By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

National Police Commission-Western Visayas (Napolcom-6) director, Atty. Joseph Celis, said police officers are not allowed to use masks during regular operations including those involved in anti-illegal drug operations. The law enforcement official noted all police officers are required to wear uniforms and declare their intentions, such as serving arrest or search warrants.
For covert operations, however, including those seeking to catch suspects in the act of committing a crime, police officers allowed to wear civilian clothing are still barred from covering their faces.
Celis also pointed out, under the Philippine National Police (PNP) Manual of Operations, law enforcement officials are required to wear their prescribed uniform depending on the type of operation.
The Napolcom director said the PNP has 13 types of uniforms./DGB, WDJ