Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. took severe measures against unauthorized sellers and users of police uniforms.
This was after the police reports identified the gunmen, who ambushed Aparri Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda and his associates while traveling to Manila, were in pixelated police uniforms.
Azurin also warned sellers to verify the identifications of their buyers.
Meanwhile, PNP public information office chief Police Col. Redrico Maranan said that PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group was ordered to take down online sellers of police uniforms.
This initiative was also to remind the public that civilians wearing PNP uniforms are against the law.
Moreover, Police Col. Jean Fajardo clarified on Sunday that the people behind the ambush were not actual PNP members.
"Let us be clear on this: No PNP member is involved in this incident. What we are looking at is the possibility that the suspects were just wearing police uniforms to make it appear they are legitimate government forces because they have set up an unauthorized checkpoint in the ambush area," he said.
