PNP warns: Civilian use of HPG stickers, logos is unauthorized

MANILA: The Philippine National Police (PNP) issued a warning against civilians on the illegal use of logos, stickers, and other paraphernalia associated with the PNP – Highway Patrol Group.

HPG is a PNP division responsible for enforcing traffic rules and regulations across Metro Manila and neighboring areas.

The notice, titled Prohibition on the use of HPG Seal/Logo, was released on Tuesday last week. It was signed by Police Colonel Rodolfo Tatoy of the PNP Human Resource and Doctrines Development Division.

PNP is calling for the strict implementation of Executive Order No. 297 on “Regulating the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of PNP uniforms, insignias, and other accoutrements.”

The directive was circulated across local and regional units of PNP-HPG. It came after Acting Director Police Brigadeer General Dionisio Carlos witnessed civilians misusing HPG paraphernalia.

 “This pertains to the observation of no less than the Acting Director [of> HPG, during his visits to the different regions and other places in the country that there are many graduates of the Motorcycle Riding Training Safety Course, motorcycle enthusiasts, or individuals… blatantly using or displaying our HPG seal/logo on their garments,” said Tatoy.

Aside from placing HPG stickers and logos on their motorcycles’ windshields and riding gear, Carlos also noticed that many of them were using blinkers and sirens. By law, civilians are not allowed to use HPG paraphernalia.

Tatoy explains this creates a “negative impression to the public” and that civilian use of HPG logo or seals was “prone to abuse.”  

Until recently, the Motorcycle Riding Safety Training Course was exclusively available to senior police officers and members of the private sector who wanted to improve their riding skills.

The introduction of an Executive Course allowed civilians access to a similar, but less rigid training. The training includes lessons on how to control your bike at low speeds, how to properly escort, and how to ride as an organized group, among others.

According to Camp Crame, the Executive Course costs Php 30,000. Civilians who pass the training will be listed as members of the PNP-HPG Motorcycle Safety Training. However, this does not mean they can use HPG insignia.

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