New PNP rank classification halted

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recalled the use of its modified rank classification until the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the law are approved.

PNP Directorial Staff head Deputy Director General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan signed a memorandum order on Thursday which states that all memoranda issued or to be issued by the PNP related to the implementation of the new rank classification “be put on hold.”

“In this connection, all communication shall reflect the old rank until the approval and effectivity of the implementing rules and regulation of RA No. 11200,” Cascolan said in the memorandum order.

According to Cascolan, the IRR will prevent any confusion and allow uniformity in the use of the new rank classification. Furthermore, he said the Directorate for Plans (DPL) was the one tasked to craft the law’s IRR.

Sr. Supt. Bernard Banac, PNP spokesman, said the IRR is expected to include the policies on proper abbreviations of the ranks, and their usage in written communications.

“Yes, our internal use of the new rank classification was hold in abeyance pending the approval and release of the IRR within 30 days. That will specify the policies, proper abbreviations and their usage in written communications,” Banac told reporters.

“But for the public and media, there is no prohibition should they wish to use the new rank classification as enumerated in the newly approved law,” he added.

Prior to this, Police Maj. Gen. Lyndon Cubos, chief of the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (PNP-DPRM), issued a memorandum dated February 27 which gave the go signal for the use of the new rank classification.

RA 11200 was signed into law by President Duterte on February 8. It seeks to modify the rank classification in the PNP and standardize how cops are addressed. It also clarifies the command and responsibility in the organization for effective supervision and control among the uniformed personnel.

The newly signed law amended Section 28 of RA No. 6975 or the Department of Interior and Local Government Act of 1990 which established the PNP.

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde is expected to make a formal announcement and ceremonial donning of the new rank classification before the end of March. (Martin A. Sadongdong)