Law Summary
Jurisdiction and Responsibilities of the INP
- Responsible for public safety and protection of life and property.
- Enforcement of laws and maintenance of peace and order within the Philippines.
- Powers include crime prevention, arrest, detention, and rehabilitation.
- Fire prevention and control duties.
- Investigation and prosecution of crimes.
Leadership of the INP
- Chief of Constabulary acts as Director-General of the INP.
- Has command over all INP elements.
- Authorized to issue instructions concerning personnel, funds, records, and operations.
- Supported by Deputy Chiefs, general staff, and specialized staff of the PC.
Organizational Structure and Authority
- Chief of Constabulary prescribes organizational setup, subject to Secretary of National Defense approval.
- Philippine Constabulary headquarters serve as nucleus for INP headquarters at all levels.
- Joint staffing by Constabulary, police, jail, and fire service personnel to ensure integrated functions.
Philippine Constabulary’s Role
- Remains a major service branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
- Continues law enforcement functions as the primary INP component.
Status of Regular INP Members
- Members are government employees.
- Police, jail guards, and firemen exempt from certain wage and classification rules under the Civil Service Act but remain in the career service.
Presidential Authority and Departmental Supervision
- The INP is subject to command and general supervision of the President.
- Functions directly under the Department of National Defense.
Transfer of National Police Commission (NPC)
- NPC transferred to the Department of National Defense.
- Secretary of National Defense acts as Chairman of the NPC.
- No reduction in salaries unless legally justified.
Transfer of Local Police Administrative Supervision
- Administrative supervision by local government units over police, jails, and fire departments is transferred to the Chief of Constabulary as INP Director-General.
- NPC’s training, communication, salary subsidy, and disability compensation functions transferred to the INP.
- NPC retains other powers not transferred to INP.
- NPC’s powers extended to fire and jail services.
Jurisdiction of NPC Adjudicatory Bodies
- Hearing Officers’ jurisdiction expanded to firemen and jail guards.
- Adjudication Boards and Special Appellate Committee also cover these groups.
Power to Issue Subpoenas
- Chief of Constabulary or authorized officials may issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum for INP investigations.
Rulemaking Authority
- Chief of Constabulary, with Secretary of National Defense approval, to promulgate implementing rules and regulations.
Penal Provisions
- Obstruction or interference with this Decree or related rules punishable by 3-6 years imprisonment and/or fines of ₱5,000 - ₱10,000.
- Public officers implicated may be additionally disqualified from public office for life.
Application of Previous Integrative Decrees
- Earlier Presidential Decrees related to police integration remain applicable unless inconsistent with this Decree.
Repealing Clause
- Repeals or modifies conflicting laws, decrees, city charters, and administrative code provisions witin the scope of this Decree.
Transition Period
- Until implementing rules are issued, local units maintain funding and logistical support for local police, jails, and fire departments.
- NPC continues to grant salary subsidies during this interim.
Effectivity
- The Decree is effective immediately upon approval.