Composition and Administration
- Officers and enlisted men of the PC are detailed from the Philippine Army with Presidential approval.
- The PC is organized and controlled independently of the Army, to be separately supported and administered from January 1, 1939.
- For administrative purposes, the PC is deemed a bureau of government.
- The Chief of Constabulary holds bureau chief powers.
- Army laws on discipline, conduct, and responsibilities apply to PC members as appropriate.
Uniform and Identification
- PC uniform differs from the Army’s: PC uses red shoulder straps and piping, while the Army uses blue.
Authority and Responsibilities of the Chief of Constabulary
- Directly responsible to the President for execution of police duties and functions.
- Prescribes and issues PC regulations subject to Presidential approval.
- Administers laws and regulations affecting PC personnel, except those regarding military personnel procurement and officer promotions.
- Transmits reports to the Army Adjutant General for personnel record maintenance.
- Participates in eligibility and efficiency boards alongside the Army.
Administrative Divisions
- The Philippines is divided into Constabulary Departments by principal islands or groups.
- Each department is commanded by a Department Inspector (Senior Constabulary Officer).
- Provincial Constabulary elements are commanded by Provincial Inspectors who report to Department Inspectors but communicate directly with the Chief of Constabulary for routine matters.
Relations with Local Police and Fire Bodies
- Local police, fire bodies, and provincial guards removed from local official control by prior law are restored to such control.
- Subject to future regulations on organization, administration, and qualifications approved by the President.
- Pending regulations, local police and firemen retain their powers, duties, salaries, and supervision under local officials.
- Provincial guards and special agents remain under provincial governor supervision with existing salaries.
- Provincial police inspectors under previous law cease functioning with this Order's effectivity.
- Provincial Constabulary commanders act as police inspectors without additional pay.
- Prescribed discipline rules under previous laws remain applicable unless inconsistent.
Inspectional Supervision
- All local police bodies and individuals, including provincial guards and special agents, are placed under the inspectional supervision of local representatives of the Chief of Constabulary.
Traffic Law Enforcement
- PC personnel designated as deputies under the Revised Motor Vehicle Law to assist in enforcement and traffic control.
- Police provisions of the law are executed cooperatively by the PC and local police under jointly established methods by the Secretary of Commerce and Communications and the Chief of Constabulary.
Immediate Organizational Procedures
- The Deputy Chief of Staff is designated Acting Chief of the PC until a permanent Chief is appointed.
- Organizational plans approved by the President will cover:
- Transfer of personnel and the Malacañan Guard Company from Army to PC.
- Transfer of property including real estate, weapons, transport, clothing, to PC.
- Supply and maintenance of PC funded by military resources for the remainder of 1938.
- Authorization for PC to procure military character equipment directly post-January 1, 1939, with reimbursement.
Emergency Control Provisions
- During emergencies, Army units may supplement PC under the President’s direction.
- Military elements may be temporarily assigned to PC command or vice versa.
- Routine administration and supply responsibilities remain with respective chiefs.
Appropriations and Funding
- Five hundred thousand pesos from Commonwealth Act Numbered 343 is released to the Chief of Constabulary for specified purposes.
- Expenditures involving real estate, equipment, and construction require Presidential approval.
Effective Date
- The Order takes effect on June 23, 1938.