Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 175)
The primary purpose of the Insular Constabulary is to better maintain peace, law, and order in the various provinces of the Philippine Islands.
The Civil Governor has the general supervision over the Insular Constabulary.
The Insular Constabulary in each province shall consist of not less than fifteen privates, one sergeant, and one corporal, and not more than one hundred and fifty privates, four sergeants, and eight corporals.
The Chief of the Insular Constabulary is appointed by the Civil Governor with the consent of the Commission. His duties include having general charge and control of the Constabulary, preventing and suppressing brigandage, insurrection, unlawful assemblies, maintaining peace and law, appointing provincial inspectors, and making rules for examination and promotion.
Provincial inspectors must be citizens of the United States or of the Philippine Islands, or have the rights of natives under the Treaty of Paris.
The Chief of the Insular Constabulary is paid an annual salary of four thousand dollars. Each Assistant Chief is paid an annual salary of two thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars.
Provincial inspectors command the Insular Constabulary in their provinces, and they may suspend and, after hearing, dismiss any member of the force for inefficiency, misconduct, or disloyalty, subject to the approval of the Assistant Insular Chief.
Members of the Insular Constabulary are peace officers empowered to prevent and suppress brigandage, unlawful assemblies, riots, and other breaches of the peace. They can make arrests without warrant upon reasonable suspicion and are required to execute lawful warrants of arrest.
Such an officer or member is guilty of a crime and shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one year and not more than ten years.
No. Members must not interfere with elections or solicit votes, nor be candidates themselves. Violation is grounds for removal and penalties include fines up to one hundred dollars or imprisonment up to six months, or both.
The payment of the Insular Constabulary is assumed by the Insular Government.
The provincial governor must immediately report any official oppression, extortion, or violation of duty by provincial inspectors or members of the Constabulary to the Civil Governor.
The Insular Chief prescribes suitable arms, uniforms, and equipment and reports costs to the Commission. The Insular Purchasing Agent purchases guns, revolvers, and ammunition on the order of the Chief and distributes them to provinces and municipalities.
When lawlessness occurs, the Insular Chief or Assistant Insular Chief may unite the Constabulary of two or more provinces under one command temporarily to address the immediate exigency.
They must take an oath affirming allegiance to the United States, obedience to its laws, and faithful discharge of their duties, either swearing or affirming before a judge, justice of the peace, or notary public.