Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 216)
Under Section 12 of RA 6975 as implemented by EO No. 216, the DILG-PNP shall assume primary responsibility on matters affecting internal security, including the suppression of insurgency.
The DILG-PNP assumed the primary role effective January 1, 1995.
The DND-AFP plays a support role in internal security operations, assisting the DILG-PNP, except in specified areas where the AFP may assume the primary role.
The AFP may be called upon to assume the primary role upon the recommendation of the National Peace and Order Council and approval by the President, depending on the internal security condition in a particular area.
The AFP assumes the primary role in: all provinces in Mindanao; the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi; all provinces in Panay; all provinces in Samar; the Cordillera Administrative Region; and Southern Quezon and all provinces of the Bicol Region.
The 'primary role' means providing the principal planning, direction, control, and resources for internal security operations, including the suppression of insurgency.
The 'support role' means assisting the lead agency with adequate personnel and material resources for internal security operations, including suppression of insurgency.
A Joint AFP-PNP Secretariat shall be established to monitor internal security operations, determine internal security condition levels, prepare integrated plans, facilitate inter-agency coordination, and report to the President.
General law enforcement functions nationwide shall continue to be primarily the concern of the DILG-PNP regardless of the internal security role assignments.
The DND and the DILG shall jointly prepare the implementing guidelines for approval by the President.