Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reminded the public that using artificial intelligence (AI)-generated images of police officers on social media that may be mistaken as showing actual members of the police organization may result in legal action.
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. stated that the reminder is not intended to discourage the use of new technology but to promote its responsible application. He emphasized the need for clarity when police uniforms appear in AI-generated images, ensuring that it is evident they do not depict real police personnel. "AI is a useful tool, but we need to be careful in what we show and share online. If a police uniform is being used in an AI-generated image, it should be clear that it is not a police personnel. The point is simple-enjoy the technology, but do it responsibly," Nartatez explained.
As AI 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. Nartatez also noted 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.
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.
In related news, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Tuesday denied reports circulating on social media suggesting that police personnel will adopt a "one-week duty, two-days off" work arrangement and an eight-hour duty schedule. The NCRPO clarified that these reports are "entirely false and do not reflect any officially implemented policy."
The police office strongly condemned the spread of fake news and misleading narratives. It urged both the public and its personnel to reject unverified claims and rely exclusively on official NCRPO channels for accurate information. The NCRPO stressed that existing programs and policies concerning personnel welfare and work arrangements remain fully in place, with the current leadership of newly designated officer-in-charge, Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano, actively focused on their proper implementation. The statement highlighted that the NCRPO continues to maintain high police visibility and prompt incident response across the metropolis, guided by its core operational framework of Prepare, Prevent, Respond.
