Scope of the Memorandum Circular
- Governs the procedures for collecting fingerprint cards with attached photographs (mugshots for criminals, 2x2 with nametag for civilians).
- These fingerprint cards are used specifically for the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
Objectives of the Fingerprint Collection Initiative
- Facilitate expedited and highly accurate identification of individuals including calamity victims and wanted criminals using fingerprint technology.
- Support early crime resolution through a properly maintained fingerprint database enabling automated comparisons.
- Aid in verification and counter-checking of licensed firearm owners.
- Assist in identifying unlawful aliens and foreigners entering the country illegally.
- Accelerate identification of amnesiac persons, victims of calamities or accidents, and unidentified cadavers.
Guidelines: Entities Subject to Fingerprint Collection
- Non-criminal persons required to submit fingerprints include:
- Applicants for police clearance for employment (local or abroad), firearm licenses, professional licenses (e.g., security guards), travel abroad, and other purposes.
- Additional cases such as unidentified cadavers and disaster victims.
Procedures for Criminal Cases
- Mandatory fingerprinting of all persons apprehended for law violations by apprehending/investigating PNP units.
- Responsibility lies with Chiefs of Police, Station Commanders, Detention Center Chiefs, and other units to ensure monthly submission of ten-print cards to the nearest Crime Laboratory Office.
- Failure to submit fingerprint cards may result in administrative sanctions.
- Crime Laboratory offices at regional, district, and provincial levels consolidate and forward fingerprint cards monthly to the Fingerprint Identification Division for AFIS database processing.
Procedures for Non-Criminal Cases
- Applicants for police clearances, firearm licenses, security guard licenses, and similar documents must fill out a ten-print fingerprint card.
- Designated offices (Clearance Section of Directorate for Intelligence, SAGSD and FED of Civil Security Group, regional and district directors, and chiefs of police and detention centers) must verify submission of properly accomplished fingerprint cards before issuing licenses or clearances.
- Fingerprint personnel from the Crime Laboratory are detailed to conduct proper fingerprinting in these offices.
- Payment procedures related to forensic examinations follow existing fiscal directives (No. 02-006 and No. 2005-08).
Rescission Clause
- All previous directives, memoranda, and other issuances inconsistent with this Circular are rescinded.
Effectivity
- The Circular takes effect immediately upon issuance on March 3, 2006.