Police ordered to arrest those into illegal use of DILG Patrol 117 logo

The Department of the Interior and Local Government has ordered the police to arrest anyone who uses the logo of Patrol 117 other than its purpose.

The order came after the department received numerous complaints on the alleged illegal use of the logo.

The DILG Patrol 117 is the department's hotline for police assistance around the country.

Last March 13, the DILG Patrol 117 Development Office Visayas Operation sent a memorandum to Rogelio Tumol, of Sudlon, Lahug, the founder of the Centennial Force Foundation Incorporated, informing him that his group is de-affiliated and banned from using the name of Patrol 117.

However, the agency received reports that some members of CFFI still wear the t-shirts and uniforms bearing the DILG Patrol 117 logo. Even their vehicles also still bear the DILG logo despite being de-affiliated from the government agency.

Cebu Provincial Police director, Sr. Supt. Vicente Loot, also said received complaints on the alleged abuses of some CFFI members.

Because of the alleged abuses, DILG directed all police chiefs to arrest any member of CFFI found using the DILG Patrol 117 logo in any of their activities since the group is no longer connected with the office.

To be an affiliate of the DILG Patrol 117, interested parties should manifest their intentions and pass through the screening committee of the Patrol 117 Commission. The screening is done to uphold the integrity of the said office and to protect its name against unscrupulous activities.

In a telephone interview, Tumol told The FREEMAN that he already applied for re-affiliation with the commission last May 15, 2005 but that until now they are still waiting for the answer.

As to the uniform, Tumol explained that it is their organization's official uniform.

"Unsaon naman na namo nga ang among uniform mao naman gyud na!," Tumol said. - Edwin Ian Melecio