Police reverts to former rank classification until IRR is released

March 8, 2019

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said they will not use the new ranking classification either verbally or written for now until its implementing rules and regulations (IRR)  are released.

“Both in verbal and written communications, we are not going to use (the new ranking system) pending approval and release of IRR,” Senior Superintendent Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, said in a text message to The Daily Manila Shimbun.

He said there is no date when the IRR will be released and implemented.

On Thursday, PNP Deputy Director General Camilo Cascolan released a memorandum recalling the use of new rank classification for police.

“This pertains to the directive to recall all memoranda already issued implementing the new PNP rank classification and/ or those about to be disseminated to be put on hold,” it said.

The memo said all communications shall show the old rank until the approval and effectivity of the IRR of Republic Act No. 11200.

Last Monday, PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde said officers and even the media can use the new classification as “practice”.

Republic Act No. 11200 was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on February 20 which amends the section of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990 referring to police's ranking classification. 

Under the new law PNP personnel will no longer be referred to using as "Special Police Officer" (SPO) or "Chief Superintendent", instead their rank classifications will have military terms like "Sergeant" and "Colonel". Ella Dionisio/DMS