Title
Integration of Police, Fire, Jails in Provinces
Law
Presidential Decree No. 531
Decision Date
Aug 8, 1974
Presidential Decree No. 531 establishes an integrated national police force in the Philippines, integrating police forces, fire departments, and jails in specific provinces to promote peace and order, with the Philippine Constabulary exercising control and direction over these integrated units.

Law Summary

Background and Pilot Projects

  • Pilot projects integrated police forces, fire departments, and jails in Greater Manila and selected provinces.
  • Presidential Decrees No. 421 and No. 482 initiated integration in Metro Manila and select provinces.
  • The objective is to assess and improve peace and order nationwide through integration.

Integration of Police, Fire Departments, and Jails in Additional Provinces (Section 1)

  • Integration applies to the police, fire departments, and jails in enumerated provinces and cities.
  • Each integrated unit is named according to its province (e.g., Benguet Integrated Police Force).
  • Specifies provinces and cities included and exceptions where applicable.

Leadership of Integrated Police Forces (Section 2)

  • Each integrated police force shall be headed by a Chief of Constabulary.
  • This chief must be an officer from the Philippine Constabulary.

Jurisdiction and Functions (Section 3)

  • Integrated Police Forces have jurisdiction within their territorial limits including provinces and cities.
  • Responsibilities include maintenance of peace and order, crime prevention, public safety, arrest of offenders, and prosecution.

Operational Control and Direction (Section 4)

  • The Philippine Constabulary has operational control, direction, and supervision over all Integrated Police Forces.
  • The Chief Constabulary integrates these forces within its structure but the forces remain civilian components except during emergencies.

Extent of Control and Direction (Section 5)

  • Powers include directing tactical and strategic deployments, training, and utilization of personnel, equipment, and resources.
  • Control extends to ensuring effective command within territorial jurisdiction.

Administrative Control and Supervision (Section 6)

  • Until transfer, administrative control remains with existing offices/agencies per existing laws.
  • This includes appointments, promotions, disciplinary actions, salaries, and benefits.
  • Appointment and disciplinary actions require recommendation from the head of the Integrated Police Forces.
  • Operational control prevails over administrative control in case of conflict.

Transfer of Administrative Control to Philippine Constabulary (Section 7)

  • Within one to two years, administrative control will transfer to the Philippine Constabulary.
  • All personnel, records, property, and resources shall be transferred accordingly.
  • No removal or diversion of these assets before transfer is allowed.

Funding and Financial Support (Sections 8 and 9)

  • Cities and municipalities must allocate at least 18% of annual gross income for integrated police maintenance post-transfer.
  • National government to subsidize salaries and modernize equipment per existing laws.
  • An initial allocation of ₱27,000,000 is authorized to finance integration activities from existing government funds.
  • Unused funds can be carried forward for subsequent years.

Protection of Salaries (Section 10)

  • Implementation shall not result in salary reduction except when legally justified.

Rules and Regulations (Section 11)

  • The Chief of Constabulary, with Secretary of National Defense approval, shall promulgate necessary rules for enforcing the Decree.

Penal Provision (Section 12)

  • Obstructing or interfering with the Decree's implementation or related rules shall be punishable with imprisonment (3-6 years) and/or fines (₱5,000-₱10,000).
  • Public officers offending shall also face lifetime disqualification from public office/employment.

Repealing Clause (Section 13)

  • Repeals conflicting provisions of Republic Act No. 4864 (Police Act of 1966) and its amendments.
  • Also repeals inconsistent provisions in various city charters and other laws, decrees, rules, and regulations.

Effectivity (Section 14)

  • The Decree took effect immediately upon approval by the President.

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