MANILA – The National Police Commission (Napolcom) will issue a show-cause order against an individual who dressed as a police officer during a Halloween party, Napolcom Vice Chair Ralph Calinisan said Sunday.

In a Facebook post, Calinisan criticized the unidentified person and warned that charges would be filed if they ignore the summons.

“Tomorrow, on behalf of all our policemen, I will issue a Show Cause Order against you and demand a public apology from you,” Calinisan said.

“If we do not hear from you, expect a case to be filed against you. Respect your men in uniform,” he added.

Calinisan shared several photos showing the individual at what appeared to be a Halloween event in Makati. While the person’s identity was not disclosed in the post, Calinisan noted that the act disrespected actual members of the police force.

“This use of the PNP uniform as a Halloween costume is total disrespect for our men in uniform,” he said.

The Napolcom official earlier reminded the public that illegal use of the Philippine National Police (PNP) uniform is punishable under Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code, which prohibits the illegal use of uniforms and insignias.

Halloween, observed annually on October 31, is commonly celebrated with costume parties, where participants often dress as fictional characters or professionals, including doctors, engineers, and, in this case, a police officer.

Following the backlash, the person identified as Dha Isidro on Facebook issued a public apology.

“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,” Isidro said.

“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 ridicule anyone or anybody with the wearing of the said costume,” they added.

Isidro clarified that there was no intent to misrepresent the police or assume their official duties, saying the costume was worn “solely all within the confines of a costume party.”

Calinisan later responded by sharing Isidro’s apology online and directed them to appear at his office on Monday morning to answer the show-cause order.