New PNP rank classification removes confusion in calling cops

Lacson, the principal author of Senate Bill 2031, said the new law modifying the PNP rank classification will be distinct from military rank assignments by adding the word “police” in every rank used by PNP personnel. (File Photo: Senator Ping Lacson/Facebook)

MANILA — Senator Panfilo Lacson on Thursday said the new rank classification system in the Philippine National Police (PNP) would remove confusion on how to address police officers and increase interoperability with other law enforcement units.

Lacson, the principal author of Senate Bill 2031, said the new law modifying the PNP rank classification will be distinct from military rank assignments by adding the word “police” in every rank used by PNP personnel.

The new rank classification in the PNP are: Police General; 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/Patrolwoman.

“This measure eliminates confusion on how our law enforcers must be addressed, and brings our policemen closer to the populace. More importantly, this allows for better coordination between the PNP and other law enforcement units in countering terrorism and other threats to national security,” said Lacson, a fomer PNP chief.

Lacson said the new rank classification would solve the “unnecessary lags” between the PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines when they check their counterparts, as well as ease the coordination between policemen and their foreign police forces counterparts during international policing engagements.

“We cannot afford any delay in coordination in counter-terrorism operations and operations against other threats to national security,” he said.

Lacson also noted that the classification will retain the PNP’s civilian character, not militarize it.

Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go bared on Thursday that President Rodrigo R. Duterte has signed into law a bill, which modifies the PNP rank classification.

Go said the new law also standardizes how police officers are being called. It also clarifies the command responsibility in the PNP for effective and efficient supervision and control among its uniformed personnel.