GUIDELINES FOR THE

STANDARD PREPARATION OF
COMMUNICATIONS
PNPMC NO. 2019-013
Sequence of
a. Situation
Presentation
b. Definition of PNP Jargons
c. General Guidelines
d. Specific Guidelines
e. Formats
f. Grammar
g. Other Concerns
Situation Despite numerous directives/policies on the preparation of
communications, still many offices/units commit the following
mistakes: (Latest – Memorandum from TCDS dated June 8, 2021 with subject:
Reiteration of the Guidelines for the Standard Preparation of Communications)
 Wrong format of the addressee portion, especially on
letters for the President, SILG or Chairman,
NAPOLCOM, and other government officials;
 Incomplete staff work;
 Wrong format;
 Wrong spacing and margins;
 Typographical and grammatical errors;
 Wrong font and font size; and
 Inappropriate complimentary endings.
Definition of PNP Jargons
 PNPMC 2019-013

Common Definitions in PNP Communications

Command Memorandum Circular (CMC)
 temporary in nature;
 covers a specific duration;
 activity, event, and/or project based;
 numbered consecutively by calendar year;
 issuing authority is the CG; D-Staff; D, NSUs;
 approving authority is the CPNP; and
 control number is issued by the DO.
 PNPMC 2019-013

Common Definitions in PNP Communications

Memorandum Circular (MC)
 with continuing effect unless rescinded/amended;
 numbered consecutively by calendar year;
 issuing authority is CG; D-Staff; RD, PROs; D, NSUs;
 approving authority is the CPNP; and
 control number issued by the DHRDD via Command
Library.
 PNPMC 2019-013

Common Definitions in PNP Communications

Copy Furnished
 formerly carbon copy;
 to provide an exact copy of the document for the
information of target recipients;
 enumerated at the bottom left portion; and
 listed by rank from highest to lowest.
 PNPMC 2019-013

Common Definitions in PNP Communications

Distribution
 intended for more than one recipient for action;
 enumerated at the bottom left portion; and
 listed by rank from highest to lowest.
 PNPMC 2019-013

Common Definitions in PNP Communications

REGULAR Communications
 do not fall under the parameters
of RUSH/PRIORITY; and
 processed on first come, first served basis
 PNPMC 2019-013

Common Definitions in PNP Communications

PRIORITY Communications
 with a set deadline for immediate action to be
complied within 72 hours; and
 expressed guidance from the President,
SILG, and other competent authorities.
 PNPMC 2019-013

Common Definitions in PNP Communications

RUSH Communications
 with a set deadline for immediate action to be
complied within 24 hours; and
 expressed guidance from the President,
SILG, and other competent authorities.
General Guidelines
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

 (except legal documents) memoranda white

A4 sized bond paper (80 grams per square
meter [GSM])

 letters shall be printed in ivory colored A4

sized laid paper (90 GSM)
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

 ARIAL Font, Size 12

 Arabic Numbers (1, 2, 3)

 margins (left, right, top and bottom) 1”

measured from the sides/edges of the paper.
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

Additional titles in signatories be is prefix or suffix

not included in the registered name of the
personnel in the Philippine Statistics Authority
shall no longer be permitted.
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

Except for the usage of comma, between the

surname and qualifier, there shall be no period
for the rank abbreviations, middle initials, and
names of PNP offices/units.
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

PBGEN JESUS D CAMBAY, JR

 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

Camp BGen Rafael T Crame

 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

There are two ways of writing the names of PNP

personnel as signatories:
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines
Three lines:

GUILLERMO LORENZO T ELEAZAR

Police General
Chief, PNP
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

Two lines in correspondence:

PGEN GUILLERMO LORENZO T ELEAZAR
Chief, PNP
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

Two lines in memoranda:

GUILLERMO LORENZO T ELEAZAR

Police General
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

Abbreviated in communications

PLTGEN CARLOS
PBGEN CAMBAY, JR
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

Retirees may use the new ranks :

(Implementing Rules and Regulation of RA 11200 dated March 24, 2019)

PGEN RONALD M DELA ROSA (Ret)

 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines
How to write Chief, PNP in communications:
(Memorandum from TCDS dated March 21, 2019 with subject: Standard Use
of CPNP on All Memoranda)

CPNP
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

2 ½”

RUSH 1”
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

2 ½”

PRIORITY 1”
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

DIPOs, in relation to the upgrading of ranks of

the Directors to PLTGEN, will be separated from
D-Staff when being enumerated.
(Memorandum from TCDS dated May 31, 2021 with subject: Distribution of
Memorandum)

While NASUs and NOSUs are part of NSUs and

should not be treated as separate.
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

P- refers to CPSM, HRAO, PTCFOR,

Staff and On the other hand, WCPC is
CESP under
functional supervision
the of DIDM; FEO and
O.
SOSIA under CSG; while PPDC, PTCFOR,
and PIO are under the OCPNP.
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines
The standard distribution to be followed in the
preparation of MCs, CMCs, memoranda, and
other communications:

IG, IAS D, NSUs

TDIPOs RD, PROs
D-Staff DDs, NCRPO
P-Staff SPA to the SILG
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines
In case only selected D-Staff, P-Staff, NSUs, and
PROs including NCRPO Districts will be given
copy of the communication, here is the sample
distribution:

TDPRM D, HSS RD, PRO4A

TDI D, CSG C, PIO
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

All communications intended for the

Command Group must be signed by the
Head of Office.
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines
There shall be no instance that the Unit
Commander/Head of Office and his Deputy are
both absent or away from their station/office for
long periods of time unless explicitly permitted
by the higher authorities.
(Memorandum from TCDS dated September 27, 2018 with subject: Application
for Leave of head of Offices/Units)
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

In case of authorized absence, the duly

designated Officer-In-Charge shall sign the
documents.
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

There shall be no instance that the Unit

Commander/Head of Office and his Deputy are
both absent of away from their office/station for
long periods of time unless explicitly permitted
by higher office.
(Memorandum from TCDS dated September 27, 2018 with subject: Application
for Leave of Head of Offices/Units)
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines
Other authorized PCOs to sign on behalf of the
Head of Office for the Command Group:

 Deputy of the D-Staff;

 Deputy for Administration of NSUs; and
 Deputy Regional Director for Administration
of PROs
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

Except for the issuance of orders, the previous

practice of using the command line in
communications such as “FOR THE
DIRECTOR/COMMANDER,” “FOR,” “BY,”
and “SIGN FOR” are no longer permitted.
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines
Staff Officers of D-Staff, P-Staff, PROs, NSUs
 shall sign communication intended for their
respective personnel and/or lower offices/units,
copy furnished their respective Command
Groups
 PNPMC 2019-013

TO : See Distribution
FROM : C, ROD
SUBJECT : SAMPLER
DATE : January 15, 2021

JUAN D CRUZ
Police Colonel
Copy Furnished:
Command Group
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

Staff Officers/Division Chiefs of D-Staff/

P-Staff/PROs/NSUs are not authorized to
sign/send official communication directly to
the Command Group/Directors of D-Staff
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines
All communications from subordinate
offices/units must be coursed through their
supervising Functional Directorate and other
concerned units
 PNPMC 2019-013
(Memorandum from Acting SDS dated April 18, 2017 with subject:
Concurring Line for Command Group)

FOR : CPNP 1.5 in

THRU : TDCA
TDCO
1 space
TCDS TDO

FROM : D, SAF
SUBJECT : SAMPLER
DATE : January 15, 2021
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines
When the CPNP has given specific
instructions that a communication must be
directly submitted to him, a copy shall be
furnished to the members of the Command
Group.
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines
Communications needing fund support and
logistical requirement should always pass
thru DC and/or DL for concurrence.
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

All comments/recommendations on a particular

communications coming from different offices/
units shall be properly tabbed.
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

Communications to be signed by
members of the Command Group should
be on top of all the annexes andproperly
marked with “For signature” or “Please
sign here” tabs/stickers.
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

All comments/recommendations on a particular

should not cover the original document from the
originating office/unit.
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

The date portion on all communications from the

different PNP offices/units should be printed
and not stamped.
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

However, the dates on communications for

signature of the CPNP and the members of the
Command Group shall be stamped upon their
signing of the documents.
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

All compliances to Handwritten

Instructions/Routing Slip from the CPNP thru
TCDS/SDS, which do not require the approval of
the CPNP should be addressed in memorandum
form for the CPNP (Attn: ADMO) copy
furnished TCDS.
 PNPMC 2019-013

FOR : CPNP
(Attn:
FROM ADMO)
: TDPRM
SUBJECT : SAMPLER
DATE : November 11, 2020

ROLANDO J
HINANAY Police Major
General
Copy Furnished:
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

In writing references, the principle of

“latest first, oldest last” should be
observed.
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines
Hierarchy of references:
1. Constitution;
2. Republic Acts/Presidential
Decree;
3. Department Orders/Issuances;
4. Civil Service Issuances;
5. NAPOLCOM Issuances;
6. PNP Issuances; and
7. Other references.
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines
Guide in opening memoranda:
(Higher to Lower Office/Unit)

T
O
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

Guide in closing memoranda:

(Higher to Lower Office/Unit)
 For guidance, compliance, information,
dissemination, appropriate action, attention,
etc.
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines
Guide in opening memoranda:
(Lower for Higher/Equal
Office/Unit)

FOR
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

Guide in closing memoranda: (Lower for

Higher Office/Unit)
 For information, preferential
attention, favorable consideration, approval,
perusal, etc.
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

Only communications that fall under the

parameters of RUSH and/or PRIORITY shall
be marked accordingly. Communications that are
intentionally mislabeled shall be returned
without action.
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

Security classifications for Classified Matter,

should be typed or stamped following its
respective color schemes on the header and footer
accompanied by the corresponding cover sheet.
(Memorandum from TADI dated July 11, 2019 with subject: Reminder on the
Rules of Confidentiality and Privileged Nature of certain Government Matters,
Papers, and Documents)
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines
Photocopies of cover sheets and/or faded
cover sheets should not be used.
Communications with photocopied, faded,
and/or miscolouredcover sheets shall be
returned without action.
(Memorandum from TADI dated July 11, 2019 with subject: Reminder on the
Rules of Confidentiality and Privileged Nature of certain Government Matters,
Papers, and Documents)
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines
The posting of Classified Matter to
media sites/internetsocial sites is
strictly prohibited.
(PNPMC 2012-003 “Policy Guidelines on Security Consciousness and Secrecy
Discipline in the Recording, Uploading, Posting or Dissemination of Information
via the Internet of through Other ICT Devices by the PNP Personnel dated May
20, 2013)
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

Documents for dissemination must be first

declassified, sanitized, cleared for publication,
and converted into “civilianized format”
and/or press release/media lines format.
 PNPMC 2019-013

General Guidelines

Unclassified matter or information, but

considered to be official, shall not be uploaded,
posted or disseminated on the internet or through
ICT devices without prior authorization from the
CPNP as recommended by TDI.
(PNPMC 2012-003 “Policy Guidelines on Security Consciousness and Secrecy
Discipline in the Recording, Uploading, Posting or Dissemination of
Information via the Internet of through Other ICT Devices by the PNP
Personnel dated May 20, 2013)
Specific Guidelines
 PNPMC 2019-013

Specific Guidelines
Complimentary endings:

For letters addressed to the President -

Very respectfully yours,

 PNPMC 2019-013

Specific Guidelines
Complimentary endings :

For all others -

Very truly
yours,
 PNPMC 2019-013

Specific Guidelines
The signatory portion for communications
intended for signature of the CPNP, TDCA,
TDCO, and TCDS should be printed as follows:
 PNPMC 2019-013

Specific Guidelines

GUILLERMO LORENZO T ELEAZAR

Police General
Chief, PNP
 PNPMC 2019-013

Specific Guidelines

JOSELITO M VERA CRUZ

Police Lieutenant General
The Deputy Chief, PNP for
Administration
 PNPMC 2019-013

Specific Guidelines

ISRAEL EPHRAIM T DICKSON

Police Lieutenant General
The Deputy Chief, PNP for
Operations
 PNPMC 2019-013

Specific Guidelines

DIONARDO B CARLOS
Police Lieutenant General
The Chief of Directorial Staff
Style Guides
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide
LETTERHEAD
For documents to be signed by the CPNP.

No Logos

Arial 10 Republic of the Philippines

Arial 10 NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION
Arial 11NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE Bold
Arial 11 OFFICE OF THE CHIEF, PNP Bold
Arial 10 Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide
LETTERHEAD
For documents to be signed by the Command
Group

Republic of the Philippines

NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY CHIEF, PNP FOR ADMINISTRATION
Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide
LETTERHEAD
For documents to be signed by the Command
Group

Republic of the Philippines

NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF DIRECTORIAL STAFF
Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide
LETTERHEAD
For documents to be signed by the D-
Staff

Republic of the Philippines

NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
DIRECTORATE FOR PERSONNEL AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT
Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide
LETTERHEAD
For documents to be signed by the P-
Staff

Republic of the Philippines

NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
CENTER FOR POLICE STRATEGY MANAGEMENT
Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

The phrase NATIONAL

HEADQUARTERS in the header shall
only be used for headers of the Command
Group, D-Staff, and P-Staff
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide
LETTERHEAD
For documents to be signed by the
NSUs

Republic of the Philippines

NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL
POLICE INTELLIGENCE
GROUP
Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon
City
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide
ADDRESSEE AND SALUTATION
FOR
THE PRESIDENT:
President RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE (bold
letters, complete full name)
Republic of the Philippines
Malacañan Palace
Thru:
Manila Secretary EDUARDO M. AÑO (bold, dotted)
Department of the Interior and Local Government
DILG-NAPOLCOM Center
EDSA corner Quezon Avenue
Quezon City

Dear Mr. President:

 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

NOTE: “Malacañang” refers to Malacañang

Compound, while “Malacañan” refers to the
Office of the President. Also, all correspondence
to the President regarding official policing matters
must go “Thru” the SILG. Please provide two
copies: one for the President and one for the SILG.
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

ADDRESSEE AND SALUTATION FOR THE VICE

PRESIDENT:
Vice President MARIA LEONOR G. ROBREDO (bold, dotted middle initial)
Republic of the
Philippines Quezon City
Reception House 100
11th St., Bargy. Mariana
New Manila, Quezon City

Dear Vice President

Robredo:
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

ADDRESSEE AND SALUTATION FOR THE SENATORS:

Senator RALPH G. RECTO (bold, dotted middle initial)
Senate of the Philippines
Room 508 5th Floor, GSIS Building, Financial Center
Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

Dear Senator Recto:

 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

ADDRESSEE AND SALUTATION FOR THE

REPRESENTATIVES:
Representative RODOLFO T. ALBANO (bold, dotted middle initial)
1st District of Isabela
Room S-201, House of Representtaives
Quezon City

Dear Representative Albano:

 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide
ADDRESSEE AND SALUTATION
FOR THE DEPARTMENT/CABINET SECRETARIES:
Secretary EDUARDO M. AÑO (bold, dotted middle initial)
Department of the Interior and Local Government
DILG-NAPOLCOM Center
EDSA corner Quezon Avenue
Quezon City

Dear Secretary Año:

 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

ADDRESSEE AND SALUTATION FOR THE CHAIRMAN,

NAPOLCOM:
Chairman EDUARDO M. AÑO (bold, dotted middle initial)
National Police Commission
DILG-NAPOLCOM Center
NAPOLCOM Building
EDSA corner Quezon Avenue
West Triangle, Quezon City

Dear Chairman Año:

 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

ADDRESSEE AND SALUTATION FOR THE

UNDERSECRETARIES:
Undersecretary BERNARDO C. FLORECE, JR. (bold, dotted middle initial)
Undersecretary for Peace and Order
Department of the Interior and Local Government
DILG–NAPOLCOM Center
EDSA corner Quezon Avenue
Quezon City

Dear USEC Florece:

 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

ADDRESSEE AND SALUTATION FOR THE ASST

SECRETARIES:
Assistant Secretary MANUEL B. FELIX (bold, dotted middle initial)
Assistant Secretary for Peace and Order
Department of the Interior and Local Government
DILG–NAPOLCOM Center
EDSA corner Quezon Avenue
Quezon City

Dear ASEC Felix:

 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

ADDRESSEE AND SALUTATION FOR THE

OMBUDSMAN:
Ombudsman SAMUEL R. MARTIRES (bold, dotted middle initial)
Ombudsman Building, Agham Road
North Triangle, Diliman, Quezon City

Dear Ombudsman Martires:

 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

ADDRESSEE AND SALUTATION FOR THE MAYORS:

Mayor JOY BELMONTE (bold, dotted middle initial)
Quezon City Hall, Elliptical Road
Quezon City

Dear Mayor Belmonte:

 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

ADDRESSEE AND SALUTATION FOR THE BARANGAY

OFFICIALS:
Chairperson ELEUCITA T. FELICIANO (bold, dotted middle initial)
#57 1st Avenue, Cubao
Quezon City

Dear Chairperson Feliciano:

 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

ADDRESSEE AND SALUTATION FOR THE

ARCHBISHOP:
His Eminence
Most Rev. JOSE F. CARDINAL ADVINCULA (bold, dotted middle initial)
Archbishop of Manila
Residencia del Arzobispo
121 Arzobispo Street, Intramuros
Manila

Your Eminence:
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

ADDRESSEE AND SALUTATION FOR THE PRIESTS:

Reverend Father MARLON A. CAMARGO (bold, dotted middle initial)
Sta. Catalina de Alejandria Parish Church
Arayat, Pampanga

Dear Rev. Fr. Camargo:

 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide
ADDRESSEE AND SALUTATION
FOR THE OTHER RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS:
Brother EDUARDO V. MANALO (bold, dotted middle initial)
Executive Minister
Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) Central Office
No. 1 Central Ave.
New Era, Quezon City

Dear Bro. Manalo:

 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

ADDRESSEE AND SALUTATION FOR THE

AMBASSADORS:
His Excellency
Ambassador DANIEL R. PRUCE (bold, dotted middle initial)
British Embassy Manila
120 Upper McKinley Road
McKinley Hill Fort Bonifacio
Taguig City

Dear Ambassador Pruce:

 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

ADDRESSEE AND SALUTATION FOR THE CONSUL

GENERAL :
Consul General CLARO S. CRISTOBAL (bold, dotted middle initial)
Philippine Consulate General, New York
556 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036

Dear Consul General Cristobal:

 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

ADDRESSEE AND SALUTATION FOR THE JUSTICES/JUDGES:

The Honorable ALEXANDER G. GESMUNDO(bold, dotted middle initial)
Chief Justice
Supreme Court of the Philippines
Ermita, Manila

Dear Chief Justice Gesmundo:

 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide
ADDRESSEE AND SALUTATION
FOR THE AFP/PNP/BFP/BJMP etc. (PCOs) including retirees:
PGEN GUILLERMO LORENZO T ELEAZAR (bold, not dotted middle initial)
Chief, Philippine National Police
National Headquarters, Philippine National Police
Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City

Dear PGEN ELEAZAR:

 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

For consistency of style, the names of PNCOs

should be in UPPERCASE letters ONLY in the
addressee line of a letter. They will resume their
normal case style in the main body of the text.
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide
ADDRESSEE AND SALUTATION
FOR THE AFP/PNP/BFP/BJMP etc. (PNCOs) including retirees:
PAT CLARIZA A MARIANO (bold, not dotted middle initial)
Marilao Police Station
2nd Floor Old Municipal Hall
Poblacion 1, Marilao, Bulacan

Dear Pat Mariano:

 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide
All middle initials and name suffixes (JR., SR.)
shall be dotted EXCEPT for that of POLICE and
MILITARY personnel. Example:

Senator RONALD M. DELA ROSA

PGEN RONALD M DELA ROSA (Ret)

 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

PNP, BJMP, and BFP Ranks (PEMS, PLTCOL,

PGEN, FDIR, JCSUPT) shall not be dotted.
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide
For the sake of brevity, “MR.” and “MS.” should be used only in
SALUTATION and NOT in the addressee line.
MELINDA A. LONGABILA (bold, dotted middle initial)
Principal II
Dolores Academy School System
Karuhatan, Valenzuela City

Dear Ms. Longabila:

 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

Avoid “Greetings!” and “Peace on Earth” to start

an official letter. The first paragraph should be
what the letter is about.
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

Similarly, avoid “Good bless!” and “Thank you

very much!” to end an official letter.
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide
OTHER STYLE ISSUES

Spell out first the acronym which will be subsequently used in the
succeeding paragraphs.

Example:
PNP Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 123
This MC sets forth the guidelines and procedures to be undertaken
by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The PNP …
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide
OTHER STYLE ISSUES

Do NOT use the article the with acronyms that are

pronounceable

Example:
NAPOLCOM, PAG-ASA, PAG-IBIG,
MERALCO
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide
OTHER STYLE ISSUES
Use the for acronyms that are pronounced by the
letter

Example: PNP, DSWD, DILG

SENTENCE USAGE: Per NAPOLCOM, the PNP

is doing a great job.
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

OTHER STYLE ISSUES

Use an for MOA (em-oh-ay) and MOU read as

pronounced
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

OTHER STYLE ISSUES

DATE format: January 15, 2021

 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

OTHER STYLE ISSUES

TIME format: 1:00 AM/PM and 12:00 NN/MN

 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

OTHER STYLE ISSUES

Alfonso B. Henares NOT

Alfonso Henares y Baldoz
(except for investigation and legal usage)
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide
OTHER STYLE ISSUES

When slant is used, no space before and after the

words office/unit
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

OTHER STYLE ISSUES

Avoid using bold font in combination with italics,

“quotation marks,” and UPPERCASE LETTERS
to emphasize a word, phrase or sentence. Choose
one style and be consistent.
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide
OTHER STYLE ISSUES
PUNCTUATION PLACEMENT IN HOW IT SHOULD
MARK RELATION TO THE APPEAR
CLOSING
QUOTATION
Period Inside “Thank you, sir.”

Comma Inside “Thank you,” said Pik.

Semi-colon Outside “To Dream”; “To Deny”;

and “Thank You” are
good books.
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide
OTHER STYLE ISSUES
PUNCTUATION PLACEMENT IN HOW IT SHOULD
MARK RELATION TO THE APPEAR
CLOSING
QUOTATION
Colon Outside “They said”: “Go ahead.”
Question Mark or Inside • She said, “Thank you!”
Exclamation Point (as • She said, “Are you
part of quoted material) thankful?”

Question Mark or Outside • He was the boy who

Exclamation Point (not cried “Wolf”!
part of quoted material) • Was he not the same
boy who cried “Wolf”?
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide
OTHER STYLE ISSUES
Pagination
All documents (CMCs, MOAs, MOUs, MCs, etc.) that have more
than two pages must have page numbers, except letters and
memoranda. For uniformity, pagination must be at the lower right
corner of the page following the herein format:
Page 1 of 2
Page 2 of 2
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

Additional Styles

Once the “please be informed” phrase is used in

the previous paragraph, the “for information”
phrase should no longer be used.
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide

Additional Styles

If you use acronyms in a word only if it will be

used again in the succeeding paragraphs
otherwise, do not abbreviate.
 PNPMC 2019-013

Style Guide
Additional Styles

When referring to numbers 1 to 10, write in

words. When referring to numbers 11 or more,
write the numerical figures.
Format
 PNPMC 2019-013

Format

1. Reference: Memorandum from the CPNP dated July 16,

2019 with above subject.

OR

1. References:
a. Memorandum from the CPNP dated July 16, 2019
with above subject; and

b. Conference Notice dated July 16, 2019.

 PNPMC 2019-013

Format
Numbering
1. References:

2. This pertains to…

a. xxx
1) yyy
a) zzz
(1) xxx
(a) xxx
(a.1) xxx
(a.1.a) xxx
Grammar
 GRAMMAR

Prepositions

on – for days, specific dates, and occasions

(on Monday, on Christmas, on September 29, 1983)
 
– to talk about the surface
(Her bag is on the table.) – meaning on top of the table
 
in – for weeks, months, years, parts of the day (except at night), and

seasons
(in January, in 1998, in week 6, in the morning, in summer)

– to talk about the place or point/space itself

(The suspect was arrested in Barangay Lipunan, Quezon City.)
 GRAMMAR

Prepositions

at – to indicate a specific address or place

(I live at No. 10 Escalante St., Malate, Manila.)
 GRAMMAR

Also,  
• He was detailed TO/assigned TO the PPSC.
• It resulted IN
• The OPR in the implementation
• They proceeded TO
• In compliance WITH
• In accordance WITH
• conform WITH
• In support OF
• responsible for
 GRAMMAR

• on behalf (representative of)

“On behalf of the PNP, I thank you all for attending this meeting.”
• in behalf (for the benefit of)
“We are raising funds in behalf of the typhoon victims.”
• guidelines for
• procedures for
• taken care of
• with regard
• presided over
“The meeting was presided over by CPNP.”
 GRAMMAR

• Use comma before AND when enumerating three or more items for
clarity:
Examples:
I would like to thank my parents, Joy and God. WRONG
I would like to thank my parents, Joy, and God. CORRECT
 
• Use semi-colon ONLY when necessary and NOT as a substitute for
commas:
Example:
The following suspects were arrested: Juan dela Cruz; Pedro
Penduko; Juan Tamad; and Islaw Kalabaw. WRONG
The following suspects were arrested: Juan dela Cruz, Pedro
Penduko, Juan Tamad, and Islaw Kalabaw. CORRECT
 GRAMMAR

• Do not use periods for abbreviated units of measurement.

Also, use lowercase letters and do not add an “s” to make the unit
plural.

Exception: pounds (lbs):

g (grams) m (meters) w (watts) in (inches)
kg (kilograms)km (kilometers) kw (kilowatts) oz (ounces)
 
 GRAMMAR

• Others
 caliber .45 pistol/ammunition (dotted without “mm”) OR
caliber 45mm pistol/ammunition (not dotted with “mm”)
 9mm pistol/ammunition
 No comma after e.g. and i.e.
 et al. (no period after et, with period after al)
 Use of apostrophes after an acronym is discouraged (rules
of the PNP NOT PNP’s rules, instructions of the SILG
NOT SILG’s instructions)
Hyphenation

• Hyphenate all compound numbers from twenty-

one through ninety-nine.
Example:
The teacher had thirty-two children in her classroom.
Only twenty-one of the children were bilingual.
 
• Hyphenate all spelled-out fractions.
Example:
You need one-third of a cup of sugar for that recipe.
Other Phrases
• 2-year limit NOT two (2) year limit
• at large (not hyphenated)
• cause-oriented group
• crime-free community
• crime-prone areas
• data-gathering procedure
• drug-related cases
• kidnap-for-ransom
 
Other Phrases

• land-based operations
• police-community relations
• police-to-population ratio
• quick-impact projects
• riding-in-tandem criminals
• state-of-the-art equipment (Also, the equipment is state-of-the-
art)
• third-level position
Uppercase/Lowercase
• Bicol region
Ilocos region
 
• Four Thousand Pesos (preferred) or
four thousand pesos (but consistent within a text and NOT ALL
CAPS)
 
• The government of the Philippines but
The Philippine Government
 
• law enforcement agency
local government units
Abbreviations
• No./no. = number; NOT Nr./nr.
• caliber NOT cal.
• a.k.a. NOT alias or other pseudonym
Vocabulary
• Barangay and Brgy. are allowed; but should BE
CONSISTENT within a text, although the full word is
preferred.
• Counterterrorism
• CPNP (no comma)
• database (one word)
• every day (each day); everyday (ordinary)
• Hong Kong (two words)
• member country (not hyphenated)
Vocabulary
• onboard
• ongoing NOT on-going
• turn over NOT turn-over
• in front NOT infront
• in charge NOT incharge
• aforementioned/aforesaid/foregoing NOT abovementioned 
• “AM/NN/PM/MN” (preferred)
Vocabulary
• Ph.D. (no space)
• proactive (not hyphenated)
• request letter (not “letter request”) BUT “letter of request” is
acceptable
• Vice Chairman, Vice President (not hyphenated)
• shootout NOT shoot-out
• NUP NOT NUPs (refers to personnel-mass noun)
Collective nouns and mass nouns DO NOT have a plural
form:
• Ammunition
• Baggage
• equipment
• furniture
• infrastructure (pluralized in special cases)
• jewelry
• Luggage
• Training
• Armament
Other Style Issues
• Use “to wit” in legal forms only.
• Use practise when used as a verb, practice when used as a noun.
Similar with advise – verb and advice – noun.
 
Other Concerns
 Other a. Use concise and direct to the point approach in
Concerns your write-ups. Avoid compressing all different
thoughts or ideas in one paragraph;

b. Use of verb tenses particularly is/are, was/were –

if the activity was done already, always use the
past tense of the verb.
Ex. The highlights of the meeting were as
follows:
 Other c. Use transitional devices to carry a thought from
Concerns one sentence to another, from one idea to another, or
from one paragraph to another.

ex. Transition words showing effect/consequence/

result:

thus
accordingly
therefore
 Other d. Enumerate instructions/steps/guidelines if the
Concerns latter consists of two or more instructions.

ex. All PNP personnel are directed to update their

respective personal information through the
following steps:
a) Log-in to …;

b) Click …; and

c) Click save.
 Other e. If in doubt with the words used, check dictionary,
Concerns google it;
f. Always refer to the PNP MC 2019-013;
g. Read your write-ups, if it does not sound good,
rephrase it;
h. If unsure of spellings of names of the Command
Group, check the PNP website; and
i. Routinary communications should be done in
perfection already.
ex. Retirement Honors
MOA signing
Thank You
and
Good Day