Local Officials' Role in Police Coordination

Presidential Decree No. 765 dated 8 August 1975 provides for the integration of police forces and transfers operational and administrative control over such forces to the Integrated National Police.
The Letter of Instructions directs that the functions of local civil officials and the Integrated National Police units be defined and delineated, including their relationship for peace and order and public safety.
The Letter of Instructions establishes a system of coordination and cooperation between local executives and the Integrated National Police to preserve law and order through joint effort and involvement of the citizenry.
Presidential Decree No. 824 defines the Greater Manila Area, which is relevant to the distribution of responsibilities.

The Letter of Instructions applies to the Manager of the Metropolitan Manila Commission with respect to the Greater Manila Area as defined in Presidential Decree No. 824 issued November 7, 1975.
The Letter of Instructions applies to the provincial governors.
The Letter of Instructions applies to city mayors.
The Letter of Instructions applies to municipal mayors.
Each covered local executive must perform the powers and responsibilities enumerated for peace and order and public safety within their respective jurisdictions.

Local executives must ensure that laws and ordinances in their jurisdictions are faithfully executed.
Local executives must call upon the Commanders of the Integrated National Police units in their areas or the members of such forces to suppress disorder, riot, lawless violence, or rebellious or seditious conspiracy.
Local executives must call upon the Integrated National Police units to suppress other criminal activities.
Local executives must call upon the Integrated National Police units to enforce laws and to apprehend the violators.

Local executives must bring to the attention of the Integrated National Police any problem affecting peace and order and/or public safety.
Local executives must make appropriate recommendations to improve law-enforcement and public safety services in their area.
The coordination obligation is oriented toward practical improvements in enforcement services and public safety operations.

Local executives must extend necessary support, cooperation, and assistance to the Integrated National Police.
Support and cooperation must be extended to the extent consistent with the Integrated National Police’s “appropriate circular or rules and regulations.”
The Letter of Instructions requires that the necessary support, cooperation, and assistance be operationalized through jointly issued circulars or rules and regulations by the responsible authorities identified for issuance under the Letter of Instructions.