26/08/2026
PNP REMINDS PUBLIC ABOUT AI-GENERATED POLICE OFFICER PORTRAYALS
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is reminding the public to exercise responsibility when creating or sharing AI-generated images that depict civilians wearing police uniforms, particularly when such content is posted on social media and may be mistaken as showing actual members of the police organization.
As artificial intelligence continues to make photo and video creation more realistic, the PNP recognizes its potential while encouraging users to be transparent when content has been digitally generated or altered. Clear identification of such images can help prevent confusion, protect the integrity of the police uniform, and avoid creating the impression that a civilian is an actual police officer.
Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the reminder is not intended to discourage the use of new technology but to promote its responsible application.
“AI is a useful tool, pero kailangan pa rin nating maging maingat sa kung ano ang ipinapakita at ipinapakalat natin online. Kapag police uniform ang gamit sa isang generated image, dapat malinaw na hindi ito tunay na police personnel. Simple lang ang punto—enjoy the technology, but do it responsibly,” Police General Nartatez said.
He added that the police uniform carries a deeper meaning for those who wear it, representing not only their profession but also the duty and trust entrusted to them by the public.
“Para sa aming mga pulis, ang uniporme ay hindi lang simpleng kasuotan. Kapag isinuot mo ito, dala mo ang isang tungkulin at responsibilidad sa taong-bayan. Kaya mahalaga na hindi ito magamit sa paraang maaaring magbigay ng maling pagkakakilanlan o impresyon sa publiko,” Police General Nartatez said.
The PNP also reminds the public that the unauthorized use of police uniforms or insignia, including in AI-generated content posted online, may have legal implications under Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code, or Illegal Use of Uniforms or Insignia, in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175, otherwise known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act. While the use of emerging AI technology may involve different circumstances, failing to clearly label or disclose that an image is AI-generated may expose a person to possible liability, depending on how the content is created, presented, and used.
The reminder is part of the PNP’s continuing effort to strengthen police operations and public safety under its Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, while keeping pace with emerging challenges brought about by rapidly developing digital technologies.
Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the PNP continues to promote responsible and technology-aware policing while fostering accountability in both physical and digital spaces, in keeping with its commitment to the Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)
