Establishment of Special Municipal District for Turtle Islands
- Islands north and east of a specific boundary line fixed by a 1942 convention between the United States and the United Kingdom constitute the Turtle Islands.
- Named Turtle Islands include Sibaung, Boaan, Lihiman, Langaan, Great Bakkungan, Taganak, and Baguan.
- These islands are formed into a special municipal district under the jurisdiction of the Province of Sulu.
Creation and Appointment of District Officer
- A district officer position is created to provide temporary local government.
- The district officer receives compensation of P1,200 per annum.
- The district officer administers the Turtle Islands under supervision and control of the Provincial Governor of Sulu.
- Appointment of the district officer is by the Provincial Governor, subject to approval by the Secretary of the Interior.
Powers and Duties of the District Officer
- Serves as chief administrative officer of the islands.
- Acts as justice of the peace ex-officio with equivalent powers and duties.
- Functions as deputy to various officials: Collector of Customs, Commissioner of Immigration, Director of Fisheries.
- Acts as Health Officer, with subject matter supervision by the respective Department Heads.
Establishment of Private Store at Taganak
- The Provincial Governor of Sulu is tasked to negotiate the establishment of a store at Taganak.
- The store is to be financed by private capital.
- Purpose is to sell and distribute supplies to island inhabitants.
- The store's operation is supervised by the Provincial Governor or the district officer.
Creation and Appointment of Police Force
- A chief of police position is created, compensated at P600 per annum.
- Two policemen positions are created, each compensated at P360 per annum.
- Appointments made by the district officer, approved by the Provincial Governor of Sulu.
- The chief of police also acts as deputy provincial treasurer for tax collection.
- The Provincial Governor can detail police members from other municipalities for service in the islands temporarily.
Management and Use of Revenues
- All revenues collected in the Turtle Islands form a special fund.
- The chief of police turns over these revenues to the Provincial Treasurer of Sulu.
- The special fund is used exclusively for the administration of the Turtle Islands.
Clerical Support and Additional Positions
- The district officer, with approval from the Provincial Governor, shall provide clerical assistance.
- The Secretary of the Interior may authorize creation of additional offices or positions as needed.
Incorporation of Mangsee Islands into Province of Palawan
- The Mangsee Islands, also north and east of the boundary line, are included in the municipal district of Balabac, Province of Palawan.
Effectivity of the Order
- The Order takes effect upon the formal transfer of the Turtle and Mangsee Islands to the Philippines.
- Signed by President Manuel Roxas on October 13, 1947, confirming Philippine sovereignty and administration over the islands.