Philippine Police Chief Bans ‘Umbrella Duties’ for Officers at Official Events

QUEZON CITY — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil announced on Monday that police officers will no longer perform “umbrella duties” for guests at official functions, a move aimed at preserving the dignity of the police uniform.

According to Philippines News Agency, who issued the directive during the flag-raising ceremony at Camp Crame, the decision came after observing officers, particularly those of lower ranks, holding umbrellas for guests during extreme weather conditions at last week’s 123rd Police Service Anniversary. “That’s not right. That’s not the job of the police. Let us respect our uniform. Let’s show that we are people with dignity. We are police officers, not bodyguards, drivers, or servants. We are not paid lackeys,” Marbil stated.

The PNP chief emphasized the importance of police officers focusing on providing exemplary service to the public. “Let us make a difference in people’s lives. Let us show them that our police are different now. The police are reliable and trustworthy,” he added.

During the same event, which also commemorated International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Day, Marbil reminded officers to adhere strictly to the government’s recalibrated war on drugs, ensuring the enforcement of laws in a manner that respects human rights. “We are called law enforcers, so let us enforce the law in proper order. We do not have any right to take the lives of other people,” he explained, highlighting that the use of firearms should always be a last resort, employed only when an officer’s life is in imminent danger.

Gen. Marbil also addressed the need for a shift in perspective among the police force, urging officers to reject the notion that some individuals are beyond redemption and to recognize that everyone deserves an opportunity for improvement. The recalibrated strategy for the war on drugs now focuses more on dismantling major drug trafficking networks rather than targeting street-level offenders, involving intensified intelligence operations and enhanced community engagement.