PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE MANUAL

REVISED PRIMER ON
PERSONNEL DECORUM

DECEMBER 2024
 REVISED PRIMER ON
PERSONNEL DECORUM

Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development

Camp BGEN Rafael T Crame, Quezon City Philippines
2024
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE

REVISED PRIMER ON PERSONNEL DECORUM

This primer shall not be reproduced, in whole and in part, in any

form or by means of graphic, electronic, mechanical, or by any
information storage and retrieval system now known or hereafter
invented, without prior written permission from the Director,
Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development, with
postal address at Ground Floor, National Headquarters Building,
Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City and telephone number
02-8723-0401 local 6222.

Published by PNP DHRDD

All rights reserved.

________ out of 1,961

 Republic of the Philippines
NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF, PNP
Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City

MESSAGE

Public service is a noble

profession that demands both
the skills to perform effectively
and the character to set a
positive example. As police
officers, we are entrusted with
the sacred responsibility "to
serve and protect" our fellow
Filipinos, a duty that allows us to
make a meaningful impact. To
fulfill this mission, we must
adhere to the principles in the Revised Primer on
Personnel Decorum.

I commend the Directorate for Human

Resource and Doctrine Development (DHRDD) for
the successful publication of this Revised Primer. Their
dedication has resulted in a valuable resource that
strengthens our commitment to professionalism and
ethical conduct, and reinforces our mission to be a
police force that upholds the highest standards in
every aspect of our duties. This Primer is essential for
guiding our actions both within and outside our
premises, as every word and action we take reflects on

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“Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Ang Gusto ng Pulis, Ligtas Ka!”
our organization and the trust placed in us by the
Filipino people.

Let this Primer guide all of us in maintaining

honor and integrity in our service. To our PNP
personnel, especially those on the front lines, I urge
you to carry your badge with pride, keeping your
intentions pure and your commitment to public safety
unshaken. Together, we will continue working toward a
safer, more progressive nation. In line with this, we
remain steadfast in our vision: "Mahusay, Matatag, at
Maasahan na Kapulisan" — a modern Filipino Police
Force for a modern Filipino society. Dito sa Bagong
Pilipinas, ang Gusto ng Pulis, Ligtas Ka!

In unity and service.

ROMMEL FRANCISCO D MARBIL

Police General
Chief, PNP

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“Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Ang Gusto ng Pulis, Ligtas Ka!”
 PREFACE

The PNP Primer on Personnel Decorum has been

revised to reflect the evolving demands and expectations of
professionalism, ethical behavior, and moral conduct among
the members of the Philippine National Police.

The primary objective of this Primer is to prescribe

doctrines, norms, standards, and attributes that guide PNP
personnel in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities
effectively while upholding integrity and respect at home, in
the workplace, and in the community.

The Primer is designed to be easy to understand,

with simple “DOs” and “DON’Ts” grouped into three main
areas: Personal Decorum, Office Decorum, and Police
Decorum.

Personal Decorum outlines the behavioral norms

and values that every PNP personnel must embody
in their daily lives. This includes fostering
harmonious relationships within their families,
workplaces, and communities while maintaining
professionalism in social and media interactions.

Office Decorum provides guidelines on appropriate

workplace conduct, emphasizing respect and
collaboration with colleagues, subordinates,
superiors, and, most importantly, the public whom
they serve.

Police Decorum, tailored specifically to the unique

role of law enforcement officers, sets the ethical and
operational standards for personnel deployed in
various administrative and operational capacities. It
underscores the importance of discipline,

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 accountability, and the proper conduct expected of
PNP personnel in the performance of their duties.

This revised Primer serves as a cornerstone for

strengthening the ethical foundation of the organization,
fostering a culture of professionalism, and enhancing the
trust and confidence of the public in the Philippine National
Police.

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 Republic of the Philippines
NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
DIRECTORATE FOR HUMAN RESOURCE AND DOCTRINE DEVELOPMENT
Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The revision of the Primer

on Personnel Decorum has
been a collaborative effort that
reflects the dedication and hard
work of many individuals. As the
Director of the Directorate for
Human Resource and Doctrine
Development (DHRDD), I would
like to express my deepest
gratitude to all those who
contributed their time, expertise,
and wisdom to this important
undertaking.

Special thanks go to my Deputy Director,

PBGEN JERICH T ROYALES, for his invaluable
support, as well as to the Chair of the Technical
Working Group (TWG), PCOL BENLINER L CAPILI,
the Acting Executive Officer of DHRDD, who guided
the Directorate throughout this endeavor. I also extend
my sincere appreciation to the TWG Vice Chair, PCOL
ADOLPH C ALMENDRA, and the Administrative
Officers (AdmOs) from the Directorial Staff, PNPA,
NPTI, TS, CHS, and C, BPS, HSS. Your collective
insights on police decorum and discipline have been
instrumental to the success of this project.

I would also like to acknowledge the tireless

efforts of the men and women of the General Doctrine

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Development Division (GDDD). Your dedication to
ensuring the completion of this deliverable, not only for
the Directorate but for the entire PNP organization, is
truly commendable.

Finally, I am deeply indebted to all the unnamed

individuals and staff whose unwavering support and
commitment have been vital to the realization of this
project.

The Revised Primer on Personnel Decorum will

guide all PNP members by the ideals and standards
set forth within. Most importantly, it will serve as the
moral compass for each PNP personnel in carrying out
their duties as public servants and citizens. Through
this Primer, we continue to mold morally upright,
conscientious, and responsible public servants.

Thank you all for your unwavering commitment

to this important work.

SIDNEY N VILLAFLOR
Police Major General
The Director for Human
Resource and Doctrine
Development

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRELIMINARY PAGES Pages

Chief, PNP’s Message i

Preface iii
Acknowledgment v

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1
Section 1-1 Background 1
1-2 General Policy 2

CHAPTER 2 PNP CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS, 5

VALUES, AND IDEALS, AND PROFESSIONAL
CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARD
Section 2-1 PNP Customs and Traditions 5
2-2 Values and Ideals 13
2-3 PNP Code of Professional 18
Conduct and Ethical Standards
(PNP COPCES)
2-4 Doctrine of “Command 23
Responsibility”
2-5 Exercise of Disciplinary 25
Mechanisms

CHAPTER 3 PERSONAL DECORUM 28

Section 3-1 Family 28
3-2 Community 30
3-3 Social Media Content, Post, and 31
Accounts
3-4 Classroom Courtesy and 35
Decorum

CHAPTER 4 WORK DECORUM 38

Section 4-1 Camp Rules 38
4-2 Basic Courtesy in Dealing with 42
Superiors
4-3 Basic Courtesy in Dealing with 44
Peers and Subordinates

Table of Contents vii

 4-4 Basic Courtesy in Dealing with 46
Clients
4-5 Telephone Etiquette 51
4-6 Information 52
Technology/Cybersecurity
4-7 Use of Non-Sexist Language in 55
All Communications and
Issuances
4-8 Social Media Relations 58

CHAPTER 5 POLICE DECORUM 62

Section 5-1 During Patrol 67
5-2 During Traffic Duty 71
5-3 During Investigation Work 73
5-4 Detailed/Deployed Protective 76
Security Personnel (PSP)

CHAPTER 6 WAY FORWARD 77

REFERENCES 79
TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP & 82
SECRETARIAT

viii Table of Contents