QuestionsQuestions (PPA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 03-95)
PD 765 establishes the Integrated National Police (INP), composed of the Philippine Constabulary as the nucleus and the integrated police forces created under PD Nos. 421, 482, 531, 585, and 641, as components, under the Department of National Defense.
The INP is responsible for public safety, protection of lives and properties, enforcement of laws, and maintenance of peace and order. It may prevent crimes, effect arrest of offenders and provide for detention and rehabilitation; take measures to prevent and control fires; investigate crimes and bring offenders to justice; and take necessary steps to insure public safety.
The head is the Director-General, who is the Chief of Constabulary. The Chief of Constabulary has command of all elements of the Philippine Constabulary within the INP framework.
He may issue detailed instructions regarding personnel, funds, records, property, correspondence, and other matters necessary to carry out PD 765, and he is assisted by deputy chiefs, the general staff, and special, administrative, and technical staffs.
The Chief of Constabulary prescribes, subject to approval of the Secretary of National Defense, the table of organization and equipment, ranks/position titles, and the functions, duties, and powers of various units. The different Philippine Constabulary headquarters (national, zone/regional, provincial) serve as the nuclei of corresponding INP headquarters.
Appropriate offices at different headquarters levels may be jointly staffed by Constabulary, police, jail, and fire service officers and personnel to effectively discharge integrated police and public safety services.
The Philippine Constabulary remains and continues to be a major service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, in addition to its current law-enforcement functions as the principal component of the INP.
Regular members of the INP are employees of the National Government.
They are exempt from the operation of the Wage and Position Classification Office and its rules under Section 9 of RA 2260, as amended. They are, however, included in the career service category.
The INP is subject to the command and general supervision of the President of the Philippines, and it functions directly under the Department of National Defense.
It is transferred to the Department of National Defense, with the Secretary of National Defense concurrently acting as Chairman of the Commission. The transfer does not diminish the present salary of Commission officials and personnel except as provided by law.
The power of administrative supervision and control by city and municipal governments (despite transition periods) is transferred to and exercised by the Chief of Constabulary as Director-General.
Functions relating to training of policemen, establishment of the integrated police communication system, grant of police salary subsidy, and adjudication and grant of compensation for temporary disability benefits are transferred to the INP, including appropriate personnel, records, equipment, and resources.
Powers and functions of the National Police Commission not otherwise transferred to the INP by PD 765 remain with and continue to be exercised by the Commission.
PD 765 provides that present powers and functions of the National Police Commission relating to attestation of appointments, examination, investigation, adjudication and review of police administrative disciplinary cases, and adjudication and grant of compensation for permanent disability and death benefits, staff inspection and audit, extend to firemen and jail guards.
The Chief of Constabulary or a subordinate officer he authorizes may issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum in connection with the investigation of cases cognizable by the INP.
Any person who obstructs or interferes with the implementation of PD 765 or its implementing rules may be imprisoned for not less than three years nor more than six years and/or fined not less than PHP 5,000 nor more than PHP 10,000 at the court’s discretion. If the offender is a public officer or employee, he may be disqualified from holding public office or employment for life.