Law Summary
Definitions
- Large cattle: cow, carabao, horse, mule, ass, or bovine domesticated animals
- Owner/raiser: herdsman, caretaker, employee, tenant, or lawful possessor
- Cattle rustling: taking, killing, or removing meat/hide without consent, with/without violence or intimidation
Registration Requirement
- Owners/raisers must register large cattle before they reach six months of age
- Registration conducted at city or municipal treasurer's office
- Collection of registration fees is authorized
Duties of Public Officials
- Public officials and employees handling registration must comply with Revised Administrative Code provisions, unless inconsistent with this Decree
Permit for Buying and Selling Large Cattle
- Permits required from Provincial Commander and city/municipal treasurer before engaging in cattle buying/selling business
- Permit validity limited to the issuing province
Clearance for Shipment
- Permits required for transporting large cattle, hides, or meat between provinces
- Documents needed: certificate of ownership, veterinary certification for disease-free status, and other necessary records
- Shipment within the same province requires a permit from city/municipal treasurer of origin
Presumption of Cattle Rustling
- Possessors of large cattle must exhibit prescribed documents upon demand
- Failure to present documents constitutes prima facie evidence of cattle rustling
Penal Provisions
- Penalties vary by circumstances:
- Without violence/intimidation: prision mayor (max) to reclusion temporal (medium)
- With violence/intimidation: reclusion temporal (max) to reclusion perpetua
- Serious injury/death: reclusion perpetua to death
- Additional penalties for government officials: disqualification from public office and voting rights
- Aliens convicted shall be deported after serving sentence
Rule-making Authority
- Chief of Constabulary to promulgate implementing rules and regulations
Repealing Clause
- Repeals inconsistent provisions of the Revised Penal Code, Revised Administrative Code, and other conflicting laws or orders
Effectivity
- Decree takes effect immediately upon approval