volume in the country under Marcos administration has dropped by nearly 64 percent, according to PNP.
Fajardo said there were 71,133 focus crimes recorded from July 1, 2022 to April 21.… This is lower by 63.79 percent compared to 196,420 crimes documented from July 1, 2016 to April 21, 2018, during Duterte presidency.
Among eight focus crimes, physical injury had biggest decline from 41,614 to 9,229 cases, drop of 77.82 percent.
Robbery cases went down 71.28 percent, from 30,167 to 8,664, Fajardo said.
Motorcycle theft declined 69.83 percent, from 11,428 to 3,448. Theft cases were down 66.64 percent, from 70,230 to 23,429 incidents.
Cases of murder decreased from 18,505 to 7,650, drop of 58.66 percent.
Fajardo said car theft went down from 1,073 to 490 cases, decrease of 54.33 percent.
Cases of homicide also decreased by 51.98 percent, from 4,236 to 2,034.
Rape cases, on the other hand, declined from 19,167 to 16,189, or drop of 15.54 percent.
“As of this morning, based on data of OCD ,Office of Civil Defense, 103 cities and municipalities have declared state of calamity,” Task Force El Niño spokesman and Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Joey Villarama said at public briefing aired over state-run People’s Television total of 103 cities and towns have been placed under state of calamity because of El Niño, while number of persons affected by weather phenomenon has reached 2.1 million.
Villarama said among affected areas are provinces of Antique, Sultan Kudarat, Basilan, Maguindanao del Sur and Occidental Mindoro, visited by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..
“Actually, the President mentioned almost entire Philippines is affected…but again, in varying degrees, so government is focused on providing assistance, depending on needs of each province,” he added.
State of calamity declaration will allow local government to use its funds to mitigate impact of El Niño.
Citing data from social welfare department, Villarama said 2,116,420 people, including farmers, fisherfolk and their dependents, have been affected by El Niño, expected to persist until May or June.
Amount of damage caused by El Niño to agriculture sector has risen to P3.94 billion, equivalent to 66,000 hectares.
However, 78 percent of affected farmlands may still recover, Villarama said.
“By end of May, we hope impact of El Niño will dissipate or become less but our appeal to conserve our resources like power and water remains,” he added.
During his visit to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Marcos gave assurance that government would continue providing assistance to communities and sectors hit by El Niño.
He said country’s rice supply remains sufficient despite drought and dry spell.
Heat index in Aparri, Cagayan climbed to sweltering 48 degrees Celsius, marking hottest heat index logged so far this year.
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said highest heat index was recorded on April 23 in municipality of Aparri. PAGASA also monitored heat index of 47 degrees in Dagupan City.
At least 30 areas in the country could experience dangerous heat levels today, as temperatures are expected to range between 42 to 45 degrees.
PAGASA warned dangerous and extreme danger heat indexes are expected in April and May. Bureau also warned of heat cramps and heat exhaustion, with heat stroke probable in continued exposure.
Total of 6,695 out of 47,678 public schools nationwide suspended onsite classes due to extreme heat, latest figures from Department of Education (DepEd) showed.
Based on data released by DepEd, all regions in the country have recorded class suspensions, with schools opting to shift to alternative delivery mode (ADM) of learning such as through online classes and use of modules.
Heat index in several parts of the country reached “danger” level ranging from 42 to 46 degrees Celsius.
Central Luzon has highest number of schools suspending onsite classes at 1,731, followed by Western Visayas with 1,091 schools, Ilocos region (680), Central Visayas (470), Bicol (450) and Mimaropa (426).
Total of 415 public schools in Metro Manila have suspended their onsite classes and switched to ADM.
Suspension of onsite classes was also recorded in public schools in Calabarzon (395), Soccsksargen (335), Cordillera Administrative Region (229), Zamboanga peninsula (164), Eastern Visayas (117), Cagayan Valley (104), Davao region (84), Northern Mindanao (3) and Caraga (1).
“Number of schools implementing ADM has decreased compared to previous data,” DepEd said.
More than 7,000 public schools suspended their onsite classes and switched to ADM last April 12 also due to extreme heat.
Face-to-face classes in all levels of both public and private schools have been suspended anew in the city of Manila until April 26, the local government announced after heat index in the city was forecast to reach danger level at an estimated 44 degrees Celsius.
Navotas, Las Piñas, Pasay and Parañaque have also suspended face-to-face classes in all levels in both public and private schools until Friday due to extreme heat.
City governments have advised school management to “shift to asynchronous classes” in the next two days.
Meanwhile, DepEd has denied local radio report saying two teachers died of heatstroke while conducting classes.
In statement DepEd slammed as “highly inaccurate and misleading” so-called breaking news report of XFM Radyo Patrol Iloilo saying two teachers in Iloilo recently died of heatstroke while conducting classes.
“According to Schools Division Office concerned, no teacher was reported to have died due to heatstroke,” DepEd said.
DepEd said official records instead showed that teacher in Sta. Barbara town passed away in February due to “hypertensive cardiovascular disease,” while another teacher died sometime March due to aneurysm.
“In both instances, teachers were reportedly at home… unfortunate that certain news outlets resort to sensationalizing death of our teachers at expense of true and factual reporting,” DepEd said. “Most importantly, DepEd extends its heartfelt condolences to bereaved families.”
Teachers’ Dignity Coalition and Alliance of Concerned Teachers have been calling on DepEd for immediate reversion to old academic calendar starting this coming school year 2024-2025, following frequent suspension of onsite classes due to extreme summer heat aggravated by El Niño.
Meanwhile, Metro Pacific Water president and CEO Rogelio Singson said government should prioritize establishment of water impounding systems instead of flood control measures to ensure country’s water security.
Singson said government needs to converge its flood control projects and irrigation programs to have synchronized program in managing country’s water resources.
Singson added funds of Department of Public Works and Highways and National Irrigation Administration must be integrated to lead to better water control program.
Impounding rainwater, Singson pointed out, would benefit country in multiple ways: there would be available irrigation for farmers during dry season, available bulk water supply for treatment and it would reduce flooding.
“Priority should be water impounding and not flood control…once you impound water at the top it would reduce water at downstream, resulting in fewer flooding, let’s not burn our budget in dredging because nothing will happen…it will just use up our budget,” he said during Kapihan sa Manila Bay news forum.
Singson recalled he banned dredging during his stint as DPWH secretary since it will not lead to any improvements against flooding.
“If budget is instead used for water impounding in several locations around river systems, then definitely, we will control flooding,” he said.
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1,707 blinkers confiscated
By J.Lo
“Policy has just been intensified during this time that the President ordered even government officials would be prohibited from using attachments, accessories and flashing devices in their private vehicles,” Col. Joel Casupanan, heads Highway Patrol Group (HPG) special operations division told reporters at least 1,707 sirens, blinkers and similar signaling or flashing devices have been confiscated by HPG in the past month.
Data from HPG showed 300 of seized items were blinkers while 11 were sirens.
HPG director Brig. Gen. Alan Nazarro said majority of illegal attachments were LED lamps at 957; fog lights, 179; modified mufflers, 134; horns, 78, and strobe lights, 48.
At least 219 blinkers and other signaling or flashing devices were seized by police on first day of implementation of President Marcos’ anti-wang wang policy for government officials.
Casupanan noted items were confiscated from March 25 to April 22 in their implementation of Presidential Decree 96 prohibits use of sirens, blinkers, horns and other gadgets to get through traffic ahead of other motorists.
Top three regions with most number of confiscated illegal vehicle attachments are Calabarzon, Davao and Caraga, according to HPG data.
Casupanan did not give details, but said some of the vehicles belong to government employees, while rest are from civilians.
Motorists who are caught violating policy must surrender to law enforcement authorities illegal attachments on their vehicles.
Second offenders shall face criminal complaints and could face fines and imprisonment of up to six months, according to Casupanan.
“We are implementing the policy fair and square…we are not exempting anyone in implementation of the law,” he said.
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Hunger dropped in Q1
By J.Lo
“We, in DSWD, are happy with survey results and will continue to strengthen our social protection programs to continue to improve lives of our kababayans,” Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) spokesperson Irene Dumlao said survey results are welcome development under DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian’s leadership , will strengthen social protection programs and services.
Around 11.1 million Filipino families considered themselves poor in the first quarter of the year, slight drop from 11.9 million at the end of 2023, OCTA Research group survey showed.
From 45 percent in December 2023, self-rated poverty dropped to 42 percent in March 11 to 14 survey.
Only 12 percent rated their families “not poor,” while 47 percent said they cannot say if they are poor or not.
Decrease in self-rated poverty was due to 10-point drop among respondents in balance Luzon, combined with slight increase in Mindanao and stable numbers in Metro Manila and Visayas.
Self-rated poverty remained highest among those in Mindanao at 71 percent from 68 percent, followed by Visayas at 47 percent similar to previous survey, Metro Manila at 29 percent from 28 percent and rest of Luzon at 28 percent from 38 percent.
Survey also found 37 percent of respondents considered their families as “food-poor” or those who “struggle to obtain sufficient and healthful diet.”
It went down from 42 percent in December 2023 survey.
Only 16 percent rated their families as “not food-poor,” while remaining 47 percent were on borderline.
Across areas, self-rated food poverty was highest among respondents in Mindanao at 74 percent from 71 percent, followed by Visayas at 34 percent from 48 percent, Metro Manila at 25 percent from 26 percent and rest of Luzon at 24 percent from 30 percent.
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In terms of involuntary hunger, those who experienced not having anything to eat at least once in the past three months before survey period decreased from 14 percent in December 2023 to 11 percent in March 2024.
This translates to estimated decrease from 3.7 million to 2.9 million families, OCTA said.
Involuntary hunger was highest among those in Visayas at 13 percent from 19 percent, followed by Mindanao at 12 percent from 18 percent and Metro Manila and rest of Luzon at nine percent from eight and 11 percent, respectively.
Of those who said their families experienced hunger in the past three months, 68 percent said they experienced it only once, 21 percent few times, eight percent often and two percent always.
OCTA’s Tugon ng Masa survey had 1,200 respondents and three percent margin of error.
DSWD expects conditional cash transfer Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program to contribute to government’s initiatives against poverty and hunger.
Food stamp program’s implementation will be scaled up this July, from 3,000 to 300,000 beneficiaries nationwide. .
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30k to remove tattoos as PNP bans
By J.Lo
“Visible tattoos, especially on areas like face, head, neck, arms or any visible part while in uniform, are prohibited,” Philippine National Police (PNP) has issued policy prohibiting its personnel from wearing or sporting revealing tattoos.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo noted that since assumption of PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil, there has been no directive to erase or remove tattoos of any PNP personnel. However, there is memorandum circular regarding bearing and sporting of tattoos.
She added that for existing personnel with tattoos, once necessary requirements are met and Memorandum Circular 2024-023 is published, they must declare their existing tattoos.
Memorandum circular, approved last March 19, will become effective 15 days after its publication on Official Gazette and newspaper of general circulation.
After circular takes effect, they are not allowed to add additional visible tattoos, according to PNP official.
She added that aesthetic tattoos, such as those on the eyebrows or lips, are exempted.
Fajardo clarified, though, that regulations aim to maintain professional appearance and are not curtailment of rights, but rather part of rules and traditions of uniformed service.
Regarding removal of tattoos, personnel are given grace period of three months to have visible tattoos removed at their own expense.
Fajardo said failure to comply may result in disciplinary measures, including pre-charge investigation.
She stressed that while some may view tattoos as form of creative expression, being in PNP means adhering to specific rules and policies.
She underscored importance of maintaining professional image and following organizational regulations.
Police officers who refuse to remove visible tattoos on their bodies as stated in the memorandum circular that was approved last March 19 are free to leave police force.
“If you cannot follow regulations, then PNP’s door is wide open for you to resign,” Fajardo said.
PNP released new policy after noticing that some police officers are bearing or sporting tattoos that are visible when they are in their uniform.
Tattoos are considered offensive, discriminatory and indecent are prohibited even if not visible. Among these are body designs advocating illegal activists, racism and sexism.
Police officers with existing tattoos are required to execute affidavit declaring their body art while memorandum circular is awaiting publication.
Police officer with rank of senior master sergeant would have the tattoos on his right arm removed in compliance with PNP’s latest directive.
Policeman identified himself as alias JP, has no problem with PNP’s order, he said is fair.
“Whether we admit it or not, in the Philippines, uniformed personnel who have tattoos are not yet totally accepted… public looks at them differently,” he said in interview with reporters.
Police officer entered PNP in 2009 and had his tattoo in 2013 for P6,000. He said he has started saving money as removal of tattoos costs P30,000.
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Lithuania FM welcome to Ph
By Nidz Godino
“Exchange of perspectives and insights underscores shared commitment of Philippines and Lithuania to peace, stability and rules-based international order,” Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Lithuania’s top diplomat is in the Philippines for official visit, first time in two countries’ three-decade diplomatic relations.
Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis is visiting the country from April 23 to 25.
It is first high-level visit to Philippines since former Lithuanian prime minister Adolfas Slezevicius visited the country in 1995.
Landsbergis’ meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo will focus on enhancing cooperation in trade and investments, clean energy, science and technology including health and laser technology and people-to-people links, DFA noted.
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