Is our "Mamang Pulis" in Metro Manila slowly turning into a John Rambo?

With the recent order of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) requiring all policemen to wear "camouflage" uniform when on duty, a group of Manila policemen on Thursday warned that the police force is slowly being turned into a military unit.

"The association believes that wearing camouflage uniform is a form of militarization which is in violation of the mandate of the constitution. We hereby respectfully and strongly reiterate our opposition to the wearing of camouflage green uniform," Manila's Finest Brotherhood Association President (MFBAP) president, Senior Police Officer 2 Antonio Emmanuel said.

A memorandum order signed by NCRPO Regional Directorial Staff officer-in-charge, Police Senior Superintendent Miguel DM Laurel was issued last August 17 requiring police officers to wear camouflage uniform starting September.

In opposing the order, Emmanuel explained that the memorandum is in gross violation of National Police Commission (Napolcom) Resolution No. 2005-385.

Under the Napolcom resolution, Type A - Camouflage uniforms are only exclusive for various Mobile Group Companies involved in counter insurgency operations in rural and forested area.

"As the Napolcom resolution may not be amended or repealed until November 9, 2015, the NCRPO memorandum requiring PNP personnel to wear camouflage green uniform is in gross violation of it. It is void and without legal effect," Emmanuel said.

He said that the police force is purely civilian in character and to require them to wear a military uniform will not only create fear among the public but also it will likewise cause confusion among them.