Title
Creation of Philippine Center on Transnational Crime
Law
Executive Order No. 62
Decision Date
Jan 15, 1999
Joseph Ejercito Estrada establishes the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime to enhance coordination among law enforcement and intelligence agencies in combating organized transnational crime, including drug trafficking, terrorism, and money laundering.

Composition and Structure

  • Headed by an Executive Director appointed by the President.
  • Comprises multiple directorates including:
    1. Directorate for Operations
    2. Directorate for Plans and Programs
    3. Directorate for Research
    4. Directorate for Technology Management
    5. Directorate for Administration and Finance
    6. Other Directorates as needed

Powers and Functions

  • Establish and maintain a shared central database for information on transnational crimes such as narcotics trafficking, money laundering, terrorism, arms smuggling, trafficking in persons, and piracy.
  • Supervise and control anti-transnational crime operations across government agencies.
  • Maintain a central database on national and international laws and jurisprudence to recommend measures for enhanced enforcement.
  • Conduct strategic research on transnational organized crime to anticipate trends and devise prevention strategies.
  • Design capacity-building programs for national and international collaboration.
  • Coordinate information exchange and training with foreign governments and international organizations.
  • Select government personnel for detail to the PCTC.
  • Enlist assistance from government offices, including government-owned or controlled corporations.
  • Carry out functions as directed by the President.

Scope of Offenses Covered

  • Illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
  • Money laundering.
  • Terrorism.
  • Arms smuggling.
  • Trafficking in persons.
  • Piracy.
  • Other crimes impacting national stability and security.

Assistance from Government Agencies

  • Supported by a broad range of government bodies including:
    • Philippine National Police (PNP)
    • National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
    • National Action Committee on Anti-Hijacking and Anti-Terrorism (NACAHT)
    • Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF)
    • Presidential Anti-Smuggling Task Force (PASTF)
    • National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM)
    • Departments: Interior and Local Government (DILG), Justice (DOJ), Finance (DOF), Transportation and Communication (DOTC)
    • Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB)
    • National Prosecution Service (NPS)
    • Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID)
    • Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
    • Economic Intelligence and Investigation Bureau (EIIB)
    • Bureau of Customs (BOC)
    • National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA)
    • Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
    • Land Transportation Office (LTO)
    • National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)
    • National Statistics and Census Office (NSCO)
    • Other necessary government agencies

Command and Control

  • Executive Director reports to the President through the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government.
  • Executive Director exercises immediate supervision, designates duties, and controls all units and personnel within the PCTC.
  • Has operational and supervisory authority over personnel and resources detailed from government agencies.

Operating Guidelines

  • PCTC to adopt necessary operational guidelines in coordination with concerned agencies.
  • Guidelines subject to presidential approval.
  • Required to submit activity reports and recommendations to the President.

Coordination with Other Agencies

  • Emphasis on strong focus and intensified efforts against transnational organized crime.
  • PNP remains the primary general law enforcement agency as per Republic Act No. 6975, as amended.
  • Close cooperation and coordination between PCTC Executive Director, PNP Chief, and other agencies.
  • Vertical and lateral coordination to ensure synergy and prevent compromise of police operations.

Funding

  • Initial annual allocation of One Hundred Million Pesos (P100,000,000) for 1999.
  • Funding sourced from the President's Contingency Fund and government savings.
  • Subsequent funding to be included in the budget of the Office of the President.

Effectivity

  • Executive Order takes effect immediately upon issuance.

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