Question & AnswerQ&A (PNP MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2011-028)
A salute is a formal gesture of recognition, friendship, and respect accorded to persons of superior rank or station, usually executed by raising the right hand smartly to the forehead or headgear.
When both PCOs of different ranks are wearing the prescribed PNP uniform and they meet each other within a distance of one to ten meters, the lower ranking PCO shall salute the higher ranking PCO immediately.
Yes, PNCOs, whether in prescribed PNP uniform or civilian attire, must salute all PCOs wearing the prescribed PNP uniform when meeting outdoors at a recognizable distance of approximately one to ten meters, except intelligence unit PCOs in civilian attire.
A lower ranking officer does not salute a higher ranking officer indoors even if both are in prescribed PNP uniforms, except when reporting, being called by a superior, or on duty as sentinel or guard.
Failure to render salute is classified as Slight or Simple Misconduct, punishable by administrative penalties such as withholding privileges, restriction to specified limits, suspension, or forfeiture of salary for a period ranging from one day to thirty days depending on the severity.
The salute is executed by raising the right hand smartly until the tip of the forefinger touches the right eyebrow or front brim of the headgear; fingers extended and joined, palm facing left forearm inclined at about 45 degrees, and right upper arm horizontal.
Yes, uniformed personnel wearing the prescribed uniform shall render the PNP prescribed salute; non-uniformed personnel or uniformed personnel not in prescribed uniform shall stand at attention with the right palm over the left chest.
Yes, the PNP extends the practice of saluting to friendly units in the uniformed services such as the AFP, Philippine Coast Guard, BJMP, BFP, and the like, saluting those who are of higher rank.
They must salute their immediate supervisor (squad or platoon leader) and inform him/her of their intention to join or leave the formation.
Civilian dignitaries entitled to salutes include the President, former President, Chief Magistrate of a sovereign state, members of Regional Royalty Family, Head of Government, Vice-President, Senate President, Speaker of the House, Chief Justice, Secretary of Interior and Local Government (SILG), Cabinet Secretaries, Foreign Ambassadors, and other high-ranking officials and foreign envoys.
No, while at work, salute is generally not rendered except when called by a superior officer; also salute is not rendered when both hands are occupied carrying articles, making saluting impractical.
All uniformed PNP personnel wearing the prescribed uniform shall face the flag and render the salute during the hoisting, lowering of the Philippine National Flag, and during the reveille ceremony.
Generally, no; the usual greeting of good morning or afternoon is sufficient to show courtesy and respect unless directly reporting to the higher ranking officer and the security situation allows saluting.
It provides guidelines on how and when PNP personnel should render the salute, including definitions, procedures, exceptions, and penalties for non-compliance, to synchronize PNP practices with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.