Police Officer’s Face Smeared with Soot During Festival, Netizen Speaks Out
A netizen became upset after some devotees reportedly made fun of a police officer by putting soot on his face.
Recently, Vivian Tamayo, a Facebook user, shared a photo of a police officer whose face was smeared with soot by people taking part in the Sinulog festival. The post quickly went viral and drew various reactions from netizens.
According to Tamayo, some devotees who joined the celebration approached the officer and applied the soot without his consent.
Many netizens felt upset and said the act crossed a line. They pointed out that while festivals are meant to be fun and full of energy, they should never be an excuse to disrespect others.
Several people stressed that police officers assigned during large events are there to keep everyone safe and ensure the celebration remains peaceful.
Others explained that touching or bothering an officer while he is performing his duties is not a harmless joke. Acts like smearing dirt or soot on an officer’s face can be seen as interfering with official work.
Even if there was no intent to harm, it still shows a lack of respect for authority and order.
Some netizens also reminded the public that a police uniform is not a costume and should never be treated as part of entertainment. Officers on duty are not participants in the celebration but workers tasked with maintaining safety in crowded and sometimes unpredictable situations.
In another post, a kind police officer drives drunk tricycle driver home instead of issuing him ticket
Here is the full post:
“To the civilian who did this: Sinulog is not a license to cross the line. A police officer on duty is NOT part of your entertainment. Touching an officer, putting dirt or soot on his face, or interfering with him while he is performing official duties even “just for fun” like what you do with others, crosses the line. It is disrespectful and unacceptable.
For your information, acts like this may still be considered a violation of the law when you interfere with an officer performing official duties. A badge is not a costume. A uniform is not an invitation. Celebrate responsibly, but know your limits. Respect authority, or face the consequences.”
The social media users expressed their reactions to the post:
