NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Tattoo Removal Policy For PNP Personnel Deferred
FILE
In response to growing concerns, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced a moratorium on the implementation of procedures for the removal of visible tattoos among police personnel.
The decision comes following the issuance of Memorandum Circular 2024-023, which mandates the removal of visible tattoos among both uniformed and non-uniformed personnel.
Signed by Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia, head of the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM), the memorandum states that the implementation of MC 2024-023 will be deferred indefinitely, effective immediately.
PNP Spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo explained that the moratorium was ordered by PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil to allow for a thorough review of the policy.
Marbil expressed concerns regarding the health implications of tattoo removal procedures and the administrative sanctions associated with non-compliance.
Fajardo emphasized that while discipline and adherence to codes of conduct are essential for law enforcement personnel, the unique circumstances of police work necessitate a careful reconsideration of the tattoo removal policy.
Under MC 2024-023, all personnel with tattoos are required to submit a written affidavit declaring their tattoos and undergo the removal of visible ones. However, aesthetic tattoos, such as those for eyebrows, eyeliner, or lips, are exempt from the policy.
The PNP clarified that unauthorized tattoos, including those with extremist, ethnically or religiously discriminatory, or indecent content, are subject to removal. Additionally, tattoos associated with prohibited or unauthorized groups are not permitted.
Police officers who refuse to follow the policy will face administrative charges. The moratorium provides an opportunity for further evaluation and potential revisions to ensure the policy aligns with the needs and considerations of PNP personnel.
The decision comes following the issuance of Memorandum Circular 2024-023, which mandates the removal of visible tattoos among both uniformed and non-uniformed personnel.
Signed by Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia, head of the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM), the memorandum states that the implementation of MC 2024-023 will be deferred indefinitely, effective immediately.
PNP Spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo explained that the moratorium was ordered by PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil to allow for a thorough review of the policy.
Marbil expressed concerns regarding the health implications of tattoo removal procedures and the administrative sanctions associated with non-compliance.
Fajardo emphasized that while discipline and adherence to codes of conduct are essential for law enforcement personnel, the unique circumstances of police work necessitate a careful reconsideration of the tattoo removal policy.
Under MC 2024-023, all personnel with tattoos are required to submit a written affidavit declaring their tattoos and undergo the removal of visible ones. However, aesthetic tattoos, such as those for eyebrows, eyeliner, or lips, are exempt from the policy.
The PNP clarified that unauthorized tattoos, including those with extremist, ethnically or religiously discriminatory, or indecent content, are subject to removal. Additionally, tattoos associated with prohibited or unauthorized groups are not permitted.
Police officers who refuse to follow the policy will face administrative charges. The moratorium provides an opportunity for further evaluation and potential revisions to ensure the policy aligns with the needs and considerations of PNP personnel.
May 3, 2024
