11/03/2026
In the Philippines, a person who poses as a police officer or sells police uniforms without authority may be charged under several laws, mainly under the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines and government regulations on police uniforms.
1. Usurpation of Authority (Impersonating a Police Officer)
Under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines:
β’ A person who pretends to be a police officer or exercises police authority without being one commits Usurpation of Authority or Official Functions.
β’ Penalty: Prision correccional (about 6 months and 1 day up to 4 years and 2 months imprisonment). οΏΌ
Example:
β’ Claiming to be a police officer
β’ Using the uniform or badge to intimidate or gain benefit
2. Illegal Use of Uniforms or Insignia
Under Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines:
β’ It is illegal for a person who is not a police officer to publicly wear or use a police uniform, badge, or insignia.
β’ Penalty: Arresto mayor (about 1 month and 1 day up to 6 months imprisonment). οΏΌ
3. Illegal Manufacturing or Sale of Police Uniforms
Under Executive Order No. 297 (Philippines):
β’ The manufacture, sale, or distribution of PNP uniforms and insignia without authorization is prohibited.
-Possible consequences:
β’ Closure of the business
β’ Confiscation of uniforms
β’ Cancellation of permits or licenses
β’ Administrative fines. οΏΌ
A 37-year-old Malaysian national was nabbed for unlawfully posing as a police officer and attempting to sell police uniforms in Pasay City.
Philippine National Police chief P/Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the arrest took place at around 6:10 p.m. on 8 March along Arnaiz Avenue in Barangay 107 following a tip from a concerned citizen who reported suspicious activity to Sub-Station 4 (Central Park) patrol officers.
Read more at: https://tribune.net.ph/2026/03/11/malaysian-arrested-for-posing-as-police-officer-in-pasay
