Police, military join ranks over rankBy The Manila TimesPRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a bill modifying the ranks of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to systematize the designations of government troops. It standardizes the ranks of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). It will also change the ranks of Senior Inspector to Police Captain, Inspector to Police Lieutenant, Senior Police Officer (SPO) 4 to Police Executive Master Sergeant, SPO3 to Police Chief Master Sergeant, SPO2 to Police Senior Master Sergeant, SPO1 to Police Master Sergeant, Police Officer (PO) 3 to Police Staff Sergeant, PO2 to Police Corporal and PO1 to Patrolman. Año, a former military chief, said the new police ranks would ensure “improved and smooth coordination” between the PNP and the Armed Forces and the new law would also address the public’s confusion over the ranks. “I have noticed during conferences and meetings that even police officers still address each other with their military ranks so it is better that we stick to what they are accustomed to,” Año said in a statement.

Source: Manila Times February 22, 2019 12:45 UTC