Phil. Army or Constabulary?

[VeeVee]

This looks like a funeral of an officer... Are the uniformed men Philippine Army or are they constabulary? Maybe both?

The PA looking men on the left carry 1903 Springfields (I think). They also wear what look like OD cartridge belts.

[legionnaire]

Were the hell did you find this very interesting photoo? I too suspect the men on the left are Army while the others Philippine Keystone cops! ;D

If you closely look the cops have some sort of badge on their left chest. Usually Police have metal badges on them.

It dosen't say who the funeral was for?

Philip

[VeeVee]

The ones on the LEFT look like Philippine army, the ones on the right are cops.

I find them online in the world's biggest garage sale... ebay. ;D

[RayAdillO]

Extremely interesting photo Vee Vee.

Regarding the guys on the left:

1) The guinit hat actually originated with the PC (just like the PMA which used to be PCA).

2)They are wearing putees, the hallmark of a PC soldier. PS and PA use canvas leggings. PC were issued leggings only by the late 30s and early 40s.

3) There is only an American flag draped on the coffin. The family mourning is 100% local, meaning the deceased isn't likely an American but rather a Filipino. The photo is more probabaly pre-1935, otherwise there would properly be a Filipino flag as well. This also means they cannot be PA. Consequently, there could be no P-17 Enfield rifles issued prior to the formation of the PA and the rushed military build-up of the late 30s and early 40s.

4) the "cops" wear a fashion of sunhelmet and uniform which will put the date of this photo somewhere around the late 1920s or early 1930s.

[VeeVee]

Wow... excellent photographic analysis. I learned a lot of new tidbits. Thank you!

[pedroscollection]

If this is before 1935, I believe this is a PC since Pres. Quezon worked out to re-institute the PA in 1935 after the US disbanded it when they conquered the Philippines during the Phil-Am War.