Guidelines on AWOL Handling for PNP Personnel

Draws from various PNP and NAPOLCOM memorandums and Republic Acts, including RA No. 6975 as amended by RA No. 8551.
Specifies authorities empowered to exercise disciplinary and non-disciplinary actions over PNP personnel: Chief PNP, Regional Directors, Directors of Administrative and Operational Support Units.

AWOL: Absence from work without approved leave.
Dropped from the rolls: Non-disciplinary removal of a PNP member from the personnel roster.
Returned to PNP Control: PNP personnel who reports back prior to official dropping from rolls.
Restoration to Duty: Reinstatement to active service after suspension or during administrative investigation.
Exigency of the Service: Urgent service needs from crisis, understaffing, or unique skills.

Includes unauthorized absence, failure to return after leave, failure to notify superior of sickness, and failure to report to reassigned units within three days.

A non-disciplinary separation that does not forfeit benefits nor disqualify for reemployment but constitutes a derogatory record.
Does not require stringent due process unlike dismissal.

AWOL for 5 to 29 days requires written notice directing return within 3 days; failure results in dropping from rolls.
AWOL for 30 or more days leads to immediate dropping without prior notice but with post-separation notice.
Immediate superior officer issues notice and submits report with recommendation.
Authority evaluates and issues dropping order.
Personnel on AWOL still considered in service pending order; may return without prejudice.
Order execution stops salary, recalls issued equipment, deducts AWOL period from leave credits.
Motion for Reconsideration (one allowed) and appeal procedures specified.
Dropped personnel may be reappointed subject to qualifications and delay considerations (e.g., laches).

Complaint must be filed while personnel still in service.
No dropping for disciplinary purposes once complaint filed; reinstatement only if meritorious MR or appeal exists.
Pre-charge evaluation allowed for reinstated personnel.
Simultaneous use of dropping from rolls and disciplinary charge for serious neglect of duty is prohibited.

Monthly consolidated reports on absentees and actions submitted to Director for Personnel and Records Management.
Immediate superior officers bear responsibility and may be liable for failure to act.
Unit directors/chiefs required to disseminate guidelines throughout their units.

Circular supersedes PNP Circular No. 98-007 (1998).
Effective 15 days after filing at the University of the Philippines Law Center, following administrative code provisions.