NAPOLCOM accepts apology of man who wore PNP uniform as Halloween costume

NAPOLCOM vice chairperson and executive officer Rafael Calinisan accepted the apology of the individual who wore a PNP uniform as his Halloween costume, absolving him of charges.

Among the many photos circulating on social media of revelers in Halloween costumes on Oct. 31, one went viral showing a certain Daryll Isidro wearing a bastardized PNP uniform while attending a Halloween party. The uniform’s sleeves had been cut off, and the shirt was unbuttoned down to the chest. 

In a Facebook post, Calinisan described the use of the PNP uniform as a Halloween costume as a “total disrespect for our men in uniform.” He added, “Pinutol pa ‘yung sleeves na feeling pogi.” 

He further said the person could face possible charges because of the “improper use of police uniform or insignia."

The PNP has also condemned the action, citing Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code, which says, “the illegal use of uniforms or insignia—including the improper wearing of an official police uniform by a non-member—is punishable.”

“Our uniform carries a history of valor and sacrifice—it represents the people’s trust in us,” said PNP acting chief PLTGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. 

“To misuse it as a costume trivializes the meaning of service and mocks those who risk their lives to keep our communities safe. This act will not go unpunished; accountability must prevail,” Nartatez said. 

The man has posted an apology on his Facebook page addressed to Calinisan, the PNP, and the “men and women in uniform of the PNP.”

“It has come to my attention, as well as the public, the FB post I made last Oct. 31, 2025 wherein I was wearing a PNP-inspired costume for a Halloween Party which does not sit well to some who saw my post,” he wrote in a post on Nov. 2.

He explained he has since deleted his post, but it had already spread through social media, eventually reaching Calinisan. 

“For this I am truly sorry and regret that my act of wearing a PNP-inspired costume which offends the sensibilities of the dignified and respectable police in uniform, some of whom are even my good friends,” he continued. 

“I express my deep and sincere apologies to the police in uniform who were slighted by the said post and the institutions they represent. I have no intention to malign, cause hurt, or ridicult anyone or anybody with the wearing of the said costume,” he continued. “The idea was solely all within the confines of a costume party.”

About an hour after the man posted his apology, Calinisan replied on his own Facebook page on Nov. 2: “Report to my office tom morning, 930am. You talk to me. Apologize there in public.”

The apology and a new directive

In a press briefing the morning of Nov. 3, Calinisan presented Isidro, whom, Calinisan said, had a few words to say. 

"Ako po ay lubos na humihingi ng pasensya at buong kababaang loob [na] humihingi ng kapatawaran. Hindi ko pa intensyon na mabastos ang uniporme ng mga kapulisan at ng opisina. Lubos po ang aking paggalang sa inyo at sa miyembro ng ating kapulisan," Isidro said. 

"Hindi ko po inaakala na hahantong sa ganitong sitwasyon ang paggamit ko ng uniporme ng ating kapulisan bilang costume sa isang Halloween party at magiging isang usapin."

"Maging tanda na po ito sa mga katulad kong mamamayang Pilipino," Isidro concluded. 

"Kailangan po nating ilagay sa konteksto. 'Yun pong suot ni [Isidro] ay... totoong police uniform. At ito po ay sinuot sa isang Halloween costume party kung saan ay kakaiba ang mga ganap doon," Calinisan said following Isidro's apology. 

According to Calinisan, Isidro was wearing an actual "GOA C" uniform of the PNP, except that he tore off the sleeves and removed the badge number. Based on the PNP website, the PNP GOA Type "C" uniform is the daily office attire worn by police personnel.

The effect, said Calinisan, was "naging katatawanan po ang ating kapulisan." 

Calinisan then acknowledged Isidro's sincere apology and regret, as well as his effort in appearing in the NAPOLCOM office. Consequently, Calinisan tore up the show-cause order he originally planned on serving Isidro. 

In the following open forum with members of the media, Isidro revealed he bought his costume in Raon; that is, Raon Street in Quiapo, a popular commercial hub offering electronics, military apparel, trinkets, and potions at affordable prices. 

Calinisan expressed his displeasure at the discovery of vendors selling ready-made police uniforms to the public. 

He directed the IMIS (Inspection, Monitoring, and Investigative Service) team to inspect Raon Street vendors and limit the public's access to the uniforms and paraphernalia of the PNP, lest they be used for criminal activities. 

Does wearing an actual police uniform as a Halloween costume break the law?

According to Atty. Oscar Franklin Tan, if the costume was just police-inspired and not an actual uniform, there would be no law broken. 

However, since Isidro did wear a real PNP uniform, albeit altered, he could be held liable. 

Tan cited Art. 179 of the Revised Penal Code, which refers to the "Illegal use of uniforms or insignia: The penalty of arresto mayor shall be imposed upon any person who shall publicly and improperly make use of insignia, uniforms or dress pertaining to an office not held by such person..."

Atty. Hyacinth Merioles of Calleja Law added, "The law does not require intent to deceive or to commit another crime; the mere public and improper use is punishable."

If a person were to challenge this with a defense using freedom of expression, Merioles said, "Art. 179 is a 'content-neutral' regulation aimed at preventing impersonation, confusion, and harm to public order, not at suppressing any particular message."

Atty. Carlo John Pascual also added, "While freedom or speech or expression is guaranteed by our Constitution, it is not absolute, however, as it is still subject to limitations of the law."