QuestionsQuestions (PNP-IAS)
IAS was created under Title V, Section 39 of Republic Act (RA) No. 8551 (approved on 25 February 1998). Its immediate organization and operationalization were provided by Executive Order (EO) No. 101 issued on 7 May 1999.
IAS is accorded the status of an independent, impartial, and objective investigative and adjudicatory agency within the PNP. Mission: to secure a well-disciplined, effective, efficient, and service-oriented Philippine National Police. Vision: to be a truly independent and impartial body to sustain PNP professionalism by instilling police discipline, enhancing police service delivery, and dispensing justice.
IAS may proactively conduct: (1) annual general inspection/operational readiness/security inspection test and evaluation (AGI/ORSITE) and other special inspections to assess readiness, character/behavior, and discipline; (2) management audits to assess adequacy/effectiveness of assigned resources; (3) identify obstacles hindering mission accomplishment; (4) establish liaison with NGOs/stakeholders to improve police-community relations (without IAS logo/insignia/uniform/IDs unless approved by the Inspector General); and (5) render periodic reports on inspection/audit results.
IAS evaluates evidence to determine probable cause via a Pre-Charge Evaluation Report (PCER), may recommend dropping/closing for lack of probable cause or indorse formal charges for hearing; undertakes prosecution of administrative cases involving PNP members before the IAS; assists in filing criminal complaints as warranted; maintains accurate dockets/records of personnel subject to complaint; establishes Women and Children Desk for VAWC-related complaints; appeals in administrative cases adverse to the government; and submits required reports.
IAS conducts and adjudicates administrative cases of PNP members; reviews cases referred on first instance or appeal; investigates/reviews applications for benefits under PD 448 filed by IAS members; conducts legal research/legal opinions; conducts periodic jurisprudence research and institutionalizes IAS jurisprudence as law of the case; prepares accomplishment reports for submissions to PNP and NAPOLCOM; and coordinates with PNP Legal Service/assists OSG on petitions for certiorari, prohibition, etc., and reports case status/progress.
IAS must conduct motu proprio/automatic investigation of: (1) incidents where a police personnel discharges a firearm; (2) incidents where death, serious physical injuries, or human rights violations occur during police operations; (3) incidents where evidence was compromised, tampered with, obliterated, or lost while in police custody; (4) incidents where a suspect in police custody was seriously injured; and (5) incidents where the established rules of engagement were violated.
IAS is headed by the Inspector General (a civilian appointed by the President) assisted by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) with the rank of Police Director. If the IG is absent due to temporary or permanent incapacity or death, the DIG acts as Officer-In-Charge (OIC).
NIAS includes: Office of the Inspector General (OIG); Office of the Deputy Inspector General (ODIG); Administrative and Financial Management Division (AFMD); Planning and Research Division (PRD); Inspection and Audit Division (IAD); Prosecution Division (PD); Legal Affairs Division (LAD); and Investigation and Intelligence Division (IID).
IAS has jurisdiction to take cognizance of citizen’s complaints, concurrent with the PLEB and other disciplinary authorities, filed by any judicial or natural person.
The pre-charge evaluation determines the existence of probable cause. If probable cause exists, a formal hearing is conducted under RA 6975 (as amended) and applicable NAPOLCOM memoranda and related issuances.
Decisions rendered by provincial inspectors are forwarded to the area internal affairs office for review within ten (10) days upon receipt. Area office decisions may be appealed to the national office through the Office of the Inspector General. Decisions rendered by the National IAS may be appealed to the National Appellate Board or the court as appropriate. Summary dismissal powers of the Director General and Regional Directors under Section 42 of RA 6975 remain valid, and existing jurisdiction over offenses under RA 6975 is not affected.
Complaints against IAS personnel must be brought either to the Office of the Inspector General or to the National Police Commission. A Personnel Relations and Grievances Committee is activated to validate and investigate, with results/recommendations forwarded to the IG for appropriate disciplinary action.
RIAS is responsible for maintaining and updating records of PNP members within its jurisdiction. IAS establishes a Local/Wide Area Network and computerization system via Police Profile Management System (PPMS) to monitor/update personal data and counter-check PNP DPRM’s existing Personnel Accounting and Information System (PAIS). When a PNP member transfers out of jurisdiction, original records are transferred to the acquiring IA office, while copies remain with the former IA office; if relieved without assignment, the last IA office retains custody until a new assignment is given.
The immediate superior and supervisor of the personnel or unit being investigated by IAS shall be automatically included on the investigation to determine lapses in administration or supervision (Sec. 48, RA 8551).
Any uniformed PNP member found guilty of incidents mentioned in Sec. 41 of RA 8551 and any immediate superior/supervisor found negligent under Sec. 50 of RA 8551 are recommended automatically for dismissal or demotion, as evidence warrants, under the doctrine of command responsibility.
IAS personnel who join IAS may not thereafter join any other unit of the PNP. Also, IAS personnel are not allowed to sit in any committee deliberating on the appointments, promotion, or assignment of any PNP personnel.
Appointments, assignments, reassignment, and transfer are made by the Inspector General based on an approved career pattern/criteria and subject to Civil Service rules and regulations. The Inspector General issues promotional appointments. Promotions from SPO1 to Police Superintendent are submitted to NAPOLCOM for confirmation and attestation by the CSC. For promotions to Police Senior Superintendent to Police Director, the IG forwards recommended lists and folders to NAPOLCOM for review prior to endorsement to the Office of the President.