Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 12-W)
The Division of Civil Affairs, Philippine Army, within the Department of National Defense.
The Division of Civil Affairs is attached to and under the direct command of the Commander-in-Chief, Southwest Pacific Area.
(a) To effect necessary liaison between the president of the Philippines, the commander-in-chief of the southwest Pacific Area, and the Filipino people during military operations and before normal civil government is re-established; (b) to execute relief plans for the Filipino people immediately upon the landing of US military forces.
The Secretary of National Defense has administrative supervision over the Division of Civil Affairs.
The Secretary of National Defense must organize the Division for proper performance of its functions, secure necessary personnel, make provisions for their training, and manage funds appropriated for the Division’s expenses, subject to the President's approval.
Funds appropriated for the Department of National Defense, including any unexpended balances or future appropriations, shall be available for the expenses of the Division of Civil Affairs.
The creation was in response to the misery, sacrifices, and starvation caused by the enemy occupation of the Philippines during World War II, requiring a government and military response to provide relief and prepare for re-establishment of civil government.
It was signed at the City of Saranac Lake, State of New York, United States of America, on June 27, 1944.