Question & AnswerQ&A (NPC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2002-003, APRIL 12, 2002)
Section 51 of Republic Act No. 6975, as amended by Section 64 of Republic Act No. 8551, provides that elected provincial governors are automatically deputized as representatives of the National Police Commission.
Provincial governors exercise general supervision over police units within their provincial jurisdiction to ensure they perform their duties properly according to laws, rules, and regulations, effectively maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety.
The provincial governor chooses the PNP provincial director from a list of three eligible candidates recommended by the PNP Regional Director, after consulting with the Napolcom Regional Director regarding the candidates' credentials, reputation, and suitability.
The provincial governor serves as the Chairperson of the PPOC and oversees the implementation of the Provincial Public Safety Plan, coordinates the provincial campaign against illegal drugs and gambling, and takes supervisory actions to maintain peace and order.
Provincial governors may conduct inspections and audits of police personnel, performance, and facilities to assess operational preparedness and effectiveness, and they can issue guidance or take administrative/criminal actions against erring personnel.
Provincial governors can issue directives to conduct police operations to stop illegal activities, call the Police Provincial Director to direct chiefs of police, require assistance from the Police Provincial Director, and take administrative or criminal action against police personnel if necessary.
The PNP provincial director must formulate operational plans based on the governor’s directives, coordinate with chiefs of police, undertake campaigns against illegal activities, assist the PPOC in planning and reporting, conduct internal audits, and impose administrative sanctions for minor internal offenses.
According to Section 41 (b-2) of RA 6975, enforced by Napolcom Memorandum Circular No. 96-010, punishments include admonition or reprimand, restrictive custody, withholding of privileges, forfeiture of salary, suspension up to 30 days, or any combination thereof.
The provincial governor ensures that deputized mayors exercise general supervision and control over PNP units within their jurisdictions according to the standards and guidelines prescribed by the National Police Commission.
No, highly independent urbanized cities and independent component cities are independent of the province and thus not subject to the provincial governor's supervision as outlined in this circular.