Philippines

Historical Background
The police under the local setting primitively evolved from the practice of the different
tribes to select able-bodied young men to protect the people, and to maintain peace and
order in the village. In the coming of the Spaniards the police system started, the police
were called “Guardillo” which then later be called as “Cuepo de carabineros de
Seguridad Republica.” In 1852, “Guardia Civil” took over the pace keeping duties under
the Royal decree.
After the Spanish era, the Americans took place. Under the Filipino/American war Gov.
Taft established a police force which maintained peace and order. On January 9, 1901
Manila police was formally organized by virtue of act No. 175 of the Philippine
commission.
On August 8, 1901 Captain/Lieutenant Henry T. Allen was formally designated and
confirmed by the commission as chief Constabulary in a formal Inauguration.
On December 1917 for the first time in 16 years of existence, the constabulary was
placed under Filipino leadership, Brig. Gen. Rafael T. Crame was appointed to be the
Philippine Constabulary Chief.
The Administrative Code of the Philippines, promulgated on September 10, 1955,
provided for the constitution of a police force in every city and municipality with the
officers and members appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the city or municipal
council. Under his setup, the police are primarily a political entity that tended to serve
the will of those in power.
In Effect to improve the quality and morale of all existing police forces, the national
police commission was created, vested with the power to supervise and control the
police forces all over the country. Under this act the administration, control and
disciplinary measures, including training of each member are placed under the
jurisdiction of NAPOLCOM.
The sec 6 Article XVI of the 1987 Philippine constitution, provides that “the state shall
establish and maintain one police force, which shall be national in scope and civilian in
character. To be administrated and controlled by NAPOLCOM. The authority of local
executives over the police units in their respective territorial Jurisdictions shall be
provided by law.” This gave birth to the enactment of R.A no. 1975 which was amended
by R.A No. 8551, and which further amended by R.A No. 9708, R.A No. 11200, and R.A
No. 11279.
Vision
Imploring the aid of the almighty, by 2030. The PNP shall be a highly capable, effective
and credible police service working in partnership with a responsive community towards
the attainment of a safer place to live, work, and do business.

Mission
It shall enforce the law, prevent and control crimes, maintain peace and order, and
ensure public safety and internal security with the active support of the community.

Core Value
Maka-diyos, Makabayan, Makatao, at Makakalikasan.

Powers and Functions

As provided by Section 14 of R.A No. 6975

Powers and Functions of the PNP

- Enforce all laws and ordinances relative to the protection of life and properties.
- Maintain peace and order and take all necessary steps to ensure public safety.
- Investigate and prevent crimes.
- Effects the arrest of criminal offenders
- Bring offenders to justice and assist in their prosecution.
- Exercise the general powers to make arrest, search and seizure in accordance with the
Philippine constitution and pertinent law.

The PNP is also empowered to perform the following.

- Detain an arrested person for a period not beyond what is prescribed by laws informing the
person so detained of all his/her rights under the Constitution.
- Issue licenses for the possession of fire arms and explosives in accordance with law.
- Supervise and control the training and operations of security agencies and issue licenses to
operate agencies and to security guards and private detectives, for the practice of their
professions.
- Perform such other duties and exercise all other functions as may be provided by law.
Miscellaneous police service
The PNP’s Miscellaneous police service may be categorized into law enforcement, maintain of
order and crime prevention. In undertaking law enforcement, the police are empowered to stop,
question, detain, and arrest people who violates the law. This includes preventive patrol which
entails police officers visible presence on the streets and public places of their area of
responsibility.
Crime prevention is the prominent role of the police while engaging in a variety of community
and miscellaneous functions.
The police also absorb the functions of the office of the national action committee on anti-
hijacking (NACAH) of the department of National defense, the present Philippine Air Force
Security Command (PAFSECOM), as well as the police functions of the coast guard. In order to
perform its powers and function efficiently and effectively. The PNP must be provided with
adequate land, sea, and air equipment and weaponry and all necessary material means and
resources.