Law Enforcement Administration and Organization

Compiled by: Jan Michael A. Fernandez, R. Crim, MS Crim

Chapter 1: Brief History of Philippine Policing System

Chapter 2- Powers and function, Organizational Structure and Responsibilities of various law
enforcement and public safety agencies

Philippine National Police

Mandate
Republic Act 6975 entitled An Act Establishing the Philippine National Police under a
reorganized Department of the Interior and Local Government and Other Purposes as amended
by RA  8551 Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998 and further
amended by RA 9708.

DILG
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (Filipino: Kagawaran ng Interyor at
Pamahalaang Lokal), abbreviated as DILG, is the executive department of the Philippine
government responsible for promoting peace and order, ensuring public safety and
strengthening local government capability aimed towards the effective delivery of basic services
to the citizenry.

History

The present Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) traces its roots from the
Philippine Revolution of 1897. On March 22, 1897, the Katipunan Government established the
first Department of Interior at the Tejeros Convention.

A revolutionary government was also established at that time and the new government elected
General Emilio Aguinaldo as President and Andres Bonifacio as Director of Interior, although
Bonifacio did not assume the post. At the Naic Assembly held on April 17, 1897, President
Aguinaldo appointed General Pascual Alvarez as Secretary of the Interior.

The Department of Interior was enshrined in the Biak-na-Bato Constitution signed on

November 1, 1897. Article XV of the said Constitution defined the powers and functions of the
Department that included statistics, roads and bridges, agriculture, public information and
posts, and public order.
As the years of struggle for independence and self-government continued, the Interior
Department became the premier office of the government tasked with various functions
ranging from supervision over local units, forest conservation, public instructions, control and
supervision over the police, counter-insurgency, rehabilitation, community development and
cooperatives development programs.

In 1950, the Department was abolished and its functions were transferred to the Office of Local
Government (later renamed Local Government and Civil Affairs Office) under the Office of the
President. On January 6, 1956, President Ramon Magsaysay created the Presidential Assistant
on Community Development (PACD) to implement the Philippine Community Development
Program that will coordinate and integrate on a national scale the efforts of various
governmental and civic agencies to improve the living conditions in the barrio residents
nationwide and make them self-reliant.
In 1972, Presidential Decree No. 1 created the Department of Local Government and
Community Development (DLGCD) through Letter of Implementation No. 7 on November 1,
1972. Ten years later or in 1982,

DLGCD was reorganized and renamed Ministry of Local Government (MLG) by virtue of
Executive Order No. 777; and in 1987, it was further reorganized and this time, renamed
Department of Local Government (DLG) by virtue of Executive Order No. 262.

Again, on December 13, 1990, the DLG underwent reorganization into what is now known as
the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) by virtue of Republic Act No. 6975.
The law also created the Philippine National Police (PNP) out of the Philippine Constabulary-
Integrated National Police (PC-INP), which, together with the National Police Commission, was
integrated under the new DILG, the Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and
Penology and the Philippine Public Safety College; and absorbed the National Action Committee
on Anti-Hijacking from the Department of National Defense (DND).

The passage of RA 6975 paved the way for the union of the local governments and the police
force after more than 40 years of separation.

Today, the Department faces a new era of meeting the challenges of local autonomy, peace and
order, and public safety.

Vision
A strongly determined and highly trusted Department committed to capacitate and nurture
local government units, public order and safety institutions to sustain peaceful, progressive,
and resilient communities where people live happily.

Mission
The Department shall promote peace and order, ensure public safety, strengthen capability of
local government units through active people participation and a professionalized corps of civil
servants.

Goals
Peaceful, safe, self-reliant and development-dominated communities;

Improve performance of local governments in governance, administration, social and economic

development and environmental management;

Sustain peace and order condition and ensure public safety.

Objectives
• Reduce crime incidents and improve crime solution efficiency
• Improve jail management and penology services
 • Improve fire protection services
• Continue professionalization of PNP, BFP and BJMP personnel and services
• Enhance LGU capacities to improve their performance and enable them to effectively
and efficiently deliver services to their constituents
• Continue to initiate policy reforms in support of local autonomy

Powers & Functions

• Assist the President in the exercise of general supervision over local governments;
• Advise the President in the promulgation of policies, rules, regulations and other
issuances on the general supervision over local governments and on public order and
safety;
• Establish and prescribe rules, regulations and other issuances implementing laws on
public order and safety, the general supervision over local governments and the
promotion of local autonomy and community empowerment and monitor compliance
thereof;
• Provide assistance towards legislation regarding local governments, law enforcement
and public safety; 
Establish and prescribe plans, policies, programs and projects to promote peace and
order, ensure public safety and further strengthen the administrative, technical and
fiscal capabilities of local government offices and personnel;
• Formulate plans, policies and programs which will meet local emergencies arising from
natural and man-made disasters; 
• Establish a system of coordination and cooperation among the citizenry, local executives
and the Department, to ensure effective and efficient delivery of basic services to the
public;
• Organize, train and equip primarily for the performance of police functions, a police
force that is national in scope and civilian in character.

NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION (NAPOLCOM)

The National Police Commission (Filipino: Pambansang Komisyon ng Pulisya), abbreviated

as NAPOLCOM, is an attached agency of the Department of the Interior and Local
Government responsible for the administration and control of the Philippine National
Police (PNP). It has the authority to administer police entrance examination, to investigate
police anomalies and irregularities, and to summarily dismiss erring police officers

MANDATE
The National Police Commission is the agency mandated by the 1987 Constitution and the
Major Police Reform Laws, Republic Act Nos. 6975 and 8551 to administer and control the
Philippine National Police.

Under R.A. 8551, otherwise known as the "PNP REFORM AND ORGANIZATION ACT OF 1998"
the Commission's authority over the PNP were strengthened and expanded to include
administration of police entrance examinations, the conduct of pre-charge investigation of
police anomalies and irregularities, and summary dismissal of erring police officers.

HISTORY
In 1966, Congress enacted Republic Act 4864 otherwise known as the Police Act of 1966 to
provide the foundation for the much needed police reforms in the country. It created the
POLICE COMMISSION (Polcom) “to achieve and attain a higher degree of efficiency in the
organization, administration and operation of local police agencies; and to place the local police
service on a professional level.”
Since 1966, the Commission had undergone changes in its organizational structure. It was
reorganized in 1972 as the National Police Commission (Napolcom). Originally under the Office
of the President, it was transferred to the Ministry of National Defense in 1975 by virtue of
Presidential Decree 765, known as the Police Integration Law. This Decree also established the
Integrated National Police (INP) with the Philippine Constabulary (PC) as the nucleus. Ten (10)
years later in 1985, it was returned to the Office of the President pursuant to Executive Order
No. 1040. In 1989, Executive Order No. 379 placed the INP directly under the “command,
supervision and control of the President.”

The same executive order vested the National Police Commission with the powers of
administrative control and supervision over the INP. With the passage of Republic Act No. 6975
on December 13, 1990, the Philippine National Police (PNP) was established under a
reorganized Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). A new National Police
Commission was created within the DILG “ for the purpose of effectively discharging the
functions prescribe in the Constitution and provided in the Act.”

On February 25, 1998, Congress passed into law Republic Act No. 8551 otherwise known as the
"Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998“ thus, amending RA 6975.
This Act strengthened and expanded the Commission’s authority over the PNP to include
administration of police entrance examination, conduct of pre-charge investigation against
police anomalies and irregularities and summary dismissal of erring police members.

POWERS AND FUNCTIONS

Exercise administrative control and operational supervision over the Philippine National Police
(PNP) which shall mean the power to:

• Develop policies and promulgate a police manual prescribing rules and regulations for
efficient organization, administration, and operation, including criteria for manpower
allocation distribution and deployment, recruitment, selection, promotion, and
retirement of personnel and the conduct of qualifying entrance and promotional
examinations for uniformed members;
• Examine and audit, and thereafter establish the standards for such purposes on a
continuing basis, the performance, activities, and facilities of all police agencies
throughout the country;
• Establish a system of uniform crime reporting;
• Conduct an annual self-report survey and compile statistical data for the accurate
assessment of the crime situation and the proper evaluation of the efficiency and
effectiveness of all police units in the country;
• Approve or modify plans and programs on education and training, logistical
requirements, communications, records, information systems, crime laboratory, crime
prevention and crime reporting;
• Affirm, reverse or modify, through the National Appellate Board, personnel disciplinary
actions involving demotion or dismissal from the service imposed upon members of the
Philippine National Police by the Chief of the Philippine National Police;
• Exercise appellate jurisdiction through the Regional Appellate Boards, over
administrative cases against policemen and over decisions on claims for police benefits;
• Prescribe minimum standards for arms, equipment, and uniforms and, after
consultation with the Philippine Heraldry Commission, for insignia of ranks, awards, and
medals of honor. Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the standards
of the uniformed personnel of the PNP must be revised which should be clearly distinct
from the military and reflective of the civilian character of the police;
• Issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum in matters pertaining to the discharge of its
own powers and duties, and designate who among its personnel can issue such
processes and administer oaths in connection therewith;
 • Inspect and assess the compliance of the PNP on the established criteria for manpower
allocation, distribution, and deployment and their impact on the community and the
crime situation, and thereafter formulate appropriate guidelines for maximization of
resources and effective utilization of the PNP personnel;
• Monitor the performance of the local chief executives as deputies of the Commission;
and
• Monitor and investigate police anomalies and irregularities.
• Advise the President on all matters involving police functions and administration;
• Render to the President and to the Congress an annual report on its activities and
accomplishments during the thirty (30) days after the end of the calendar year, which
shall include an appraisal of the conditions obtaining in the organization and
administration of police agencies in the municipalities, cities and provinces throughout
the country, and recommendations for appropriate remedial legislation;
• Recommend to the President, through the Secretary, within sixty (60) days before the
commencement of each calendar year, a crime prevention program; and
• Perform such other functions necessary to carry out the provisions of R.A. 6975, as
amended, other existing laws and Presidential issuances, and as the President may
direct.

Vision
"The National Police Commission shall be a competent and responsive overseer of an
effective police service”

Mission
"To exercise administrative control and operational supervision over the PNP, with the
end view of ensuring a highly capable, effective and credible police service"

Chapter 3- Concepts and principles organization and administration in various law

enforcement and public safety agencies 

Laws governing the following law enforcement and public safety agencies 
• BFP
• BJMP
• Department Of Justice (DOJ) 
• Department of National Defence (DND) 
• Department Of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) 
• Department Of Health (DOH) 
• Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) 
• Office of the President 
• Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 
• Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) 

Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)

Responsible for implementing national policies related to Firefighting and fire prevention as
well as implementation of the Philippine Fire Code (PD 1185), which has been repealed and
replaced by the New Fire Code of the Philippines (RA 9514).BFP is in charge of the
administration and management of municipal and city fire and emergency services all over the
country.

The Bureau of Fire Protection, referred to as the Fire Bureau, was created under Rule VIII,
Section 49 of Republic Act no. 6975 otherwise known as the Department of Interior and Local
Government (DILG) Code of 1990.
Section 50 of the same act provides that “the Fire Bureau is responsible for the prevention and
suppression of all destructive fires on buildings, houses, and other structures, forests, land
transportation vehicles and equipment, ships or vessels docked at piers or wharves or anchored
in major seaports, petroleum industry installations, plane crashes and other similar incidents, as
well as the enforcement of the Fire Code and other related laws” (Tradio, 1997).

The Fire Bureau is also empowered to investigate all causes of fires and, if necessary, file the
proper complaints with the city or provincial prosecutor who has jurisdiction over the case.

Vision
A modern fire service fully capable of ensuring a fire safe nation by 2034.

Mission
We commit to prevent and suppress destructive fires, investigate its causes; enforce Fire Code
and other related laws; respond to man-made and natural disasters and other emergencies.

Mandates and Functions

 Be responsible for the prevention  and suppression of all destructive fires on:
 Building,  houses and other structures; Forest; Land  transportation vehicles and
equipment; Ships  and vessels docked at piers or wharves anchored in major sea ports;
Petroleum  industry installations; Plane  crashes; and Other  similar activities
 Be  responsible for the enforcement of the Fire Code of the Philippines (PD 1185)  and
other related laws;
 Shall have the power to investigate all causes of fires and if necessary, file the proper
complaint with the city or provincial prosecutor who has jurisdiction over the case;
 In the time of national emergency, all elements of the BFP shall upon direction of the
President, assist the AFP in meeting the national emergency; and
 Shall establish at least one (1) fire station with adequate personnel, firefighting facilities
and equipment in every provincial capital, city and municipality subject to standard rules
and regulations as maybe promulgated by the law.

Rank Classification. — For purposes of efficient administration, supervision and control, the
rank classification of the members of the Fire Bureau shall be as follows:

• Director
• Chief Superintendent
• Senior Superintendent
• Superintendent
• Chief Inspector
• Senior Inspector
• Inspector
• Senior Fire Officer IV
• Senior Fire Officer III
• Senior Fire Officer II
• Senior Fire Officer I
• Fire Officer III
• Fire Officer II
• Fire Officer I

Bureau of Jail Management and Penology

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, hereinafter referred to as the Jail Bureau, is
hereby created initially consisting of officers and uniformed members of the Jail Management
and Penology Service as constituted under Presidential Decree No. 765.
As one of the five pillars of the Criminal Justice System, the BJMP was created to address
growing concern of jail management and penology problem.

Primarily, its clients are detainees accused before a court who are temporarily confined in such
jails while undergoing investigation, waiting final judgement and those who are serving
sentence promulgated by the court 3 years and below.

As provided for under R.A. No. 6975, the Jail Bureau is mandated to take operational and
administrative control over all city, district and municipal jails. The Bureau has four major areas
of rehabilitation program, namely: Livelihood Projects, Educational and Vocational Training,
Recreation and Sports, and Religious/ Spiritual Activities. These were continuously
implemented to eliminate the offenders' pattern of criminal behaviour and to reform them to
become law-abiding and productive citizens.

Mandates
BJMP is mandated to direct, supervise and control the administration and operation of all
district, city and municipal jails nationwide with pronged tasks of safekeeping and development
of inmates.

Functions
• In line with it's mission, the Jail Bureau endeavors to perform the following functions:
• Formulate policies and guidelines in the administration of all district, city, and municipal
jails nationwide;
• Implement strong security measures for the control of inmates;
• Provide for the basic needs of inmates;
• Conduct activities for the development of inmates;
• Improve jail facilities; and,
• Promote the general welfare and development of personnel.

Mission
To enhance public safety by ensuring humane safekeeping and development of Persons
Deprived of Liberty (PDL) in all district, city, and municipal jails for their reintegration to society.

Vision
A premier institution highly regarded by society for the secure and humane treatment of
Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) by its competent and motivated corps.

The National Headquarters is the Command and Staff Office of the BJMP, and is composed of
the Command Group, Directorates and Management Support Staff , namely:
• Command  Group:
• Chief, BJMP
• Deputy Chief for Administration
• Deputy Chief for Operation
• Chief of Directorial Staff

• Directorates
• Directorate for Personnel and Records Management
• Directorate for Human Resource Development
• Directorate for Operations
• Directorate for Inmates Welfare and Development
• Directorate for Logistics
• Directorate for Comptrollership
• Directorate for Program Development
 • Directorate for Intelligence
• Directorate for Investigation and Prosecution
• Directorate for Information Communications and Technology
Management
• Directorate for Health Service
• Support Services
• Office of Program Management
• Office of Legal Services
• Office of General Services
• Office of Accounting Services
• Office of Finance Services
• Office of Supply Accountable Office
• Office of Internal Audit
• Office of Chaplaincy Services
• Office of Community Relations Services
• NESJO

Regional Office.
The BJMP operates and maintains Regional Offices in each of the administrative regions of the
country, headed by a Regional Director for Jail Management and Penology, with the rank of at
least Senior Superintendent. The Regional Director is assisted by an Assistant Regional Director
for Administration, Assistant Regional Director for Operations, and Regional Chief of Directorial
Staff, who are all officers with the rank of at least Superintendent.

Jail Provincial Administrator's Office.

In every province, the BJMP operates and maintains a Provincial Jail Administrator’s Office
headed by a Provincial Administrator, to oversee the implementation of jail services of all
district, city and municipal jails within its territorial jurisdiction.

District Jail.
Within large cities or a group of clustered municipalities, a District Jail headed by a District
Warden may be established.

City and Municipal Jails.

The BJMP operates and maintains City and Municipal Jails, each headed by a City or Municipal
Warden, as the case may be.

Department of Justice

The Department of Justice (DOJ) derives its mandate primarily from the Administrative Code of
1987 (Executive Order No. 292). It carries out this mandate through the Department Proper and
the Department's attached agencies under the direct control and supervision of the Secretary
of Justice.

Under Executive Order (EO) 292, the DOJ is the government's principal law agency. As such, the
DOJ serves as the government's prosecution arm and administers the government's criminal
justice system by investigating crimes, prosecuting offenders and overseeing the correctional
system.

The DOJ, through its offices and constituent/attached agencies, is also the government's legal
counsel and representative in litigations and proceedings requiring the services of a lawyer;
implements the Philippines' laws on the admission and stay of aliens within its territory; and
provides free legal services to indigent and other qualified citizens.
Vision
A just and peaceful society anchored on the principles of transparency, accountability, fairness
and truth.

Mission
Effective, efficient and equitable administration of justice.

Functions

Administration of the Criminal Justice System

The DOJ investigates the commission of crimes and prosecutes offenders through the National
Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the National Prosecution Service (NPS),respectively. Likewise,
the DOJ administers the probation and correction system of the country through the Bureau of
Corrections (BuCor), the Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP)and the Parole and Probation
Administration (PPA).

Legal Counsel of Government

The DOJ, through the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) and the Office of the Government
Corporate Counsel (OGCC), acts as the legal representative of the Government of the
Philippines, its agencies and instrumentalities including government owned and controlled
corporations and their subsidiaries, officials and agents in any proceeding, investigation or
matter requiring the services of a lawyer.

EO 292 specifically designates the Secretary as Attorney-General and ex-officio legal adviser of
government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCC) and their subsidiaries. The Secretary
exercises administrative adjudicatory powers over all controversies between/among
government agencies, including government owned and controlled corporations including their
subsidiaries. This power of adjudication of the Secretary originally stemmed from Presidential
Decree No. 242, and is now embodied in Sections 66 to 71, Chapter 14, Book IV of E.O. 292.

The Secretary is likewise empowered to act on all queries and/or requests for legal advice and
guidance from private parties and other officials and employees of the government.

Regulation of Immigration

The DOJ provides immigration and naturalization regulatory services and implements the laws
governing citizenship and the admission and stay of aliens through the Bureau of Immigration
(BI). Also, under Administrative Order No. 142 dated August 23, 1994, the Secretary or his
duly-authorized representative is authorized to act on immigration matters, including waiver of
visas and admission of aliens, except deportation matters.

Likewise, the DOJ, through the DOJ Refugee Processing Unit (DOJ-RPU), processes applications
for refugee status of persons pursuant to the obligations of the Philippines as signatory to the
1951 Convention and 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees.

International Cooperation
The DOJ is the central authority of the Republic of the Philippines relative to extradition and
mutual legal assistance treaties (MLAT) on criminal matters and is involved in several aspects of
international cooperation such as the drafting and implementation of legislation and
agreements as well as the negotiation of extradition and MLAT. Moreover, under Philippine
Extradition Law (P.D. 1069), the DOJ handles requests for extradition and/or mutual legal
assistance and represents treaty partners in Philippine courts.
The Department is also involved in the negotiation of various investment and trade agreements
with other foreign countries. The Secretary is also the ex-officio Co-Vice Chairman of
the Commission on Maritime and Ocean Affairs (CMOA) pursuant to EO 612 and EO 612-A
(2007), which is involved in the identification of the Philippine baselines and in the preparation
of the submission to the United Nations of the country's claim for extended continental shelf.

Provision of Free Legal Assistance

The DOJ provides free legal assistance/representation to indigents and poor litigants as well as
other qualified persons in criminal, civil, and labor cases, administrative and other quasi-judicial
proceedings and non-commercial disputes through the Public Attorney's Office (PAO)pursuant
to RA No. 9406.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

With regard to conciliation and mediation, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 2004 (RA
9285) created the Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR), which is an agency attached
to the DOJ and which is tasked to promote, develop and expand the use of alternative dispute
resolution in civil and commercial disputes.

DOJ functions under other laws and other executive issuances:

In addition to performing its mandate under E.O. 292, the Department is significantly involved
in the implementation of the following penal, national security, and social welfare laws

Department of National Defense 
Mandated to safeguard the country against external and internal threats to national peace and
security, promote the welfare of soldiers and veterans, and provide support for economic and
social development.

The following agencies are attached to the DND:

 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
 Government Arsenal
 National Defense College of the Philippines
 Office of Civil Defense (OCD)
 Philippine Veterans Affairs Office

History
Long before the official creation of the defense department in 1939 by President Manuel Luis
Quezon, the country has had a semblance of a defense organization dating back to the pre-
Spanish period when our barangays had an organization of able-bodied men of the village
charged with the protection of the community from hostile forces. This organization was the
forerunner of what we now call our armed forces.

In the early days of the Katipunan, Andres Bonifacio, as Supremo of the revolutionary society,
had picked Teodoro Plata, his brother-in-law, as his Secretary of War. When Emilio Aguinaldo
was elected President in the Tejeros convention on March 22, 1897, and succeeded Bonifacio
as leader of the Katipunan, Emilio Riego de Dios was also elected as Director of War.

The war against Spain demonstrated for the first time the Filipino people’s capability to
organize an army to fight foreign colonial masters. Aguinaldo’s two high-ranking military
officers during the Spanish-Filipino war were Artemio Ricarte as Captain-General and Mariano
Llanera as Lieutenant-General. Other officers of general rank included Vito Belarmino,Mariano
Noriel, Pio del Pilar, Pascual Alvarez, Manuel Tinio, TomasMascardo, Jose Salvador and
Pantaleon Garcia.
The capture of Aguinaldo on March 23, 1901 at Palanan, Isabela, tolled the death of a struggle
by the Filipinos for independence against the powerful United States of America.

VISION 2028:
A defense organization that guarantees Philippine security, territorial integrity and sovereignty;
a reliable partner in national development; and a strategic player in the Asia-Pacific Region.

MISSION:
To defend against external and internal threats to territorial integrity and sovereignty, and
promote the welfare of the people, in order to create a secure and stable environment
conducive to national development.

DND Proper MISSION

To exercise supervision and control over its bureaus and attached agencies through the
formulation, implementation, and management of defense policies, resources, and objectives
in the attainment of the National Defense mandate. 

Philippine Coast guard

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) (Filipino: Tanod Baybayin ng Pilipinas) is an armed and
uniformed service tasked primarily with enforcing laws within Philippine waters, conducting
maritime security operations, safeguarding life and property at sea, and protecting marine
environment and resources; similar to coast guards around the world. The Coast Guard also
serves as an attached service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in wartime.

It is an agency attached to the Department of Transportation of the Philippines. It currently

maintains a presence throughout the archipelago, with thirteen Coast Guard Districts, fifty-four
CG Stations and over one hundred ninety Coast Guard Sub-Stations, from Basco, Batanes to
Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

Mandates
The Philippine Coast Guard is mandated and responsible to perform maritime search and
rescue, maritime law enforcement, maritime safety, marine environmental protection and
maritime security. 

Vision
“By 2028, PCG is a world class guardian of the sea committed to save lives, ensure safe
maritime transport, cleaner seas, and secure maritime jurisdiction.”

Mission
"We are a uniformed armed service that implements and enforces all national and international
maritime safety, security, search and rescue, and marine environmental protection laws in
support of the integrated Maritime Transportation Network objectives, national security and
economic development of the Philippines."

Functions of PCG
Maritime Safety -MARITIME SAFETY or MARSAF function is designed to help prevent or
minimize unnecessary loss of lives and properties at sea. 

Maritime Security-Maritime Security is another important function of the PCG. Considering the
archipelagic character of the country, it is vital to enhance the security of its different maritime
zones to protect the integrity as a nation. In the performance of this function, the PCG
contributes to maintain good order at sea by conducting regular patrols and surveillance for the
safety of navigation of ships, to safeguard ships from illegal acts and to promote freedom of
navigation.

Maritime Search and Rescue -The Philippine Coast Guard, in accordance with the Convention
of Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), is the national maritime search and rescue service of the
country. The Coast Guard Action Center (CGAC) at the PCG Headquarters in Manila, by virtue of
the current functions and facilities, serves as the coordinating centers for all search and rescue
operations. The twelve Coast Guard Districts are designated as Maritime Rescue Coordinating
Council (MRCC) within their areas of responsibility while the 59 Coast Guard Stations are
designated as Maritime Rescue Sub-Centers (MRSC). The detachments under these stations are
designated as SAR units.

Maritime Law enforcement-The PCG is likewise mandated to conduct MARITIME LAW

ENFORCEMENT (MARLEN) and implement laws on fisheries (and poaching), immigration, tariff
and customs, forestry, firearms and explosives, human trafficking, dangerous drugs and
controlled chemicals, and to implement the revised penal code and all other applicable laws
within the country’s maritime jurisdiction and battle transnational crimes. 

Maritime Environmental Protection-The Philippine Coast Guard under RA 9993 is the sole
agency responsible for the Philippine implementation of the Conventions with regards to oil
pollution, prevention, mitigation and control through the conduct of marine pollution
monitoring and control, enhancement of PCG capability and oil spill response operations and
enforcement of all marine environmental laws and regulations.

National Bureau of Investigation

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) saw its inception on November 13, 1936 upon
approval of Commonwealth Act No. 181 by the legislature. It was the the brainchild of the late
President Manuel L. Quezon and Jose Yulo, then Secretary of Justice.

Tasked with organizing a Division of Investigation or DI patterned after the United States
Federal Bureau of Investigation were Thomas Dugan, a veteran American police captain from
the New York Police Department and Flaviano C. Guerrero, the only Filipino member of the
United States Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On the basis of stiff physical, mental, and moral standards, 45 men were selected as agents
from among 300 applicants. To complement this investigative force was a civilian staff
composed of doctors, chemists, fingerprint technicians, photographers, stenographers, and
clerks.

During the Japanese occupation, the DI was affiliated with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and
the Philippine Constabulary known as the Bureau of Investigation (BI). Subsequently, during the
post-liberation period, all available DI agents were recruited by the US Army CIC as
investigators.

Since then, the Bureau assumed an increasingly significant role. Thus, on June 19, 1947, by
virtue of Republic Act No. 157, it was reorganized into the Bureau of Investigation. Later, it was
amended by Executive Order No. 94 issued on October 4, 1947 renaming it to what it is
presently known, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Its Objectives
The main objective of the National Bureau of Investigation is the establishment and
maintenance of a modern, effective and efficient investigative service and research agency for
the purpose of implementing fully principal functions provided under Republic Act No. 157, as
amended.

Its Vision
A world-class investigative institution – dynamic, respected and committed to the high ideals of
law and order.

Its Mission
To provide quality investigative and forensic services to the people through advanced methods
and equipment in the pursuit of truth and justice.

Functions
Under its enabling law, Republic Act 157, as amended, the NBI is empowered to:
• investigate crimes and other offenses against the laws of the Philippines, both on its
own initiative and as public interest may require;
• assist, when officially requested in the investigation or detection of crimes and other
offenses;
• act as national clearing house of criminal records and other information for use of all
prosecuting and law enforcement entities in
• the Philippines, of identification records of identifying marks, characteristics and
ownership or possession of all firearms and test bullets fired therefrom;
• give technical help to all prosecuting and law enforcement offices, agencies of the
government, and courts which may ask for its services;
• extend its services in the investigation of cases of administrative or civil in nature in
which the government is interested;
• establish and maintain an up-to-date scientific crime laboratory and conduct researches
in furtherance of scientific knowledge in criminal investigation;
• coordinate with other national or local agencies in the maintenance of peace and order;
• undertake the instruction and training of a representative number of city and municipal
peace officers at the request of their respective superiors along effective methods of
crime investigation and detection in order to insure greater efficiency in the discharge of
their duties.

Organizational Structure/Jurisdiction
• The NBI is a government entity that is civilian in character, and national in scope which is
under the Department of Justice.
• It is headed by a director and with an assistant director and six (6) deputy-directors for
— Special Investigation Services (SIS); Regional Operations Services (ROS); Intelligence
Services (IS); Technical Services (TS); Administrative Services (AS); and Comptroller
Services (CS).

The “Two Pillar- Rule”

• To keep the standard of professionalism in the investigation of cases, thoroughness and
legality has always been adhered to by the NBI. The legality of the Bureau’s activity is
assured by its legal and Evaluation Division, which is tasked with providing legal counsel
to the Director, legal services to the Bureau, evaluate the investigation reports of the
agents, and conduct legal researches and studies.

Circumstances under which the NBI may be contacted

• When a crime has been committed or is about to be committed, any aggrieved person
may seek NBI assistance. Any person possessing valuable information in connection with
any violation of Philippine laws is welcome at any NBI office if he is willing furnish the
Bureau with said information.
 • Those who may wish to file their complaints in Manila, may go directly to the NBI
Complaints and Recording Division (CRD) and file his/her complaint under oath. Walk-in
complainants in field offices may see the chief or any agent thereat, for purposes of
filing his/her complaint.
• When the aggrieved party cannot personally undertake this, a letter addressed to the
NBI Director containing the said complaint shall suffice. The NBI in some instances, may
be called to attend to criminal cases already under investigation by the local police.
However, the requesting party or aggrieved party shall so state in the complaint
dissatisfaction over the handling of the case, and/or upon directive from higher
authorities.
• All forms of assistance extended by the NBI to other government institutions as well as
to the private sector are ABSOLUTELY FREE.

Bureau of Immigration
The Bureau of Immigration started as a division of the Bureau of Customs during the American
regime in 1899. This was pursuant to Act No. 702 of the Philippine Commission. It was
appropriate because ship travel and ship cargo were interlinked and hence, the office was at
the Bureau of Customs. It seems that the government then, gave more importance on the entry
of goods than monitoring of foreign nationals coming into the country. The government was
more interested in generating customs duties from these goods than in the control and
regulation of the arrival and stay of foreigners. The functions of immigration remained under
the said bureau until 1937 when it was transferred as a division of the Bureau of Labor. 

The functions of Immigration were transferred in 1937 as a division under the Bureau of Labor.
This was mainly to respond to the arrival of Chinese nationals who owned and operated trade
houses stores and restaurants in the country.

On January 22, 1940, the Second National Assembly of the Philippine Commonwealth enacted
the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 (Commonwealth Act No. 613). It was signed into law by
the President of the United States of America on September 3, 1940, creating the Bureau of
Immigration under the administrative supervision of the Office of the President.

A year or so later, it became an attached agency of the Department of Justice. Later, its
administrative control was returned to the Office of the President. 

When the Pacific war broke out in December 1941, the bureau, then under the Department of
Justice, moved to the Bilibid Prison on Azcarraga Street (now Claro M. Recto Avenue).

In 1948, the Bureau was reverted to the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice where it has
remained up to the present time. 

On September 21, 1972, then President Ferdinand E. Marcos proclaimed Martial Law, through
General Order No. 1, ordered and decreed the adoption and implementation of the Integrated
Reorganization Plan. 

Hence, the Commission on Reorganization issued Letter of Implementation No. 20, dated
December 31, 1972 which embodies the plan, including among other things, the change of
name of the office from the Bureau of Immigration to Commission on Immigration and
Deportation. This became a collegial body and performing both administrative and quasi-
judicial functions. It is composed of the commissioner and his two associate commissioners.
Letter of Implementation No. 20 also abolished the Deportation Board and transferred its
functions to the Board of Commissioners who gave them power to undertake deportation
cases. 
The bureau was given the sole authority to enforce and administer immigration and foreign
nationals registration laws including the admission, registration, exclusion and deportation and
repatriation of foreign nationals. It also supervises the immigration from the Philippines of
foreign nationals. 

On July 25, 1987, President Corazon C. Aquino signed Executive order No. 292, also known as
the Administrative Code of 1987. Said order renamed the office, “Bureau of Immigration.” It
continues, however, to perform all the powers and functions it had while still a commission,
and its head of office still remains to be called commissioner as provided under DOJ.

MANDATE
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is principally responsible for the administration and
enforcement of immigration, citizenship, and alien admission and registration laws in
accordance with the provisions of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940. It also plays a role in
the enforcement of RA 9208, also known as the Anti-Trafficking In Persons Act of 2003.

OUR MISSION
To control and regulate the movement of persons to, from and within our country in
contributing to national security and development.

OUR VISION
We are committed by 2025 to be regionally and internationally recognized as providing
excellent, efficient, effective and innovative immigration service.

GENERAL FUNCTIONS
Acts as the primary enforcement arm of the Department of Justice and the President of the
Philippines in ensuring that all foreigners within its territorial jurisdiction comply with existing
laws1;

Assists local and international law enforcement agencies in securing the tranquility of the state
against foreigners whose presence or stay may be deemed threats to national security, public
safety, public  morals and public health and;

Acts as chief repository of all immigration records pertaining to entry, temporary sojourn,
admission, residence and departure of all foreigners in the country.

SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS
In the discharge of its broad functions, the Bureau through its Board of Commissioners,
exercises administrative and quasi-judicial powers over the:
• Regulation of the entry (arrival), stay (sojourn), and exit (departure) of foreign nationals
in the country;
• Monitoring of the entry and exit of Filipino citizens in compliance with Philippine laws
and other legal procedures; 
• Issuance of immigration documents and identification certifications on non-immigrant,
immigrant and special non-immigrant visas;
• Issuance of special permits in relation to the enforcement of immigration laws (e.g.
Special Work Permit (SWP), Provisional Permit to Work (PPW), Special Study Permit
(SSP), re-entry permits, clearances, etc.); 
• Extension of stay of temporary visitors and implementation of changes of status as
provided by law; 
• Administrative determination of citizenship and related status;
• Investigation, hearing, decision and execution of orders pertaining to exclusion,
deportation, and   repatriation of foreign nationals;
 • Implementation of Hold Departure Orders, Blacklist, Watchlist, Immigration Lookout
Bulletin Orders  and Alert List Orders;
• Cancellation of immigration documents upon violation of immigration laws and
procedures; 
• Investigation, arrests and detention of foreigners in violation of immigration regulation
and other Philippine laws;
• Accreditation of schools and learning institutions that can officially accept and enroll
foreign students; and
• Accreditation of law firms, liaison officers, travel agencies and other individuals and
organizations transacting with the Bureau of Immigration
• Bureau of Customs
• The Bureau of Customs (abbreviated BoC or BOC; Filipino: Kawanihan ng Adwana) is a
Philippine government agency under the Department of Finance. The Bureau of
Customs was established on February 6, 1902 by the Insular Government of the
Philippine Islands of the United States of America, during the American Colonial Era of
the Philippines.

VISION
A modernized and credible Customs administration that is among the world’s best

MISSION
To strengthen border control, enhance trade facilitation and improve collection of lawful
revenues

Function
The Bureau has the following duties under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA
10863):
(a) Assessment and collection of customs revenues from imported goods and other
dues, fees, charges, fines and penalties accruing under the CMTA;
(b) Simplification and harmonization of customs procedures to facilitate movement of
goods in international trade;
(c) Border control to prevent entry of smuggled goods;
(d) Prevention and suppression of smuggling and other customs fraud;
(e) Facilitation and security of international trade and commerce through an informed
compliance program;
(f) Supervision and control over the entrance and clearance of vessels and aircraft
engaged in foreign commerce;
(g) Supervision and control over the handling of foreign mails arriving in the Philippines
for the purpose of collecting revenues and preventing the entry of contraband;
(h) Supervision and control on all import and export cargoes, landed or stored in piers,
airports, terminal facilities, including container yards and freight stations for the
protection of government revenue and prevention of entry of contraband;
(i) Conduct a compensation study with the end view of developing and recommending
to the President a competitive compensation and remuneration system to attract and
retain highly qualified personnel, while ensuring that the Bureau remains financially
sound and sustainable;
(j) Exercise of exclusive original jurisdiction over forfeiture cases under the CMTA; and
(k) Enforcement of the CMTA and all other laws, rules and regulations related to
customs administration.