POLICE officers are not allowed to wear masks during regular operations including those involved in anti-illegal drug operations.

This was emphasized Saturday, December 14, by National Police Commission-Western Visayas (Napolcom-6) Director Joseph Celis as he emphasized that all police officers are required to wear their uniforms and they are required to declare their intentions against those subjected in the operation such as in serving arrest or search warrants.

For covert operations such as those targeting suspects in the act of committing a crime they are allowed to wear civilian clothing, although they are still prohibited from covering their faces.

Celis also pointed out under the Philippine National Police (PNP) Manual of Operations, cops are required to wear their agency prescribed uniform depending on the operation they will conduct.

The Napolcom director said the PNP has 13 types of uniforms. (TDE)