Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 765)
The Integrated National Police (INP) is a police organization established by Presidential Decree No. 765 composed of the Philippine Constabulary as the nucleus and the integrated municipal/city police, fire departments, and jails as components, operating under the Department of National Defense.
The Integrated National Police is responsible for public safety, protection of lives and properties, enforcement of laws, maintenance of peace and order within the Philippines. It has powers to prevent crimes, arrest offenders, investigate crimes, control fires, provide detention and rehabilitation, and ensure public safety.
The head of the Integrated National Police is the Director-General, who is the Chief of Constabulary. The Director-General commands all elements of the INP and may issue instructions regarding personnel, funds, records, property, and other matters necessary to carry out the decree's provisions.
The Integrated National Police functions directly under the Department of National Defense.
Regular members of the Integrated National Police are employees of the National Government. Policemen, jail guards, and firemen of the INP are exempt from the Wage and Position Classification Office rules under Section 9 of the Civil Service Act but are included in the career service category of the Civil Service.
The Integrated National Police is subject to the command and general supervision of the President of the Philippines as part of maintaining peace, law, order, and public safety.
Any person who obstructs or interferes with the implementation of this decree or related rules shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than three years and not more than six years and/or a fine of five thousand to ten thousand pesos. If the offender is a public officer or employee, they may also be disqualified from holding public office or employment for life.
The National Police Commission is transferred to the Department of National Defense and retains powers related to training policemen, establishing integrated communication systems, police salary subsidies, and adjudication of claims. It also supervises administrative disciplinary cases, disability and death benefits, and staff inspections extending to police, fire, and jail components.
Inconsistent provisions from prior laws, such as Republic Act No. 4864 (Police Act of 1966) and earlier presidential decrees related to police integration, as well as relevant city charters and administrative codes, are repealed or modified accordingly to conform to this decree.