Policy and Jurisdiction
- Focuses on offenses committed within the territory of the Commonwealth of the Philippines.
- Responsible for ensuring prompt trial and punishment of perpetrators and those responsible for war criminals.
- Works jointly with the United States National War Crimes Office for coordination and effectiveness.
Organizational Structure and Command
- Established under the authority of the President of the Philippines as Commander-in-Chief and within the Judge Advocate General Service of the Philippine Army.
- Functions under the direction of the Philippine Judge Advocate General.
Functions and Responsibilities
- To collect, record, and evaluate all available evidence of war crimes and atrocities committed against persons and property in the Philippines since December 1941.
- Maintain comprehensive records of offenses.
- Cooperate with the United States National War Crimes Office and the United Nations War Crimes Commission.
- Facilitate apprehension, prosecution, and trial of all identified guilty persons.
- Exchange information and evidence actively with international war crimes entities.
Cooperation and International Relations
- Maintains direct liaison with the United States National War Crimes Office and United Nations War Crimes Commission.
- Emphasizes collaboration for the efficient apprehension and trial of war criminals.
Legal Authority and Implementation
- Exercise of authority rooted in the Constitution and laws of the Philippines.
- Executive Order signed by President Sergio Osmeña on August 16, 1945.
- Secretary to the President facilitates formal promulgation of the order.