PNP recalls use of new ranks

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered the suspension of the implementation of the new law that modifies the rank classification of police officers pending the release of its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

Police Deputy Director General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan on March 7 said all orders pertaining to the use of the new rank classification had been recalled.

“This pertains to the directive to recall all memoranda already issued implementing the new PNP rank classification and/or those about to be disseminated. All communication shall reflect the old rank until the approval and effectivity of the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act (RA) 11200,” he said in a memorandum.

The IRR, which will specify the policies, proper abbreviations, and their usage in written communications, is expected to be released within 30 days.

On Feb. 8, President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law RA 11200, which standardizes how PNP officers will be called.

The new rank classification is as follows: Police General, the highest position in the police; followed by Police Lieutenant General, Police Major General, Police Brigadier General, Police Colonel, Police Lieutenant Colonel, Police Major, Police Captain, Police Lieutenant, Police Executive Master Sergeant, Police Chief Master Sergeant, Police Senior Master Sergeant, Police Master Sergeant, Police Staff Sergeant, Police Corporal, and Patrolman or Patrolwoman.