Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 286)
The main purpose of Act No. 286 is to reorganize the Police Department of the City of Manila, detailing its structure, roles, and salaries of its officers and men.
The Police Department of Manila is composed of various officers and men including a Chief of Police, assistant chiefs, inspectors, surgeons, clerks, captains, lieutenants, sergeants, roundsmen, patrolmen, a Secret Service force, and a river and harbor force.
The Chief of Police is paid $3,500 per annum; the assistant chief of police and inspector are paid $2,500 per annum; and the assistant inspector is paid $2,000 per annum.
The Chief of Police's duties are prescribed in section thirty-five of the Charter of Manila and include overseeing the entire Police Department.
The assistant chief of police acts as Chief in the Chief's absence or inability and looks after police discipline under the Chief's direction, performing other assigned duties.
The Secret Service force is a division created as part of the Police Department responsible for detective work, led by a Chief of Secret Service and composed of several detectives of varying ranks and salaries.
The river and harbor police are tasked to enforce laws and orders related to the policing of the Pasig River and Manila Bay, arrest violators, and perform duties assigned by the Chief of Police, Collector of Customs, Captain of the Port, and the Board of Health.
They are divided into three classes based on English language proficiency: first class (thorough knowledge), second class (sufficient knowledge), and third class (non-English speakers but Spanish proficient).
A second-class sergeant, roundsman, or patrolman is paid 25% more than a third-class member. Salaries vary by class, with first-class members receiving the highest pay.
They provide medical and surgical attention to the officers and men of the Police Department and perform other professional work as requested by the Chief of Police or prescribed by law or ordinance.
Each officer and member of the police force is required to pay for their own uniform, which will be supplied by the Police Department.
Section thirty-six of the Charter of Manila is repealed insofar as it conflicts with the provisions of this Act.
The Act took effect upon its passage on October 31, 1901.