Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 482)
The main objective of Presidential Decree No. 482 is to integrate city/municipal police and fire departments and jails in certain provinces into unified law enforcement units to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of police services by eliminating jurisdictional conflicts and improving coordination.
The provinces affected by the integration are Bulacan (except the Municipality of Valenzuela), Pampanga (including Angeles City), Nueva Ecija (including Cabanatuan, Palayan, and San Jose Cities), Laguna (including San Pablo City), Cebu (including Cebu, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, and Toledo Cities), and Misamis Oriental (including Cagayan de Oro and Gingoog Cities).
The heads of the Integrated Police Forces are designated by the Chief of Constabulary from among the officers of the Philippine Constabulary.
These Integrated Police Forces have jurisdiction over their respective provinces and constituent cities/municipalities to ensure public safety, enforce laws, maintain peace and order, prevent crimes, make arrests, investigate crimes, and bring offenders to justice.
The Integrated Police Forces are civilian components integrated into the organizational and operational structure of the Philippine Constabulary but they are not part of the Philippine Constabulary as a military organization except when directed by the President during emergencies.
The Philippine Constabulary exercises operational control, direction, and supervision over the Integrated Police Forces, including tactical and strategic movements, training, and utilization of resources within their jurisdictions.
Prior to the transfer, administrative control over personnel matters such as appointment, promotion, suspension, salary, and benefits remains with the offices, agencies, and officials vested with such powers under existing laws, but actions must be recommended by the Head of the Integrated Police Force.
The transfer of administrative control and supervision to the Philippine Constabulary shall take place after one year but not later than two years from the effectivity of the Decree.
Each city and municipality must allocate at least eighteen percent (18%) of its annual gross income for the maintenance of the Integrated Police Force to which their police and fire departments and jails have been integrated.
Persons who obstruct or interfere with the implementation of the Decree or related rules shall face imprisonment of not less than three (3) years nor more than six (6) years and/or a fine of not less than P5,000 nor more than P10,000. Public officers or employees face additional lifetime disqualification from holding public office or employment.
No, the Decree mandates that it shall be implemented in such a manner that will not result in the reduction of salary among the personnel of the Integrated Police Forces except for cause provided by law.
In case of conflict between administrative control and operational control, the operational control, direction, and supervision exercised by the Philippine Constabulary shall prevail.
Provisions of Republic Act No. 4864 (the Police Act of 1966) as amended by several Presidential Decrees, provisions of City Charters of specific cities, and all inconsistent laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations are repealed or modified accordingly.