POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF

THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE (PNP)

REPUBLIC ACT 6975 “Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990”

SEC. 24. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS. – THE PNP SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING POWERS AND
FUNCTIONS:
(a) Enforce all laws and ordinances relative to the protection of lives and properties;
(b) Maintain peace and order and take all necessary steps to ensure public safety;
(c) Investigate and prevent crimes, effect the arrest of criminal offenders, bring offenders to justice
and assist in their prosecution;
(d) Exercise the general powers to make arrest, search and seizure in accordance with the
Constitution and pertinent laws;
(e) Detain an arrested person for a period not beyond what is prescribed by law, informing the
person so detained of all his/her rights under the Constitution;
(f) Issue licenses for the possession of firearms and explosives in accordance with law;
(g) Supervise and control the training and operations of security agencies and issue licenses to
operate security agencies, and to security guards and private detectives, for the practice of
their professions; and
(h) Perform such other duties and exercise all other functions as may be provided by law

GENERAL PRINCIPLES
STRATEGIC GUIDELINES
Regardless of the type of function to be performed and/or police operations to be conducted, all PNP
personnel must know by heart and shall comply with and apply the following principles and
procedures:

TO SERVE AND PROTECT

The responsibility of every police officer is to serve the public and protect life and property.

TO RESPECT HUMAN RIGHTS AND DIGNITY OF PERSON

All PNP personnel shall respect and uphold the human rights and dignity of all persons at all times.
 CHAPTER 1
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Section 1-1 Police Uniform and Accessories
1.1 Agency Prescribed Uniform. A police officer shall always wear the prescribed uniform for the
kind of police operation to be undertaken (Annex “A”).
1.2 Appearing Before the Public. When wearing the police uniform, a police officer shall, at all
times, appear to look presentable, respectable, smart, and well- groomed. A police officer shall
refrain from doing unnecessary activities and/or actions while on duty.
1.3 Carrying of Basic Police Equipment. Every police officer on patrol, whether on board a
vehicle or on foot patrol, shall always carry with him/her his/ her issued firearm, and other
equipment such as but not limited to restraint device, impact device and personal protective
equipment. He/she shall also use other accessories required for the specific police operation
being conducted.

Section 1-2 Categories of Police Operations

1.4 Patrol Operations. The most basic police function and known as the backbone of policing.
1.5 Law Enforcement Operations. Include service of warrant of arrest, implementation of search
warrant, enforcement of visitorial powers of the Chiefs of Police, and other anti-criminality
operations.
1.6 Internal Security Operations. Include counterterrorism operations and similar operations
against other threat groups that are conducted to ensure internal security.
1.7 Public Safety Operations. Include critical incident management procedures, search, rescue
and retrieval operations, hostage situation, civil disturbance management operation,
management of health hazards and other operations that promote public safety.
1.8 Special Police Operations. Include high-risk checkpoint and roadblock operation, police
assistance in the implementation of order from the court and other quasi -judicial bodies,
security to major and special events, aircraft hijacking operations, visit, board, search and
seizure of marine vessels, and similar police operations that are conducted by police units with
specialized training on the peculiarity of the mission or purpose.
1.9 Investigation Operations. Include investigation of crime or incident, Scene of the Crime
Operations (SOCO), administrative investigation and other investigative work necessary to
determine facts and circumstances for filing cases criminally or administratively.
1.10 Police Community Relations. Include three interrelated dimensions to accomplish its
mission namely: community affairs and development, public information, and information
development operations to forge partnership and strengthen collaboration and linkages with
the community.

CHAPTER 2 OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES

All PNP personnel shall respect and uphold the human rights and dignity of all persons at all times.

Section 2-1 Pre-Operational Clearance

In all planned police operations, the team leader of the operating team/s shall secure a Pre-Operation
Clearance prior to the conduct of operation. This clearance must be approved by their
Chief/Commander/Head of Office/Unit and must be submitted at the Operations
Section/Division of the concerned operating police units for record purposes.

Section 2-2 Coordination

2.1 Inter-Office Coordination. The operations officer or Team Leader/s (TL) of Local Police Units
(LPUs) operating outside their territorial jurisdiction and National Support units (NSUs) shall,
 whenever practicable, coordinate personally at any levels of police offices (Police Regional
Office (PRO) to Municipal Police Station (MPS)) or other friendly units within whose jurisdiction
the operation is to be conducted.
2.2 Coordination by Filing Coordination Form. Prior to the launching of the operation except
in cases where the formal (in writing) inter-unit coordination cannot be made due to the nature
and/or urgency of the situation such as, but not limited to, cross-jurisdiction pursuit operations,
coordination should be made formally using the prescribed Coordination Form, which shall
be filed with the concerned operation center of the Police Regional, Provincial or City Police
Office and Police Stations (Annex “B”).
2.3 Coordination by Practical/Available Means of Communication. In cases where formal inter-
unit coordination is not feasible, the Police Unit concerned shall endeavor to notify the Local
Police Unit (LPU) through any practical/available means of communication including but not
limited to electronic or signal communication at any time before the operation and shall
accomplish and furnish the LPU a written incident report immediately after the termination of
the operation.

Section 2-3 Requirements of Police Operations

2.4 Basic Requirements. Police operations such as but not limited to arrest, search and seizure,
checkpoint, roadblocks, and civil disturbance management shall, whenever applicable and
practicable, be conducted as follows:
a. With marked police vehicle;
b. Led by a Police Commissioned Officer (PCO) or the most senior Police Non-Commissioned
Officer (PNCO) in the absence or unavailability of a PCO; and
c. With personnel in prescribed police uniform except for covert operatives when serving
warrant of arrest provided personnel in uniform shall be present during the arrest
d. With the use of Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) and/or Alternative Recording Devices (ARDs)
during the conduct of searches and arrests.
2.5 Use of Megaphones and Similar Instruments/devices. During actual police intervention
operations, the Team Leader shall use peaceful means including the use of megaphones or
any other similar instruments/devices to warn or influence the offender/s or suspect/s to stop
and/or peacefully surrender.
2.6 Accessories. A police officer may carry or use accessories appropriate to the police
operation being performed. Accessories may include, ballistic vest, handheld radio, first aid kit,
flashlight, hand cuff, whistle and non-lethal equipment including but not limited to baton,
truncheon, and night stick to be used in a non-armed confrontation with a violent,
uncooperative and unruly offender.

2.7 Use of Body Worn Camera

a. Chain of Custody over the Recordings in the Execution of Arrest and Search:

The chain of custody over the recordings shall at all times be preserved from improper access,
review, and tampering. It shall cover the following events:
1) Recording of the footage using the BWCs/ARDs;
2) Turnover of the BWCs/ARDs used by the arresting or searching team, or of the data by the
media representative to the Data Custodian to which they belong;
3) Downloading of the data by the Data Custodian;
4) Redaction of personal identities by the Data Custodian or his/her representative, whenever
applicable;
5) Retrieval of recording data and their transfer to an external media storage device by the
Data Custodian;
6) Submission and delivery of the recordings contained in an external media storage device
 to the court.

b. The BWC/ARD shall be used/activated during the conduct of arrest, search and whenever
practicable, in cases of warrantless arrests. The rules on the use of BWC under A.M. No. 21-06-
08-SC shall be observed.

c. The BWC/ARD shall not be used/activated in the following circumstances:

1) In police facilities unless in an official capacity, or as part of an investigation procedure;
2) Conduct of any personal activity (in any location where individuals have a reasonable
expectation of privacy, such as restrooms, locker rooms, or break rooms). As a reminder,
there is potential criminal and civil liability if this restriction is violated;
3) Conduct of any personal activity in locations where individuals have reasonable expectation
of privacy such as in residences, unless the recording is being made pursuant to a valid arrest
or search warrant of the individuals or locations;
4) During strip or body cavity searches when such is necessary as provided in the warrant;
5) Conduct of tactical planning before the planned operation;
6) Intentionally activated to record conversations/communications between PNP personnel
without their knowledge during routine, and other non-law enforcement related activities;
7) Between confidential informants or undercover officers;
8) Privileged communications between the subject of recordings and other individuals, such
as attorneys, members of the clergy, peer support councilors and medical professionals;
9) While on the grounds of any public, private or parochial elementary or secondary school,
hospitals, churches and other places of worship except when responding to an imminent threat
to life or health; and
10) Other circumstances as may be provided by the trial court issuing the warrant which is part
of constitutional privilege and where the dignity of an individual may outweigh the public
necessity for recording.

Section 2-4 Use of Force Policy

2.8 Application of Necessary and Reasonable Force.
In the lawful performance of duty, a police officer shall use necessary and reasonable force to
accomplish his/her mandated task of enforcing the law and maintaining peace and order.
A police officer, however, is not required to afford the offender/s attacking him/ her the opportunity for a
fair or equal struggle. The necessity and reasonableness of the force employed will depend
upon the number of aggressors, nature and characteristic of the weapon used, physical
condition, size and other circumstances to include the place and occasion of the assault. The
police officer is given the sound discretion to consider these factors in employing reasonable
force.
During confrontation with an armed offender, only such necessary and reasonable force shall be
applied as would be sufficient to overcome the aggression by the offender; subdue the clear
and imminent danger posed by him/her; or to justify the force/act under the principles of self-
defense, defense of relative, defense of stranger or fulfillment of duty, in accordance with the
elements laid down by law and jurisprudence. The excessive use of force to arrest or immobilize
the suspect during police operation is prohibited.

2.9 The Force Continuum. It is a linear-progressive decision-making process which displays the
array of police reasonable responses commensurate to the level of suspect/law offender’s
resistance to effect compliance, arrest and other law enforcement actions (Annex “C”).
It allows police officer responses to be flexible and/or employ reasonable force in either sequential,
consecutive or combination of options against the dynamic suspect/s or law offender/s threats
or resistances. In all instances, the professional and respectable deportment of police as public
 safety servants, civil use of language, well-mannered decorum and utmost respect for human
rights shall be observed.

a. Three Approaches on The Use of Force Continuum

1) Non-Lethal Approach. This involves the police presence in crime-prone areas and the
employment of activities or actions to persuade and/or request cooperation of people
particularly suspects and law offenders to police instructions and other control efforts.
2) Less Lethal Approach. This involves the employment of less lethal equipment that do not
cause serious injury and/or death and that less physical measures have been tried and deemed
inappropriate purposely to ensure cooperation, compliance or surrender. The age, gender and
health condition of offenders shall be considered before the employment of less lethal
equipment.
3) Lethal Approach. This involves the employment of lethal equipment usually as last resort.
Lethal force will only be employed when all other approaches have been exhausted and found
to be insufficient to thwart the life-threatening actions or omissions posed by armed suspect or
law offender. This approach carries with it the greater responsibility as it may result to severe
injury and serious bodily harm and/or death.

b. Guidelines on the De-Escalation of Response. At any time when the suspects or law
offenders comply, cooperate or surrender to police control efforts, the police officer must de-
escalate to the appropriate level of approach. However, he/she shall remain vigilant on the
possibility of escalation of response whenever reasonable and necessary or depending on the
prevailing situation.

2.10 Responsibility of the Police Officer in Charge of the Operations. The police officer who is in
charge of the operation shall, at all times, observe the Force Continuum and exercise control
over all police personnel in the area of operation to protect lives and properties.

Section 2-5 Use of Firearm During Police Operations

2.11 Use of Firearm When Justified. The use of firearm is justified if the offender poses an imminent
danger of causing death or injury to the police officer or other persons. The use of firearm is
also justified under the doctrines of self-defense, defense of a relative, and defense of a
stranger. However, one who resorts to self- defense must face a real threat on his/her life, and
the peril sought to be avoided must be actual, imminent and real. Unlawful aggression should
be present for self- defense to be considered as a justifying circumstance.
The police shall not use warning shots during police operation except when the police officer is
outnumbered and overpowered, and his/her life and limb is in imminent danger.

2.12 Firing at Moving Vehicles is prohibited. A moving vehicle and its occupants shall not be fired
upon except when its occupants pose imminent danger of causing death or injury to the police
officer or any other person, and that the use of firearm does not create any danger to the public
and outweighs the likely benefits of its non-use.
In firing at a moving vehicle, the following parameters should be considered:
a. The intent of the suspect/s to harm the police officer or other persons;
b. The capability of the suspect/s to harm with certainty the police officer or other persons; and
c. Accessibility or the proximity of the suspect/s from the police officer and other persons.
2.13 Filing of an Incident Report After the Use of Firearm. A police officer who fires his/her service
firearm or weapon during a confrontation with an offender or offenders must submit an incident
report outlining the circumstances necessitating the use of his/her firearm.
2.14 Procedures After an Armed Confrontation. Immediately after an armed confrontation, the
officer who is in charge of the operation, when applicable, shall:
 a. Secure the site of confrontation;
b. Check whether the situation still poses imminent danger;
c. Take photographs;
d. Evacuate all wounded to the nearest hospital regardless of the extent of injury;
e. Keep arrested suspects in isolation;
f. Conduct debriefing on all involved PNP operatives;
g. Submit After-Operations Report; and
h. Ensure psychological stress counselling for all involved PNP Operatives.

CHAPTER 3 POLICE OPERATIONS

All PNP personnel shall respect and uphold the human rights and dignity of all persons at all times
during the conduct of any police operations.

Rule 1 Patrol Operations

1.1 Patrol Guidelines
a. Conduct briefing before and debriefing after patrol operations
b. Perform firearm and equipment check prior to dispatch.
c. Observe precautionary measures and personal safety while on patrol;
d. Plan out patrol routes based on prevailing crime trends and patterns;
e. Observe defensive driving and follow traffic rules and regulations;
f. Establish good rapport with people on your beat and be familiar with all the people in the
community;
g. Patrol members must be always on the look-out for indications of vices and other illegal
activities on their beat;
h. Patrol members must be knowledgeable of all conditions, events and details of places on their
beat;
i. Be observant of people, places, situations or conditions and develop an inquisitive attitude
especially if the subject appears to be slightly out of the ordinary;
j. Keep under close observation actions of juveniles, troublemakers / agitators and the mentally
ill/retarded persons and report information to the concerned agency for appropriate action;
k. When requiring proof of identification from any person, let him/her hand it over to you;
l. Patrol members must inform tactical operations center before responding to any incident.

1.2 Patrol Duties

a. Patrol Supervisors
1) Make a patrol plan with the following details:
a) Area Coverage: safe haven, ambush areas and crime- prone areas;
b) Organizational detail of personnel;
c) Duration;
d) Stand-by points; and
e) Route plan.

2) Designate members of the patrol team/s;

3) Conduct personnel and equipment check;
4) Conduct briefing prior to dispatch by disseminating any orders, directives or instructions from
the Chief of Police (COP) or higher authorities and new policy or guidelines being implemented
by the PNP Organization;
5) Render hourly report of personnel location and situation through radio/telephone/cellphone to
Police Community Precinct (PCP)/ Station Headquarters Tactical Operation Center (TOC);
6) Render after-patrol report duly signed by duty supervisor. PCP Commanders shall collate and
submit significant details to the Station Patrol Supervisor, who in turn, will submit the same to
 the Provincial/District Patrol Supervisor; and
7) Conduct debriefing immediately after the completion of patrol duties.

b. Patrol Officers
1) Attend the roll call formation before his/her Tour of Duty for briefing and likewise attend the after
Tour of Duty formation for debriefing;
2) Patrol the assigned beats, observe and check suspicious people, structures/buildings,
compounds and vehicles;
3) Observe and monitor public gatherings, prevent disorders and disperse unlawful assemblies;
4) Inspect and/or conduct surveillance in various business establishments and other installations
and remove hazards to public safety;
5) Check suspicious vehicles (private, public, or commercial/delivery vehicles) in the course of their
patrol;
6) Report occurrences and conditions which relate to crime, public peace, order and safety;
7) Prevent crimes and arrest criminal offenders;
8) Conduct regular visitations, dialogues/consultations with the residents and other
stakeholders;
9) Assist personnel of responsible agencies/unit in facilitating the flow of traffic at busy
intersections/roads within his/her Area of Responsibility (AOR), assist and provide pedestrian
information such as directions and street locations;
10) Respond to calls, entertain complaints, initiate the investigation and protection of the crime
scene and minimize the after-effects of accidents, fires and other catastrophes;
11) Wear the prescribed patrol uniform;
12) Have the necessary equipment; and
13) Strictly observe “Buddy System” during the patrol operations.

c. Guidelines and Procedures when Responding to Calls for Police Assistance

1) Gather and note down in the patrol officer’s notebook all available data as to the nature of the
calls, date, time and name of the caller. It may be regular, urgent or emergency in nature.
2) Responding officers shall validate first before responding to calls for police assistance
especially in areas with presence of threat groups.
3) The manner of approach will be dependent on the nature of the call, either with haste/secrecy
or with/without flashing lights and sirens.
4) Consider the pertinent factors like the time, traffic conditions, the possibility of greater damage
and the neighborhood characteristics.
5) Whenever practicable and available, use and activate the BWC and comply with the guidelines
and policies on the use thereof.
6) Stop the patrol car some distance from the scene.
7) Approach the scene on foot, in complete silence and exercising extreme caution.
8) Immediately attend to the injured unless the other members of the patrol are in imminent
danger.
9) Focus all efforts to arrest criminals; however, priority shall be given to aiding the injured.
10) Determine the crime committed, identify and question briefly the victim/complainant and
possible witnesses at the scene.
11) If the suspects or criminals have fled the scene before the arrival of the patrol team, interview
witnesses and immediately relay any information gathered regarding the composition,
appearance of the suspect, weapons used, mode and direction of escape and other
information which may lead to the arrest of the suspects to the Operations Center for the
conduct of dragnet operations.
12) When responding to street fights/brawls, the patrol member may call for back-up before
intervening. If there are no injuries and insufficient corroborative statements obtained to
identify who started the fight, bring both parties to the police station for appropriate action.
13) Treat all calls for police assistance properly including complaints of nuisances caused by
excessive sound, odor, smoke, blinding light among others
14) When responding to calls for police assistance due to suspected explosive device, never
attempt to handle, move or lift the object. Instead contact TOC and request for Explosive
Ordinance Disposal Team/K9 (EODT/K9). Immediately isolate and cordon the area within a
safe distance from the suspected device. Divert the flow of traffic if necessary.
15) When responding to calls from beerhouses, KTV bars, or any other similar establishments,
ensure that all the lights are switched on.
16) When responding to request for police assistance involving domestic violence, dispute
between neighbors and landlords/ tenants, as much as possible, seek the presence of
barangay officials and DSWD personnel as the case may be.
17) When responding to crime incidents involving a woman, either as victim or suspect, the
presence of a female police officer is necessary.
18) When responding to police assistance related to highly infectious diseases, immediately inform
the barangay concerned and the Station TOC for the observance of the health standard
protocol.
19) When responding to cybercrime, secure and preserve the evidence and immediately seek
assistance from cybercrime investigators.
20) When responding to a hostage taking situation, secure the scene, establish perimeter security
and inform tactical operations center.

Rule 2 Law Enforcement Operations

2.1 Stopping and Frisking (Pat-Down Search)
a. When to Stop and Frisk (Pat-Down Search)
1) Stopping. The police officer may stop a person only when there is genuine reason to believe,
based on experiences and the particular circumstances that a criminal activity may be afoot.

The police officer must be able to point to specific facts that, when taken together with rational
inferences, reasonably warrant the stop. Such facts include, but not limited to the following:
a) The person is reported to be allegedly involved in a criminal activity;
b) The actions or demeanor of the person suggest that he/she is engaged in a criminal activity;
c) The person is carrying something illegal or when his/her clothing bulges in a manner that
suggests he/she is carrying a weapon; and
d) The person is seen at the time and place proximate to an alleged crime incident and/or flees at
the sight of a police officer.

2) Body Frisking (Pat-Down Search). A police officer has the right to perform body frisking if the
person has been stopped with genuine reason to believe that he/she carries weapon/s and
poses a threat to the police officer’s or another person’s safety. Circumstances which may
justify body frisking (pat-down search) include but not limited to the following:
a) Visual indication suggesting that the person is carrying a firearm or other deadly weapon;
b) The type of crime believed to have been committed by the person, particularly crimes of
violence where the threat of use or use of deadly weapon is involved; and
c) The threatening demeanor of the person.
b. Procedures and Guidelines

1) Stopping
a) When approaching the person, the police officer shall clearly identify himself/herself and
present his/her identification card.
b) Police officers shall be courteous at all times but remain cautious and vigilant.
c) Before approaching more than one person, police officers should determine whether the
 circumstances warrant a request for back-up or whether the stopping should be delayed until
such back-up arrives.
d) Police officers shall confine their questions in relation to the grounds for stopping the person. In
no instance shall a police officer stop a person longer than the period reasonably necessary.
e) Police officers are not required to inform the person of his/ her rights under the law (i.e.
Miranda Warning, Anti-torture law, etc.) unless the person is placed under arrest.

2) Body Frisking (Pat-Down Search). When genuine reason justifies body frisking (pat-down
search), it shall be done with due caution, restraint, and sensitivity in the following manner:
a) Whenever possible, body frisking shall be done by at least two police officers, one to do the
search while the other provides security. it shall be done with the person in a standing position
with hands raised. the police officers are permitted only to feel the outer clothing of the person.
Police officers shall not place their hands inside the pockets of the clothing unless they feel an
object that could probably be a weapon, such as a gun, knife, club, or the like.
b) If the person is carrying an object such as a handbag, suitcase, briefcase, sack, or other
similar items that may conceal a weapon, the police officer shall not open the item but instead
put it in a place out of the person’s reach.
c) If the external patting of the person’s clothing fails to disclose evidence of a weapon, no further
search may be made. If a weapon is found and the possession of which constitutes a violation
of the law, the police officer shall arrest the person and conduct a complete search.
c. Reporting After Stopping or Body Frisking. If after stopping or body frisking and the police
officer finds no basis for making an arrest, he/ she should put it on record in his/her patrol
notebook. If he/she finds a ground for a valid warrantless arrest, then an arrest shall be made.

2.2 Checkpoints
a. Authority to Establish Checkpoints. The establishment of checkpoints shall be authorized
by the Head of Office of the territorial PNP unit and manned by uniformed PNP personnel.
Other units may establish checkpoints in coordination with the Head of Office of the territorial
PNP unit in the area. For this purpose, the Heads of Offices of territorial units are the following:
1) Regional Director (RD);
2) District Director;
3) Provincial Director;
4) City Director;
5) Chief of City/Municipal Police Station;
6) Station Commander;
7) Sub-Station Commander; and
8) Police Community Precinct Commander.

b. Composition. In the establishment of checkpoint, the checkpoint team shall be composed of,
but not limited to, the following:
1) Team Leader (TL) - shall lead and take responsibility in the conduct of checkpoint preferably a
Police Commissioned Officer (PCO). In the absence of a PCO, the most Senior Police Non-
Commissioned Officer (PNCO) will act as Team Leader;
2) Spotter/Profiler – shall point/profile suspected vehicle subject for checkpoint;
3) Verifiers – shall conduct document verification, search, seizure and arrest, if necessary, initial
custody of seized evidence;
4) Search/Arresting personnel – shall search, seize illegal items and arrest offenders;
5) Forward/Rear Security– shall provide security in the checkpoint area and block/pursue
fleeing suspects/vehicle;
c. Checkpoint Guidelines
1) Checkpoints are established to enforce laws, rules, and regulations, and when there is a need to
arrest a criminal or fugitive from justice.
2) Mobile checkpoints are authorized only when established in conjunction with ongoing police
operations. Only marked vehicles with blinkers turned on shall be used in mobile checkpoints.
3) Designation of the personnel manning the checkpoint shall be left to the sound discretion of
the Team Leader (TL), preferably with female personnel especially when there is an
anticipated involvement of a female suspect.
4) The PNP Checkpoint team shall be composed of a minimum of eight personnel with a TL, two
verifiers, one spotter, two forward security and two rear security.
5) The team manning the checkpoints must have immediate contact with any elected public official,
and representative from the National Prosecution Service (NPS) or the media in case illegal
drugs are seized or recovered.
6) The team should encourage the participation of the Local Government Units (LGUs), PNP
accredited Civil Society Groups, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), business
organizations, media and other stakeholders during the conduct of police checkpoint
operations. However, their participation must be limited only as observers except for LGU
personnel mandated to enforce laws and ordinances such as but not limited to traffic
enforcers, meat inspectors and Barangay Public Safety Officers (BPSO).
7) PNP personnel manning the checkpoint must have a presentable appearance while wearing
the prescribed uniform. Likewise, the civilian members must also be in their organization’s
uniform with their names conspicuously displayed for identification. In no case shall the civilian
components be allowed to bear firearms during the checkpoint.
8) The area where the checkpoint shall be established must be well-lighted with a visible signage
bearing the name and contact number of the PNP unit and the TL.
9) Due courtesy must be accorded to all road users during the conduct of checkpoint.
10) Team members must greet all persons subject for inspection, extend apology for the
inconvenience, appeal for understanding, state the reasons of the checkpoint and thank them
for their cooperation.
11) The team must signal the motorist(s) to slow down and courteously request to turn-off the
headlights and turn on cabin lights.
12) The conduct of inspection of vehicle during a routine checkpoint is limited to a visual search,
done with due respect to all road users and conducted in a manner of least inconvenience.
The occupants cannot be compelled to step out of the vehicle. Any search, seizure, and arrest
shall be in accordance with the law.
13) A valid search must be authorized by a search warrant duly issued by an appropriate authority.
However, a warrantless search can be made in the following cases:
a) When there is genuine reason to believe that the occupant/s of the vehicle have just committed,
is actually committing or is about to commit a crime; or
b) On the basis of prior information which are reasonably corroborated by other attendant
matters.
14) Violations/infractions of the law during the checkpoint shall be immediately acted upon
following legal procedures. Arrested persons must be apprised of their constitutional rights.
15) The security of the PNP personnel, and most especially that of the civilians participating in the
checkpoint, must be given due consideration in the planning of the operation.
16) As much as possible, only the forward/rear security team members are allowed to display their
rifles and should be positioned where they can best provide security to the checkpoint team.
17) Checkpoint personnel may also provide police assistance in the vicinity e.g., giving directions
to inquiring motorists or passersby.
18) Designated TL assigned at the checkpoint shall be responsible for the actuations and behavior
of his/her personnel and shall be accountable under the doctrine of Command Responsibility.
19) The TL must submit an after-checkpoint report immediately upon termination of the operation.
d. Procedures in the Conduct of PNP Checkpoint
1) The TL shall inform his/her Chief of Police/ Station Commander and Station TOC of the location
of the checkpoint to be established;
2) The Unit Commander or official representative of NSUs and mobile forces must coordinate with
the concerned LPU through its TOC or by other means before commencing with the
checkpoint;
3) The station TOC shall then coordinate with the Higher Headquarters (HHQ) TOC, adjacent PNP
units and other friendly forces of the established checkpoints;
4) The TL shall brief the PNP personnel, as well as the civilian components present, regarding
the proper conduct of the checkpoint and their assigned tasks prior to their deployment;
5) The TL shall account his/her personnel and check if they are in the prescribed uniform. He/she
shall ensure that their names are visible at all times. If wearing a ballistic vest, raincoat,
reflectorized vest and other accessories worn over the uniform, their names shall likewise be
visible;
6) The TL shall also check the following equipment including, but not limited to:
a) Marked police vehicles (including police motorcycle it available);
b) Signages:
(1) Warning signs: (e.g., slowdown checkpoint ahead, checkpoint 20 meters ahead, etc); and
(2) Information signs: name and contact number of the unit and TL.

c) Firearms with basic load of ammunition;

d) Ballistic vest;
e) Handheld and vehicle base radios;
f) Flashlights;
g) Megaphone; and
h) BWC or ARD.

7) The Spotter/Profiler of the team will be pre-positioned in a place where he/she can best
point/profile suspected vehicles prior to their approach to the checkpoint;
8) Search/Arresting personnel shall flag down suspected vehicles and conduct search, seizure
and arrest, if necessary. The search must be in accordance with the plain view doctrine except
when there is a genuine reason to believe, based on experiences and the particular
circumstances of each case, that criminal activity may be afoot;
9) In the event of seized drugs, the seizing personnel of the team having initial custody and
control of the drugs shall immediately conduct physical inventory and photograph the same on
site in the presence of the accused or the person/s from whom such items were confiscated
and/or seized, or his/her representative or counsel and any elected public official to include
representative from the media or NPS, if available, who shall be required to sign the copy of
the inventory and be given a copy thereof. However, under justifiable grounds or
circumstances, like when the safety of the team is compromised, the inventory may be done at
the nearest police station or at the nearest office of the apprehending team;
10) In case the team has no investigator as team member, the arrested person/s and seized items
shall be turned over to the station duty investigator for proper disposition;
11) In the event that the checkpoint is ignored, and the occupants of the vehicle opened fire on the
personnel manning the checkpoint, the response of the team shall be in accordance with the
use of Force Continuum as prescribed in Chapter 2 Section 2-4 of this POP;
12) The TL shall inform the station TOC before terminating the checkpoint. He/she shall conduct
debriefing of personnel and submit after activity report for information of the COP/Station
Commander prior submission to HHQ.

e. Procedures in the Conduct of On-the-Spot (Hasty) Checkpoints

1) Hasty checkpoint shall be immediately established upon receipt of the instruction/
order/clearance from the Unit Commander;
2) PNP personnel conducting mobile patrols on board patrol vehicles will initially man the
checkpoint, to be complemented with the arrival of reinforcement. A collapsible prescribed
signage with markings: “Stop, Police Checkpoint” if available, indicating also the name and the
contact number of the concerned police office/unit and TL conducting the operations, will be
used for the purpose;
3) In the case of PNP personnel conducting Internal Security Operation (ISO) or foot patrol, where a
vehicle and collapsible signage is not readily available, the team shall hastily put-up improvised
barriers/ barricades or early warning signages to indicate the established checkpoint that is
manned by said personnel;
4) The team shall immediately inform the station TOC of the nearest police unit of the exact
location of the hasty checkpoint established to include the name and contact number of the TL
and equipment used;
5) Where there is a possibility of high-risk stop and/or arrest, and public safety might be at risk, no
civilian or media shall be allowed in the area;
6) The Unit Commander of the personnel manning the hasty checkpoint shall immediately send
additional personnel, equipment and signage to the area in order to convert the Hasty
Checkpoint into a standard Checkpoint; and
7) As soon as the Hasty Checkpoint is converted into a standard Checkpoint, TL shall follow the
procedures in the conduct of PNP checkpoint stated in Rule 2.2d of this POP.

f. Procedures in the Conduct of Joint Checkpoints

1) Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Checkpoints
a) The establishment of COMELEC checkpoints must be in accordance with the Omnibus
Election Code, election laws and prevailing resolutions. The procedures in the conduct of PNP
checkpoint stated in Rule 2.2d of this POP shall be made supplemental;
b) As much as possible, there shall be at least one COMELEC checkpoint for each city/
municipality. However, additional checkpoints, may be established in coordination with the
Election Officer (EO).
c) Additional checkpoints coming from PNP units other than the LPUs shall be coordinated with
the concerned COP/Station Commander and EO.
d) In establishing on-the-spot (hasty) checkpoints, the team leader shall give prior notice and
coordination with the EO having jurisdiction over the area.

2) Inter-Agency Checkpoints (DENR, DA, BFAR, etc)

a) There shall be an existing agreement and/or written request from the agency concerned prior
to the establishment of checkpoint.
b) In case of apprehension, the nominal complainant shall be the concerned agency and will be in
charge in the conduct of investigation, filing of cases and custody of evidence. All arrested
persons shall be in the custody of the PNP.
c) The signboard to be placed on the checkpoint shall bear the names and contact numbers of
both PNP and agency TL.

3) Joint PNP-AFP Checkpoints

a) The PNP shall take the lead role in a joint PNP-AFP checkpoint.
b) The signboard to be placed on the checkpoint shall bear the names and contact numbers of
both PNP and AFP TL.
c) In case of arrest and seizure, the PNP shall take cognizance of the case.

g. General Procedures to be Followed When Checkpoint is Ignored

1) If the checkpoint is ignored and/or the motorist bumps the signage in an attempt to elude arrest
or avoid inspection, the team shall pursue the fleeing motorist and immediately inform the
adjacent units about the situation and the available description of the vehicle and passenger/s
to establish hasty defensive roadblock and dragnet operation.
2) The pursuing team shall use megaphones or built-in public address system in the police car with
blinkers and sirens switched on during the pursuit to order the fleeing motorist to stop and to
warn other road users following the rules on the use of firearm during police operations in
Chapter 2 Section 2-5 of this POP.
3) If the motorist stops, the procedures in flagging down vehicles in Rule 2.3 paragraphs eto i of
this POP shall apply.
4) If the fleeing motorist opens fire at the pursuing team, the reasonable force provided in the use of
force continuum in Chapter 2 Section 2-4 of this POP to overcome the aggression must be
employed.

2.3 Flagging Down Vehicles

a. Procedures in Flagging Down Vehicles for Possible Involvement in the Commission of a
Crime.
1) Before flagging down the vehicle, call the station TOC and provide the following available
information:
a) Plate number and/or conduction sticker;
b) Brand/make, series, type (sedan, SUV, AUV, etc) and color;
c) Number and/or description of occupants;
d) Reason(s) for the planned intervention;
e) Location and its direction.

2) The station TOC shall immediately verify with the provincial/city highway patrol team with the
said vehicle information. Simultaneous verification can be made with the Land Transportation
Office (LTO) vehicle verification system thru text number 2600 by texting “LTO vehicle (vehicle
plate number).” Example: LTO vehicle ABC1234;
3) If upon verification, the motor vehicle is not involved in any crime the patrollers shall no longer
pursue the vehicle;
4) If subject of an alarm or complaint, the patroller shall direct the driver to pull over or stop on the
road side.
5) If the vehicle stops, the patrollers shall likewise position their vehicle in an advantageous
distance behind the subject vehicle.

6) Using the vehicle public address (PA) system, patrollers shall introduce themselves and
command the driver to do the following:
a) Roll down the window;
b) Turn on the hazard light;
c) Turn on the cabin light if necessary; and
d) Switch off the engine;

7) If the vehicle occupants are compliant, the patrollers shall cautiously approach the vehicle from
behind and perform the following:
a) Inform them the reason why they were stopped;
b) Require the driver to present his/her driver’s license and OR/ CR of the vehicle; and
c) Direct the driver to follow them to the nearest police station/ unit;

8) Verify the authenticity of the driver’s license with the LTO vehicle verification system thru text
number 2600 by texting “LTO license (license number)”. Example: LTO license A1234567890
9) If the vehicle occupants are non-compliant, the patrollers shall perform the following as
warranted by the circumstances:
a) Remain in the patrol vehicle, request for back-up, remain tactically alert and warn civilians in
the area of a possible armed confrontation;
b) Using the PA system, repeatedly demand the driver to comply with the instructions in Rule 2.3a6)
and to throw the ignition key outside the vehicle;
c) If capable, effect the arrest of occupants in accordance with the provisions on Arrest Without
Warrant under Rule 2.6e of this POP; and
d) If back-up is necessary, wait for their arrival before effecting the arrest;

10) If the motorist flees, despite the repeated warnings the team shall pursue the fleeing motorist
and immediately update the station TOC and adjacent units about the current situation;
11) If the intervention resulted in an armed confrontation, the response shall be in accordance with
the Force Continuum in Chapter 2 Section 2-4 and Procedures After an Armed Confrontation
in Chapter 2 Section 2-5 paragraph 2.14 of this POP; and
12) Update the station/unit TOC of the development.

b. Procedures in Flagging Down Vehicles for Violation of Traffic Laws, Rules and
Regulations
1) The applicable procedures provided in Rule 2.3a shall be followed;
2) If the motor vehicle is under a nationwide alarm, it shall be reported to the nearest HPG office
within 48 hours;
3) Immediately issue a Traffic Violation Receipt (TVR), or Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) as
appropriate. Never indulge in prolonged and unnecessary conversation or argument;
4) Confiscation of any unauthorized or illegal device or accessory such as those provided in
Presidential Decree (PD) No. 96 shall be covered by a receipt;
5) In case of impoundable offenses, inform the motorist of the violation and where the vehicle will be
impounded. The said vehicle shall be covered with a Technical Inspection and Inventory
Receipt (TIIR) and an impounding receipt; and
6) In cases where there is reasonable ground to believe that the driver is drunk, the procedures in
flagging down motorists who are under the influence of alcohol, and/or dangerous drugs and
similar substances provided in Rule 2.3c of this POP shall be followed.

c. Procedures in Flagging Down Motorists Who are Under the Influence of Alcohol, and/or
Dangerous Drugs and Similar Substances.
In the implementation of the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Law (RA 10586), the flagging down
should be incidental to a traffic stop or preceded by a probable cause that the deputized PNP
personnel has reasonable ground to believe that the motorist is under the influence of alcohol,
dangerous drugs and/or other similar substances upon personally witnessing a traffic offense
committed by means of lane straddling, making sudden stops, speeding, swerving or weaving.
The evident smell of alcohol in a driver’s breath, generally slurred speech in response to questioning,
bloodshot or reddish eyes, flushed face, poor coordination, difficulty in understanding and
responding intelligently to questions shall also constitute probable cause.
As far as practicable, there must be at least one personnel in the accosting team who is trained and
deputized by the LTO and equipped with a calibrated Alcohol Breath Analyzer (ABA). In the
absence of a deputized PNP personnel, the team shall immediately seek his/her assistance if
there is a suspected drunk or drugged motorist.

1) Screening for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

The deputized police officer shall perform and be guided by the following:
a) Upon personal determination of probable cause, he/she shall flag down the motor vehicle,
 direct the motorist to step out of the vehicle, and determine whether the driver is under the
influence of intoxicating drink or substance. If there is reasonable ground to believe that the
motorist is drunk, expressly inform the motorist of his/her assessment and direct him/her to
perform all the three field sobriety tests (eye test, walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand) on site;
b) Record the motorist’s responses to the field sobriety tests to form part of the records of the
case;
c) If the motorist fails any of the three field sobriety tests, determine his/her blood alcohol
concentration (BAC) level, through the use of the ABA on site;
d) If the motorist passes all of the three field sobriety tests, he/ she shall be cited for the initial
traffic offense only and shall no longer be subjected to ABA test;
e) A motorist who refuses to undergo the mandatory testing as required shall have his/her driver’s
license confiscated and be cited for all other violations that he/she has committed. If upon
assessment the motorist poses hazard to the public, he/she will not be allowed to continue
driving and he/she shall be brought to the police station for proper disposition;
f) A motorist who registered a BAC above the allowable limit shall be placed under arrest and
the motor vehicle shall be turned over to the nearest LTO or other authorized impounding
area;
g) In case of a BAC within the allowed limit, he/she shall only be cited for the initial traffic offense;
h) A motorist who has undergone and passed the field sobriety test and/or ABA test may be
subjected to a drug screening test;
i) If the ABA test exceeds the allowable limit, the deputized PNP personnel with the assi stance of
the duty investigator shall prepare pertinent documents for the filing of case.

2) Screening for Driving Under the Influence of Dangerous Drugs and Other Similar
Substances
The deputized police officer shall perform and be guided by the following:
a) Upon personal determination of probable cause, he/she shall flag down the motor vehicle, direct
the motorist to step out of the vehicle, and determine whether the motorist is under the
influence of intoxicating drink or substance. If there is reasonable ground to believe that the
motorist is drugged, he/ she shall expressly inform the motorist of his/her assessment and shall
bring the motorist to the nearest police station;
b) The motorist shall be subjected to a drug screening test by the crime laboratory. If found
positive, a drug confirmatory test shall be conducted;
c) A motorist who has undergone and passed the drug test shall not be subjected to a field sobriety
test and/or ABA test;
d) After a positive confirmation, the deputized PNP personnel with the assistance of the duty
investigator shall prepare pertinent documents for the filing of case;
e) If the confirmatory drug test turns out negative, the motorist shall only be cited for the initial
traffic offense.

3) Mandatory Alcohol and Chemical Testing of Drivers Involved in Road Crash Incidents
a) A motorist involved in a road crash incident resulting in the loss of human life or physical
injuries shall be subjected to onsite field sobriety test and ABA testing, whenever practicable,
and thereafter, chemical tests, including a drug screening test and, if necessary, a drug
confirmatory test as mandated under RA 9165, to determine the presence and/or
concentration of alcohol, dangerous drugs and/or similar substances in the bloodstream or
body. Other alcohol testing equipment, such as Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy
(GCMS) may be used, whenever the use of an ABA is not practicable under prevailing
circumstances.
b) A motorist who refuses to undergo the mandatory testing as required shall have his/her driver’s
license confiscated and be cited for all other violations that he/she has committed. He/she shall
be brought to the nearest police station for the filing of the appropriate case.
2.4 High-Risk Stop and High-Risk Arrest. This is the stopping/accosting and restraint of armed
and dangerous person/s, aboard a vehicle/vessel or on foot, including the power to use all
necessary and legal means to accomplish such end.

a. General Setting
1) Initial Stage
Upon receipt of information regarding the movement of persons/ groups involved in the
commission of a crime, or unauthorized movement of armed person/s or group/s, including
government troops, the following shall be performed:
a) Ensure that there are personnel/team tailing and monitoring the movement of the fleeing
person/s or group/s;
b) Organize appropriate tactical security forces utilizing maximum firepower, armor, water and air
assets as the case may be;
c) Deploy the security forces to stopping zones in defensive position; and
d) Seal off the area and establish strong roadblocks/ barricades.

2) Effecting a High-Risk Stop and Arrest

When effecting high-risk stop, the police officer shall:
a) Exert utmost effort to persuade the suspects to halt or stop their movement;
b) Start with the procedural conduct of regular warrantless arrest where arrest is inevitable;
c) Ensure proper documentation of the process; and
d) Respect the rights of all the persons involved.
3) During Violent Stage
The PNP shall strictly adhere to Use of Force Policy provided in Chapter 2 Section 2-4 of this POP,
particularly on the Force Continuum.

b. Maritime Setting
1) Initial Stage
a) For movements of suspects towards ports, piers and coastal areas, the concerned units shall
coordinate with the Maritime Group (MG);
b) Coordination with other maritime agencies such as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG),
Philippine Navy (PN), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) among others shall
be made when necessary; and
c) In case the suspects are aboard a vessel, the description of the vessel shall be determined
and the location for possible maritime interdiction shall be identified for deployment of police
patrol vessel.

2) Effecting a High-Risk Stop and Arrest

a) During seaborne interdiction, the applicable procedure for high-risk vessel boarding shall be
followed under the Maritime Law Enforcement procedures of the MG;
b) During the high-risk vessel boarding, the procedure on the Force Continuum under Chapter
2 Section 4 shall be followed; and
c) After the high-risk vessel interdiction, the arrested suspects and seized evidence shall be
processed following the rule on arrest, search and seizure.

3) During violent stage

a) The patrol vessel shall be maneuvered in a position and direction that will minimize possible
damage to the vessel and minimize risk to the interdiction team;
b) During this stage, the procedures on the Force Continuum under Chapter 2 Section 2-4 of this
 POP and the Maritime Law Enforcement procedures of the MG shall be followed.
c) All injured suspect shall be brought to the nearest hospital and provided medical intervention
as necessary;
d) All arrested suspects and seized evidence shall be processed following the rule on arrest, search
and seizure; and
e) The suspect’s vessel shall be brought to the impounded area pending the disposition of the case
filed in court.

c. Airport Setting
1) Landside Area
a) Initial Stage
If a vehicle disregarded the Vehicle Screening Area (VSA) and drove fast towards the terminal
building, the following procedures shall be undertaken:
(1) VSA personnel shall immediately inform all security forces in the airport using radio, cellphone
and other fastest means of communication; and
(2) They shall pursue the fleeing vehicle and stop them before reaching the terminal building.

b) Effecting a High-Risk Stop and Arrest

The VSA personnel shall direct the driver to park at the roadside following the procedures in
flagging down vehicles provided under Rule 2.3a of this POP.
(1) If the fleeing vehicle failed to stop, the VSA personnel shall immediately inform the Aviation
Security Group (AVSEGROUP) personnel at the terminal building to activate airport lockdown
procedure; and
(2) They shall continue pursuing the fleeing suspects until arrested.

c) During Violent Stage

(1) If the fleeing vehicle deliberately hit the airport users or rammed the airport terminal barriers,
AVSEGROUP personnel shall use or employ all necessary and absolute force to stop the
vehicle and its occupants.
(2) If the vehicle finally stops, follow the applicable provisions of the Force Continuum provided in
Chapter 2 Section 2-4 of this POP.

2) Airside Area
a) Initial Stage
If the fleeing vehicle is able to reach the terminal building and its occupants dismounted, the
following procedures shall be undertaken:
(1) Immediately direct the terminal building guards to close the entrance gate; and
(2) If the suspect is unarmed, direct him/her to stop and surrender following the procedures on
Arrest provided under Rule 2.6 of this POP.

b) Effecting a high-risk stop and arrest

The contingency plan for such incident embodied in the airport security program of the concerned
airport shall be applied.

c) During violent stage

If the fleeing vehicle was not stopped and has reached the airside area, the contingency plan of such
incident embodied in the airport security program of the concerned airport shall be applied.

2.5 Police Defensive Roadblock. Police Defensive Roadblock is a temporary installation or hastily
built barricade set for halting traffic to facilitate the neutralization of an armed person/suspect
onboard a motor vehicle.
a. Pre-Conditions in Establishing Police Defensive Roadblocks. A police defensive
 roadblock may be established in any of the following conditions/situations:
1) The object vehicle/s must be the subject of a recent flash alarm;
2) The driver/occupants of the vehicle are presumed hostile and will not stop at the checkpoint;
3) The vehicle disregarded a police-established checkpoint when flagged down;
4) The identified vehicle and occupants must be the subject of a police case/combat operational
plan;
5) There is unauthorized troop movement; or
6) There must be validated information on any of the following:
a) On-going hot pursuit/police chase;
b) Movement of suspected armed persons onboard a motorvehicle;
c) Report of suspected armed men who have just committed a crime;
d) Vehicle carrying escaped prisoner; or
e) Armed motorcycle riding criminals.

b. Procedures in Establishing Roadblock

1) Upon receipt of information/order to immediately establish a police defensive roadblock, the
Officer-of-the-Day (OD) or the most senior police officer on duty of the concerned unit shall
organize sufficient police tactical security forces, utilizing maximum firepower and other
available equipment (if any) and shall immediately proceed to the designated area;

2) Upon arrival, immediately set up physical barriers using all available resources in the vicinity. The
TL shall perform the following:
a) Inform the headquarters the exact location of the roadblock to include personnel involved,
available equipment and marked vehicles;
b) Brief the elements/members on the purpose of the police roadblock and their method of
intervention;
c) Immediately contact adjacent units to inform them of the situation so that these units can
conduct dragnet operation, while the members of the pursuing team shall tail or pursue the
fleeing suspect’s vehicle;
d) Designate forward observers/spotters and rear security;
e) Deploy security forces in a strategic and defensive position;
f) Place road spikes or tire deflation system if available; and
g) Designate a recorder to ensure that the whole intervention procedure is documented;

3) As much as possible, the area where the roadblock shall be established must be properly
lighted during nighttime with noticeable signage;
4) Police car lights must be turned on at all times during the operation;
5) When the suspect’s vehicle stops, the procedures in flagging down vehicles for possible
involvement in the commission of a crime in Rule 2.3a of this POP shall be followed.

6) Procedures when suspects open fire/engage the troops:

a) In the event that the occupants of the vehicle open fires on the personnel manning the
roadblock, the procedures in the Force Continuum under Chapter 2 Section 2-4 of this POP
shall be applied;
b) Avoid panic firing;
c) Avoid collateral damage;
d) Account for the fatalities and give immediate medical assistance to the injured; and
e) Secure the crime scene and wait for the arrival of SOCO and Investigator-on-case (IOC).

7) When the suspect/s surrender or are arrested, they must be informed of the arresting officer’s
identity, authority and the basis of the arrest and apprised of their constitutional rights;
8) Fleeing Vehicles
If the motorist flees despite the repeated warnings the team shall:
a) Pursue the fleeing motorist and immediately update the station TOC and adjacent units about
the current situation;
b) Fleeing vehicles shall not be fired upon;
c) Inform the headquarters of the make or type, plate number and color of the motor vehicle to be
accosted including the number of occupants and, if possible, their identity; and
d) Give mobile car’s location and the direction of the suspect’s escape

9) After the police defensive roadblock operation, an after operations report must be submitted.

2.6 Arrest
a. General Guidelines
1) All arrests should be made only on the basis of a valid warrant of arrest issued by a judge,
except in instances where the law allows warrantless arrest.
2) No violence or unnecessary force shall be used in making an arrest, and the person to be
arrested shall not be subjected to any restraint greater than what is necessary under the
circumstances. (The Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure, rule 113 sec. 2).
3) Arrests can be made on any day of the week and at any time of the day or night (The Revised
Rules of Criminal Procedure, rule 113 sec. 6).
4) If the accused is already in detention, a return, together with required documents, shall be
made for any standing warrants of arrest issued after the service.
5) A senator or member of the House of Representatives shall, in all offenses punishable by not
more than six years imprisonment, be privileged from arrest while the congress is in session. No
member shall be questioned nor be held liable in any other place for any speech or debate in
the congress or in any committee thereof (Const. (1987), art. VI sec. 11 (Phil.).
6) Diplomatic agents and couriers, under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961
p8), are not liable to any form of arrest or detention.

b. Authority of the Arresting Officer when Making an Arrest

1) A police officer making a lawful arrest may verbally summon as many persons as he/she
deems necessary to assist him/her in effecting the arrest (The Revised Rules of Criminal
Procedure, rule 113 sec. 10).
2) A police officer, in order to make an arrest with or without warrant, may break into a building or
enclosure where the person to be arrested is or is reasonably believed to be in, if he is refused
admittance thereto, after announcing his/her authority and purpose (The Revised Rules of
Criminal Procedure, rule 113 sec. 11).
3) Whenever a police officer has entered the building or enclosure to make an arrest, he/she may
break out therefrom, when necessary, to liberate him/herself (The Revised Rules of Criminal
Procedure, rule 113 sec. 12).
4) If a person lawfully arrested escapes or is rescued, any person may immediately pursue to
retake him/her without a warrant at any time and in any place within the Philippines (The
Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure, rule 113 sec. 13).

c. Duties of the Arresting Officer

1) In implementing the warrant of arrest, the arresting officers shall use at least one BWC and one
ARD, or a minimum of two devices, or such number as may be necessary. In case of
unavailability of BWCs, the arresting officers shall file an ex-parte motion (Annex “D”) before
the court, requesting authority to use at least two ARDs for justifiable reasons.
2) The BWC/ARD shall be used and activated upon arrival at the place of arrest to capture and
 record the relevant incidents during the execution of the warrant. The BWC/ARD shall be worn
in a conspicuous location and in a manner that maximizes the ability to capture a recording of
the arrest. It shall only be deactivated upon conclusion of the arrest and delivery of the
person/s arrested to the nearest police station or jail. The same shall be observed in cases of
warrantless arrests, whenever BWCs/ARDs were used.
3) It shall be the duty of the police officer implementing the Warrant of Arrest to deliver the arrested
person without delay to the nearest Police Station or jail (The Revised Rules of Criminal
Procedure, rule 113 sec. 3) to record the fact of the arrest;
4) At the time of the arrest, it shall be the duty of the arresting officer to inform the person arrested
of the cause of the arrest and the fact that a warrant had been issued for his/her arrest. The
arresting officer need not have the warrant in his/her possession at the time of the arrest but
after the arrest, if the person arrested so requires, the warrant shall be shown to him/her as
soon as possible (The Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure, rule 113 sec. 7);
5) When a woman is arrested, a policewoman shall conduct the complete body search;
6) When a Child in Conflict with the Law (CICL) is arrested, he/she shall be processed by the
Women’s and Children’s Protection Desks (WCPD) officer and shall immediately be separated
from other adult suspects. He/she must be turned over to the LSWDO or other accredited
NGOs within eight hours after apprehension;
7) If a foreign national is arrested, the arresting officer through his/ her COP/Unit Commander,
shall perform the following:
a) Simultaneously inform the Foreign Liaison Division (FLD), Directorate for Intelligence (DI), PNP
Command Center (PCC) and the immediate higher office through Short Messaging System
(SMS) within one hour upon the arrest;
b) Submit a written report of the incident within eight hours to the immediate higher office.

8) In case of arrest without a warrant, it shall be the duty of the arresting officer to inform the person to
be arrested of his/her identity, authority and the basis of the arrest except when he/she flees or
forcibly resists before the arresting officer has the opportunity to inform him/her or when the
giving of such information will imperil the arrest (The Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure, rule
113 sec. 8);
9) The person arrested, with or without warrant, shall be informed of his/her constitutional right to
remain silent and that any statement he/she makes could be used against him/her. Also, that
he/she has the right to communicate with his/her lawyer or his/her immediate family and the
right to physical examination. It shall be the duty of arresting officer to subject arrested person
with or without warrant to a medical examination prior to temporary detention;
10) A person arrested without a warrant shall be immediately brought to the Police Station for
investigation without unnecessary delay. He/she shall be subjected to inquest proceedings
within the time prescribed in Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC);
11) No torture, force, violence, threat, intimidation, or any other means which vitiate the free will shall
be used against an arrested person. The bringing of arrested persons to secret detention
places, solitary confinement and the like is prohibited;
12) The arresting officer shall ensure that the arrested person is free from torture or physical
abuse;
13) If the person arrested without a warrant waives his/her right under the provisions of Art 125 of
the Revised Penal Code, the arresting officer shall ensure that the former signs a waiver of
detention in the presence of his/her counsel of choice; and
14) If the person arrested waives his/her right against self-incrimination and chooses to give his/her
statement, the arresting officer shall ensure that the waiver is made in writing and signed by the
person arrested in the presence of a counsel of his/her own choice or a competent and
independent counsel provided by the government.
d. Arrest with Warrant
1) Warrant of Arrest
The warrant of arrest is the written authority for the arresting officer when making an arrest or taking of
a person into custody in order that he/she may be bound to answer for the commission of an
offense. The head of the office to whom the warrant of arrest has been delivered for
implementation shall cause the warrant to be implemented within ten days from receipt. Within
ten days after the expiration of such period, the police officer to whom it was assigned for
implementation shall make a report to the judge who issued the warrant and in case of his/her
failure to implement the same, shall state the reasons thereof.

2) Procedures in Serving Warrant of Arrest

a) Verify the validity of the Warrant of Arrest;
b) In serving the warrant, the police officer should introduce himself/herself and show proper
identification;
c) The person/s arrested shall be notified as early as practicable, that the arrest is being recorded
with the BWC/ARD and that the arrest is by virtue of the warrant;
d) Make a manifestation of authority against the person to be arrested;
e) If refused entry, the police officer may break into any residence, office, building, and other
structure where the person to be arrested is in or is reasonably believed to be in, after
announcing his/her purpose;
f) The police officer need not have a copy of the warrant in his/her possession at the time of the
arrest. If the person arrested so requires, the warrant shall be shown to the arrested person as
soon as possible;
g) Secure the person to be arrested and use handcuffs for the protection of the arresting officer,
other individuals or the arrested person himself/herself;
h) Conduct thorough search for weapons and other illegal materials on the person arrested and
surroundings within his/her immediate control;
i) Inform the person to be arrested of his/her rights under the law (i.e. Miranda Warning and
Anti-torture Warning);
j) No unnecessary force shall be used in making an arrest;
k) Confiscated evidence shall be properly documented with the chain of custody of evidence duly
and clearly established;
l) Bring the arrested person to the Police Station or office of the arresting unit for documentation;
m) Make a Return of Warrant to the court of origin (Annex “E”);
n) Deliver the arrested person to the designated jail/prison facility immediately upon the receipt of
the commitment order from the court; and
o) In case of failure to execute the warrant of arrest, the officer to whom it was assigned for
execution shall, within 30 days from such assignment, file a report stating the reasons for such
failure.

e. Arrests without a Warrant

1) A peace officer or a private person may, without a warrant, arrest a person:
a) When, in his/her presence, the person to be arrested has committed, is actually committing, or
is attempting to commit an offense;
b) When an offense has just been committed and he/she has probable cause to believe, based
on personal knowledge of facts or circumstances, that the person to be arrested has
committed it;
c) When the person to be arrested is a prisoner who has escaped from a penal establishment or
place where he/she is serving final judgment or temporarily confined while his/ her case is
pending, or has escaped while being transferred from one confinement area to another (The
Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure, rule 113 sec. 5);
d) Where the accused released on bail attempts to leave the country without court permission;
e) Violation of conditional pardon, punishable under Article 159 of the Revised Penal Code as a
case of evasion of service of sentence; and
f) Arrest following a Deportation Proceeding by the Immigration Commissioner against illegal and
undesirable aliens.

2) Effecting Warrantless Arrest

a) Make use and activate the BWC/ARD if available and practicable. Notify the person/s arrested,
as early as practicable, that the arrest is being recorded with the BWC/ ARD;
b) Freeze or restrain the suspect/s;
c) Make proper introduction as to identity and authority to arrest;
d) Inform the arrested person of the circumstances of his/ her arrest and recite the Miranda
Warning and Anti-torture Warning to him/her;
e) Secure the person to be arrested and use handcuffs for the protection of the arresting officer,
other individuals or the arrested person him/herself;
f) Conduct thorough search for weapons and other illegal materials on the person arrested and
surroundings within his/her immediate control;
g) Confiscated evidence shall be properly documented with the chain of custody of evidence duly
and clearly established;
h) No unnecessary force shall be used in making an arrest; and
i) Bring the arrested person to the police station for further investigation and disposition.
f. Physical/Medical Examination of Arrested Person/Suspect. Before detention, the person
arrested must be physically/medically examined by a medical doctor preferably of his/her own
choice. If the person arrested is a female, she shall be attended to preferably by a female
medical doctor.
g. Booking of Arrested Suspect. Booking of arrested suspects shall be undertaken to record and
document the information surrounding the arrest of the suspect.

The following are the procedures, duties and responsibilities of personnel during the booking of
arrested suspects:
1) Arresting Officer (AO) shall:
a) Immediately bring the suspect/s to the police station and present him/her to the Desk Officer
(DO) for recording in the police blotter the circumstances of the arrest as well as his/ her
identity;
b) Conduct a more thorough body search of the suspect/s. When women and/or minors are
among those arrested, the duty WCPD officer shall do the thorough body search. Any deadly
weapon and illegal items found and seized shall also be recorded in the blotter. The AO shall
indicate his/her rank and name and duly sign in the blotter entry;
c) Request the DO to prepare the “Request for Medical Examination of the Suspect” Form
(Annex “F”);
d) Bring/escort the suspects to the government hospital referred to in the request form for the
examination of the suspects;
e) After the physical/medical examination of the suspects, bring them back to the police station
and turn them over, with the results of the examination, to the Duty Investigator (DI); and;
f) Obtain the “Arrest and Booking Form” (Annex “G”) and refer it to the DI so that they will
diligently accomplish it. The copy of the Arrest and Booking Form shall form part of the case
folder and be kept at the Investigation Section at the police station;
g) Prepare and file the corresponding report to the judge on the execution of the warrant. The
report shall be accompanied by affidavits of the PNP personnel whose BWCs/ARDs were used
(Annex “H”), stating the following:
(1) The date, time, and place of the recording;
(2) The manner by which the recording was taken and stored, and when applicable, the fact of
 unavailability of BWCs and that a resort to ARDs was necessary, and the circumstances detailing
the non-activation, interruption, or sudden termination of the recording;
(3) The fact that persons of the recording were notified of the use of BWCs/ARDs;
(4) The date, time, place and other circumstances surrounding the first instance of retrieval or
download of the recording from the cameras;
(5) The names and positions of the persons who had possession of and access to the recordings,
including details of such access, from the time of their taking until their deposit with the court;
(6) The fact of redaction of personal identifiers appearing in the recording whenever applicable,
the special circumstances justifying such redaction, and the details redacted;
(7) Whenever applicable, a certification that both unredacted and redacted files containing the
recordings are submitted to the court;
(8) The names and positions of the officers who will be delivering the recordings to the court;
(9) Reasonable ground in case of noncompliance with any of the requirements on the use of
BWCs/ARDs, including all acts undertaken showing genuine and sufficient efforts exerted to
ensure compliance thereof.

2) Desk Officer (DO) shall:

a) Log and record the details of the arrest made and assign a blotter entry number. It shall
include the name of the arresting officer and the five “W”s and one “H” (Who, What, Where,
When, Why and How) as well as the name of the government hospital to where the suspect/s
will be referred to for physical/medical examination; and
b) Prepare or accomplish the “Medical Examination of the Suspects Request Form” (Annex “F”)
to be signed by the OD. In his/her absence, the DO may sign the request form himself/herself.

3) Duty Investigator (DI) shall:

a) Diligently accomplish the “Arrest and Booking Form” (Annex “G”) and “Medical Examination
Result Sheet” (Annex “I”) with the AO and ensure that a copy of the results of the physical/
medical examination is attached;
b) Conduct record check to determine if the arrested suspect/s have previous or existing cases
and/or standing warrant of arrest;
c) Ensure that Mug Shots of the suspects are taken in four different methods while standing
straight in front of the prescribed booking mug shot backdrop and holding the prescribed
identification board. The 4R mug shots shall be attached or printed in the “Booking Mug Shots”
Form (Annex “J”);
d) While completing the necessary documents for inquest, the arrested suspect shall be
temporarily turned-over to the jailer/custodial officer and covered by a “Turn-over of Arrested
Suspect/s” Form (Annex “K”) and a “Jailer’s Receipt of Suspects” Form (Annex “L”);
e) All personal valuables of the suspect that are not allowed to be brought inside the custodial
facility shall be collected by the Investigator and turned-over to the station Evidence/ Property
Custodian. The Investigator shall prepare a “Suspects Property Receipt” Form (Annex “M”);
f) Ensure that the suspects’ fingerprints and tenprints are taken only by a trained personnel using
both the “Arrest and Booking Form” (Annex “G”) and the standard “Tenprint Card” PNPCL Form
No 452-038 (Annex “N”) to ensure that this will be readable by the Automated Fingerprint
identification System (AFIS). The tenprint card is considered as an integral part of the booking
form;
g) Inform the Desk Officer and personnel in charge of the Next Generation Investigation Systems
(NGIS) of the status of the case and the suspect so that updates will be entered in the police
blotter and the NGIS;
h) Prepare the necessary documents such as but not limited to: affidavit of complaint; affidavit of
witness; booking and arrest report; photo copy of recovered evidence if any; and a letter of
case referral to the Prosecutor’s Office that should be reviewed and signed by the
 COP/Station/Unit Commander; and
i) Submit to the prosecutor conducting the inquest proceedings, the BWC/ARD recordings along
with the affidavit of arrest, in case of warrantless arrests.

4) The PNP personnel who wore the BWC/ARD shall

a) Turn-over to the Data Custodian all recordings for downloading from the BWC/ARD after the
conduct of arrest; and
b) Execute the affidavit of arrest, in coordination with the DI and other arresting officers, if any.

5) The Data Custodian (DC) shall:

a) Receive, have custody, download within 24 hours from the recording, store to an external
media storage device and encrypt all recordings of BWCs/ARDs in the conduct of arrest and
simultaneously deposit the same in a sealed package with the issuing court. In case of
warrantless arrests, the DC shall turn-over the sealed package to the DI who will be
responsible to submit the same to the inquest prosecutor. This shall include recordings captured
by media representatives relative to Section 21 of RA 9165, as amended;
b) Retain a back-up copy for justifiable reasons for a period not exceeding 15 days, only with
leave of court;
c) Ensure the security, confidentiality and integrity of the recordings;
d) Redact sensitive information, images and other personal identifiers from the recordings, such
as in cases involving minors, sexual offenses, or domestic violence. Submit all redacted and
unredacted file/s to the court;
e) Ensure that no tampering is done during the downloading process. Consequently, allow the
subjects of the recordings or their counsels to witness the downloading of the recordings from the
BWCs/ARDs prior to safekeeping.
f) Preserve the metadata contained in the BWC/ARD recordings;
g) Limit viewing access of the footage to:
(1) Any person who is a subject of the recording or his/her counsel;
(2) The parent, guardian, or counsel of any minor who is a subject of the recording;
(3) The spouse, next of kin, or legally authorized designee of a deceased subject of the recording,
or his/her counsel; and
(4) PNP personnel whose camera captured the recording belongs;

h) Provide a copy of the recording to the persons enumerated in aforementioned item g) (1) to (3)
should the person subject of the recording consented to its use in a court proceeding, and if the
request is done within five days from data downloading.

2.7 Search and Seizure

a. Requisites for the Issuance of Search Warrant.
A search warrant shall be issued only upon probable cause in connection with one specific offense to
be determined personally by the judge after examination under oath or affirmation of the
complainant and the witnesses presented. The search warrant shall particularly describe the
place to be searched and the things to be seized which may be anywhere in the Philippines. It
includes the order requiring the use of at least one BWC and one ARD, or a minimum of two
devices, or such number as may be necessary to capture and record the relevant incidents
during its execution.

1) The following properties may be the objects of a search warrant:

a) Properties which are the subject of the offense;
b) Stolen, embezzled proceeds, or fruits of the offense; and
c) Objects including weapons, equipment, and other items used or intended to be used as the
means of committing an offense.
2) Objects that are illegal per se, even if not particularly described in the search warrant,
may be seized under the plain view doctrine.

b. Validity of Search Warrant

1) The warrant shall be valid for ten days from date of issuance and may be served at any day
within the said period. Thereafter, it shall be void.
2) If, in the implementation of the search warrant, its object or purpose cannot be accomplished in
one day, the search shall be continued without let up even if it exceeds one day or more until
completed, provided it is still within the ten-day validity period of the search warrant.
3) If the object or purpose of the search warrant cannot be accomplished within the ten-day
validity period, the responsible police officer conducting the search must file, before the issuing
court, an application for the extension of the validity period of said search warrant.

c. Time of Search
The warrant should be served during daytime, unless there is a provision in the warrant allowing service
at any time of the day or night.

d. Applications for Search Warrant

All approved applications shall be recorded in a logbook, duly maintained for the purpose, indicating
the name of the applicant, name of the respondent, nature of the offense, and date of the
application as required in the “Application for Search Warrant”, “Joint Affidavit”, and Deposition
of Witness (Annexes “O”, “O-1” and “O-2”).

1) Contents of the Application:

All applications for Search Warrant shall be approved for filing by the Chief of Office.
The application shall indicate the following data:
a) Office applying for the Search Warrant;
b) Name of officer-applicant;
c) Name of the subject, if known;
d) Exact address/place(s) to be searched;
e) Specific statement of things/articles to be seized; and
f) Sketch and/or Picture, if available, of the place to be searched.
g) The availability or unavailability of BWCs to be used in the execution of the warrant. In case of
unavailability, request for authority to use ARDs.
e. Authority of Police Officers when Conducting Search

The authority of the police officer in the conduct of search generally emanates from the Search
Warrant issued by the court. In warrantless searches, there should always be a prior valid
arrest.
In the conduct of search, if after giving notice of his/her purpose and authority, the police officer is
refused admittance to the place of search, he may break open any outer or inner door or
window or any part of a house or anything therein to implement the warrant or liberate
himself/herself or any person lawfully aiding him/her when unlawfully detained therein.

f. Use of BWC During the Search

1) At least one BWC and one ARD or such number as may be necessary to capture and record
the relevant incidents during its execution shall be worn by members of the searching team. If
BWCs are not available, at least two ARDs must be used.
2) The member of the searching team with the device shall ensure that they are worn in a
conspicuous location and in a manner that maximizes their ability to capture a recording of the
 search.
3) The BWCs/ARDs shall be activated upon arrival at the place of search, and shall not be
deactivated until the search has been fully concluded and the searching team have left the
premises and returned to the police station.
g. Notification During the Search. When conducting search by virtue of a warrant, the PNP
personnel wearing the BWC/ARD shall, as early as practicable, notify the lawful occupants of
the premises to be searched that the execution of the SW is being recorded and that the
conduct of search is pursuant to a warrant issued by the court.
h. Prohibited Acts in the Conduct of Search by Virtue of a Search Warrant
1) Houses, rooms, or other premises shall not be searched except in the presence of the lawful
occupant thereof or any member of his/her family or, in the absence of the latter, in the
presence of two witnesses of sufficient age and discretion residing in the same locality.
2) Lawful personal properties, papers, and other valuables not specifically indicated or particularly
described in the search warrant shall not be taken.

i. Inventory and Delivery of Property Seized

1) The police officer who confiscates property under the warrant shall issue a detailed receipt of
property seized to the lawful occupant of the premises. In the absence of such occupant, the
detailed receipt shall be left in the place in which he/she found the seized property in the
presence of at least two witnesses of sufficient age and discretion residing in the same locality
(The Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure, rule 126 sec. 11);
2) The receipt shall likewise include items seized under the Plain View Doctrine;
3) The police officer must then leave a duplicate detailed receipt with any barangay official having
jurisdiction over the place searched following the “Receipt for Property Seized” and
“Certification of Orderly Search” (Annexes “P” and “P-1”); and
4) The police officer must make a return of the search warrant and forthwith deliver the property
seized to the judge who issued the warrant, together with an inventory thereof, duly verified
under oath following the forms on “Compliance/Return of Search Warrant” and “Verification”
(Annexes “Q” and “Q-1”).

j. Downloading of Data from the BWC/ARD:

1) After the conduct of search, all recordings from the BWC/ARD shall be turned-over to the Data
Custodian who shall undertake the following:
a) Receive, have custody, download within 24 hours from the recording, store to an external
media storage device and encrypt all recordings of BWCs/ARDs in the conduct of search and
simultaneously deposit the same in a sealed package with the issuing court. This shall include
recordings captured by media representatives relative to Section 21 of RA 9165, as amended;
b) Ensure the security, confidentiality and integrity of the recordings;
c) Redact sensitive information, images and other personal identifiers from the recordings, such
as in cases involving minors, sexual offenses, or domestic violence. Submit all redacted and
unredacted file/s to the court;
d) Ensure that no tampering is done during the downloading process. Consequently, allow the
subjects of the recordings or their counsels to witness the downloading of the recordings from the
BWCs/ARDs prior to safekeeping;
e) Preserve the metadata contained in the BWC/ARD recordings;

f) Limit viewing access of the footage to:

(1) Any person who is a subject of the recording or his/her counsel;
(2) The parent, guardian, or counsel of any minor who is a subject of the recording;
(3) The spouse, next of kin, or legally authorized designee of a deceased subject of the recording,
or his/her counsel; and
(4) PNP personnel whose camera captured the recording belongs;
g) Provide a copy of the recording to the persons enumerated in items f) (1) to (3) above should
the person subject of the recording consented to its use in a court proceeding, and if the
request is done within five days from data downloading.

k. Affidavit of Search and Submission of Recordings to Court

1) Upon filing of the Return, all recordings from the BWCs/ARDs used during the execution of the
SW shall be stored in an external media storage device and simultaneously deposited in a
sealed package with the issuing court.
2) In case of redaction of personal identifiers in the recordings, both the redacted and unredacted
files shall be submitted to the court.

3) The Return shall be accompanied by affidavits of the searching team members whose
BWCs/ARDs were used to capture the recordings, and shall state the following:
a) The date, time, and place of the recording;
b) The manner by which the recording was taken and stored, and when applicable, the fact of
unavailability of BWCs and that a resort to ARDs was necessary, and the circumstances
detailing the non-activation, interruption, or sudden termination of the recording;
c) The fact that persons of the recording were notified of the use of BWCs/ARDs;
d) The date, time, place and other circumstances surrounding the first instance of retrieval or
download of the recording from the cameras;
e) The names and positions of the persons who had possession of and access to the recordings,
including details of such access, from the time of their taking until their deposit with the court;
f) The fact of redaction of personal identifiers appearing in the recording whenever applicable,
the special circumstances justifying such redaction, and the details redacted;
g) Whenever applicable, a certification that both unredacted and redacted files containing the
recordings are submitted to the court;
h) The names and positions of the officers who will be delivering the recordings to the court;
i) Reasonable ground in case of noncompliance with any of the requirements on the use of
BWCs/ARDs, including all acts undertaken showing genuine and sufficient efforts exerted to
ensure compliance thereof.

4) In case of death, physical disability, resignation, or separation/ dismissal of the PNP personnel
from the service whose BWCs/ ARDs were used in the execution of the warrant, any member
of the arresting/searching team shall make the affidavit.
5) When death results from the execution of search warrant, an incident report detailing the
search, the reasons why such death occurred, the result of related inquest proceedings, if any
– including possibly those against the PNP personnel causing the death – together with other
relevant documents, shall likewise be submitted.

l. Valid Search and Seizures Without Search Warrant

1) Search Made Incidental to a Valid Arrest. A person lawfully arrested may be searched for
dangerous weapons or anything which may be used, or which may constitute proof in the
commission of an offense, without a search warrant (The Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure,
rule 126 sec. 13). The warrantless search and seizure as an incident to a lawful arrest may
extend beyond the person of the arrested to include the premises or surroundings under his/her
immediate control.
2) Search of Moving Vehicles. If the police officers who will conduct the search have
reasonable or probable cause to believe, before the search, that either the motorist is a law
offender or they will find the instrumentality or evidence pertaining to a crime in the vehicle to be
searched, the vehicle may be stopped and subjected to an extensive search.
3) Seizure Of Evidence in Plain View. Any object in the plain view is subject to seizure and
 may be introduced as evidence. Requirements under the Plain View Doctrine are:
a) The police officer must have prior justification for an intrusion or, otherwise, must be in a
position from which he/she can view a particular area;
b) The discovery of the evidence in plain view is unintentional; and
c) It is immediately apparent to the police officer that the item he/she observes may be evidence
of a crime, contraband, or is a valid subject of seizure.

4) When there is a Waiver of Right or there is Consented Search. To constitute a waiver of

this constitutional right, it must appear, first, that the right exists; second, that the person
involved had knowledge, either actual or constructive, of the existence of such right; that said
person had an actual intention to relinquish the right (“G.R. No. L-45950”, 1938).
5) Searches Under Stop and Frisk Rule. The police officer has the right to stop a citizen,
interrogate him/her, and pat him/her for weapons whenever he/she has genuine reason to
believe, based on experiences and the particular circumstances that a criminal activity may be
afoot.
6) Emergency and Exigent Circumstances. A search warrant could be validly dispensed with in
cases of exigent and emergency situation, and the police officers have reasonable grounds to
believe that a crime is being committed, and they have no opportunity to apply for a search
warrant from the courts because the latter were closed.

2.8 Rules on Anti-Illegal Drugs Operations

a. General Policy and Guidelines:
1) The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is mandated by law to carry out the
provisions of Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165), as amended by RA
10640. It serves as the implementing arm of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), and
responsible for the efficient and effective enforcement of all the provisions of the
aforementioned act on any dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor and essential
chemicals (CPECs).
2) Only PNP Drug Enforcement Group Special Operation Units (PDEG SOUs) and Drug
Enforcement Units (DEUs) of LPUs are authorized to conduct Anti-Illegal Drug Operations
and to coordinate with PDEA.
3) All other operating units are only allowed as support in the conduct of joint operations with
PDEG and/or the concerned DEUs.
4) The PNP is not prevented from conducting warrantless arrests in relation to violations of RA
9165 as amended under Section 5, Rule 113, and search incidental to a lawful arrest under
Section 13, Rule 126 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure.
5) Information concerning parcels containing dangerous drugs, CPECs and drug paraphernalia
shall be reported to PDEA, through the Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group. The PNP
shall provide the necessary support and assistance to the task group, if required.

b. Coordination Requirements
1) Prior to the conduct of all anti-illegal drug operations, PNP anti- drug units shall coordinate with
PDEA Regional Operation Center (ROC), and the LPU having jurisdiction over the area of
operation. Coordination shall be made personally with PDEA ROC to secure a Certificate of
Coordination (COC);
2) PDEA anti-illegal drug operations shall be coordinated with the concerned LPU, prior the
conduct of operation. The PDEA’s Pre- Operation Report and Coordination Form (Annexes “R”
and “S”) shall be received and stamped by the Duty Officer of the LPU indicating his/her name,
signature, time and day of coordination;
3) All operating units shall furnish the concerned LPU a copy of the After-Operation Report
immediately after the termination of every anti-illegal drug operation;
4) There shall only be one COC for every anti-illegal drug operation following the “One-
Jurisdiction, One-Operation” rule, wherein only one anti-illegal drug operation against a
particular suspect/s covering a specific area at a given time shall be conducted;
5) Copies of reports pertaining to other police operations that resulted in the arrest of a person/s
and/or seizure/confiscation of dangerous drugs, CPECs and drug paraphernalia shall be
furnished to PDEA for record purposes;
6) The PDEG SOUs may conduct anti-illegal drug operations nationwide, even in areas where
there is an ongoing anti-illegal drug operation, provided that the area of operation is specifically
identified, and details shall be provided in the Pre-Operation Report and a Coordination
Form;
7) In instances that the operating PDEG SOUs and DEUs shall move to another area not
mentioned in the COC, a new Pre-Operation Report and Coordination Form shall be submitted
to PDEA. When personal coordination cannot be made, an online submission of requirement
for application for issuance of COC is permitted. Only the control number shall be submitted
after the operation in exchange for the original COC, provided that the principle of “One-
Jurisdiction, One-Operation” rule shall apply; and
8) The PNP shall at all times submit to PDEA ROC copies of operational reports such as Spot
Report, Negative Operation Report and Progress Report after the conduct of any anti -illegal
drug operation.

c. Handling, Custody and Disposition of Drug and Non-Drug Evidence (DOJ, 2020).
During the handling, custody and disposition of evidence, the provisions of Section 21, R.A. No. 9165
and its IRR as amended by R.A. No. 10640 shall be strictly observed. Noncompliance, under
justifiable grounds, with the requirements of Section 21 (1) of R.A. no. 9165, as amended, shall
not render void, and invalid such seizures and custody over the items provided the integrity and
the evidentiary value of the seized items are properly preserved by the apprehending
officer/team. Any justification or explanation in cases of noncompliance with the said
requirements, shall be clearly stated in the sworn statements/affidavits of the apprehending
arresting/ seizing officers, as well as the steps taken to preserve the integrity and evidentiary
value of the seized/confiscated items. Photographs of pieces of evidence must be taken
immediately upon discovery of such, including the process of recording the inventory in the
presence of required witnesses. The seizing officer must mark all the evidence seized with
his/her initials and signature as well as the date when the evidence was found/recovered or
seized, numbered consecutively.

1) Drug Evidence
a) Upon seizure or confiscation of dangerous drugs or CPECs, laboratory equipment, apparatus
and paraphernalia, the operating unit’s seizing officer/inventory officer must conduct the
photographing, marking and physical inventory in the place of operation in the presence of:
(1) The suspect/s or the person/s from whom such items were confiscated and/or seized or his/ her
representative or counsel;
(2) An elected public official; and
(3) Representative from the National Prosecution Service (NPS) or media, who shall affix their
signatures and who shall be given copies of the inventory. The Chain of Custody Form for Drug
Evidence, Non-Drug Evidence and for Laboratory (Annex “T”, “U” and “V”), whichever is
applicable, shall also be accomplished together with the Certificate of Inventory of Seized Items
(Annex “W”).

b) For seized or recovered drugs covered by search warrants, the photographing, marking and
inventory must be done in the place where the search warrant was served.
c) For warrantless seizures like buy-bust operations, the photographing, markings, and physical
inventory must be done at the place of apprehension, unless for justifiable reasons, the
 photographing, markings, and physical inventory may be made at the nearest police station or
office of the apprehending officer or team, ensuring that the integrity and evidentiary value of
the seized items remain intact and preserved. Such justification or explanation as well as the
steps taken to preserve the integrity and evidentiary value of the seized/confiscated items shall
be clearly stated in a sworn affidavit of justification/explanation of the apprehending/ seizing
officers.
d) In cases when the execution of search warrant is preceded by warrantless seizures, the
photographing, marking, and inventory of the items recovered from the search warrant shall be
performed distinctly and separately from the photographing, marking, and inventory of the
items seized from warrantless seizures.
e) In case of seizure of plant sources at the plantation site, where it is not physically possible to
count or weigh as a complete entity, the seizing officer shall estimate its count or gross weight,
as the case may be. If it is safe and practicable, the photographing, marking and inventory of
the seized plant sources may be performed at the plantation site. Representative samples of
prescribed quantity pursuant to DDB Board Regulation No. 1, series of 2002, as amended,
and/or DDB Board Regulation No. 1, series of 2007, as amended, shall be taken from the site
after the seizure for laboratory examination, and retained for presentation as the corpus delicti
of the seized/confiscated plant sources following the chain of custody of evidence.
f) Whenever necessary, the dangerous drugs and/or CPECs seized shall be properly packed,
sealed and marked with the initials and signature of the seizing officer as well as the date
when the evidence was found/recovered or seized, numbered consecutively

g) Within the same period, the seizing or inventory officer shall prepare an Inventory Sheet which
shall include but not limited to the following:
(1) Time, date and place of occurrence/seizure.
(2) Identity of person/s arrested.
(3) Identity of the seizing officer and all persons who witnessed the marking and inventory;
(4) Type of operation (e.g. warrantless seizure, buy-bust, etc.)
(5) Description of the vehicle, vessel, place or person searched from where/whom the
substance was found.
(6) Description of packaging, seals and other identifying marks.
(7) Quantity of the seized items.
(8) Description of the substance found

h) As far as practicable, all seized dangerous drugs and/or CPECs shall be immediately
submitted to the PNP Crime Laboratory (CL) for examination and proper disposition.
i) Upon submission of the drug evidence to the PNP CL for examination, all the phases of turn-
over of evidence must have corresponding receipts to show continuance of chain of custody.

2) Non-Drug Evidence (to be covered in a separate inventory sheet and chain of custody
form)
a) The following pieces of non-drug evidence shall be photographed, marked and inventoried:
(1) Buy-bust/marked money, if applicable.
(2) For motor vehicles and other forms of transportation (e.g. vessel/banca, bicycle, airplane):
plate number/ conduction sticker number, color, model, make and type and description.
(3) For firearms: serial number, model, make and caliber, kind and type.
(4) For explosives (after observing safety protocol from EOD unit): description and type.
(5) For other deadly weapons (e.g. knives): description, measurement, quantity.
(6) For smaller pieces of evidence (e.g. ammunition): pertinent information such as quality, quantity
and place where it was seized/recovered.

b) For digital evidence such as computers, cell phones, laptops, other similar gadgets, and storage
 peripherals (e.g. flash drives, cd) the same shall likewise be photographed, marked and
inventoried;
c) For documentary evidence, same procedure regarding photographs, marking, and
inventory shall be followed; and
d) For motor vehicles, vessel/banca, firearms and digital evidence, the same are subject to
verification and processing by the LTO, Firearms and Explosive Division (FED) and Anti-
Cybercrime Group (ACG), and MG as the case may be.

3) Chain of Custody
a) To ensure the preservation of the integrity and identity of the drug evidence, the chain of
custody form shall indicate:
(1) The time and place of the search;
(2) The names of the officers who marked, inventoried and sealed the seized items;
(3) Location of the evidence at the time it was found. If the same was seized from an individual, it
should note exactly where on the person the evidence was found (e.g. right front pocket);
(4) Type of operation for which the evidence was obtained (e.g. evidence of a sale, implementation
of search warrant);
(5) Item numbers of the seized items in numerical sequence consistent with the inventory sheet;
(6) Detailed description of the article at the time it was seized.
(7) Names of officers who took custody and in what capacity they received the evidence from one
officer to another within the chain; and
(8) Time and date every time the transfer of custody of the same evidence were made in the course
of safekeeping until submitted to laboratory personnel for forensic laboratory examination and
presentation in court.

b) The receipt of evidence must be acknowledged by all officers receiving the evidence, whether in
the same or a separate document. Such receipt shall form part of the case folder of the
transmitting unit.
c) The evidence custodian, when applicable, must maintain a logbook that contains information
on:
(1) The person who turned in the evidence for safekeeping;
(2) The date and time thereof;
(3) The person who received it;
(4) The person who requested the same for whatever purpose, who shall affix his/her name,
signature, date and time in the logbook.

When a piece of evidence is turned in, the custodian should check the identification mark on the piece
of evidence to ensure that it is the same item and determine that the item is in the same
condition as when it was discovered. Any change in the physical appearance of the evidence
should be noted and recorded.

2.9 Rules on Anti-Kidnapping Operations. The Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) is the PNP’s lead
unit in the conduct of anti-kidnapping operations in close coordination with the LPU, other law
enforcement agencies and the community (Annex “X”).
a. Types of Kidnapping
1) Kidnapping by Organized Crime Group (OCG)/Criminal Group (CG)
2) Kidnapping by Terrorists Groups (TG)
3) Kidnapping by Other Individuals

b. Concept of Operation
Upon receipt of the kidnapping incident report at the police station, the Desk Officer shall record the
 same in the blotter book. The COP and the investigator shall immediately make an initial
assessment of the reported incident.
If the initial assessment has been confirmed that it is indeed a kidnapping incident, the case shall be
referred to the AKG, otherwise, the incident shall be handled by the concerned LPU.
AKG will form an evaluation team composed of members of the quad staff and duty officer of the day.
They will assess and evaluate the complaint to determine the appropriate operational
response.

1) Kidnapping by Organized Crime Group/Criminal Group

a) If it is assessed as a kidnapping incident by OCGs/CG, AKG will immediately activate the Anti-
Kidnapping Action Team (AKAT) which will handle the investigation, negotiation, operation and
intelligence aspect of the case.
b) The AKAT shall be supported by the concerned LPU and other units.
c) The AKAT will only be deactivated when the victim is rescued and a case is filed.

2) Kidnapping by Terrorists Groups

a) If the case is assessed as a kidnapping perpetrated by TGs, AKG will request for the activation
of the Critical Incident Management Task Group (CIMTG). In case the Joint PNP- AFP Task
force or Crisis Management Committee (CMC), as the case maybe, is activated the PNP shall
provide full support and cooperation.
b) If the incident happens in Mindanao involving local TGs, the Special Task Force (STF) will be
activated with the Deputy Director of the concerned DIPO as the STF head. The STF shall
serve as the primary intelligence and operational arm of the PNP against KFR groups operating
in Mindanao. It shall establish coordinative line with the CMC.

3) Kidnapping by Other Individuals

a) If the alleged kidnapping incident, which is not within the AKG’s mandate, is perpetrated by
other individuals, the concerned LPU shall take the appropriate operational response.
Otherwise, the AKG shall take cognizance of the incident and handle it accordingly.
b) If the kidnapping incident involves a foreign national as victim, the following shall be
undertaken:

(1) By Local Police Unit:

(a) Determine the nationality and other personal circumstances of the foreign kidnapped
victim;
(b) Establish the identity and the relationship of the reportee to the kidnapped victim;
(c) Notify the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and his/her embassy/consulate office, as the case maybe,
and request said office to provide assistance to their citizen like interpreters for non-English
speaking complainants, consular assistance etc; and
(d) Make a thorough assessment and determine if the complaint falls under the category of a
Kidnap- for-Ransom (KFR) case and refer it to the AKG if validated;

(2) By AKG:
(a) Record all complaints referred by other PNP units, Office of the CPNP and other law
enforcement agencies at the complaint section. The complaint will be attended by the Initial
Assessment Team;
(b) Require the complainant to show proof of identity during the initial assessment and properly
record the documents presented;
(c) Assist the complainant to secure the required documents from his/her embassy if the required
documents are missing; and
(d) Inform the embassy of the victim and request their assistance.
2.10 Cybercrime and Cyber-Related Incident Response Operations
a. Cybercrime Response. Cybercrime Response is the actual police intervention in a
cybercrime or cyber-related incident where the acquisition of matters of evidentiary value is
traceable within the computer’s hardware, software and its network.

b. Guidelines in Responding to Cybercrime and Cyber-Related Incidents

1) When responding to a cybercrime incident, or to a crime scene where Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) equipment (e.g computers, digital storage devices and other
electronic devices or equipment) are present, it is imperative for the First Responder (FR) to
protect and preserve the crime scene and seek the assistance of the station IOC to identify
potential evidence such as the following:
a) Contraband or fruits of a crime;
b) Tools used for the commission of the crime; and/or
c) Other items that may be used in the commission of the crime.

2) The FR shall immediately coordinate with the nearest ACG office, through the station TOC or
the IOC, for assistance. Upon arrival of the ACG personnel, they shall immediately conduct the
“bag and tag” procedure on the digital evidence and turn over to the IOC.
3) The concerned investigating unit shall secure and submit a court order and necessary legal
requirements for the ACG to conduct digital forensic examination that is in accordance with the
rule on cybercrime warrants. The evidence seized shall then be subjected to digital forensic
examination by the PNP ACG. The result of the forensic examination, as well as the
testimony of the forensic expert, shall be made available during the trial.

c. Preservation of Seized Computer

Upon determination of how the computer was utilized in the commission of the crime, and once the legal
requirements have been complied with, the following are the guidelines in the preservation of
the seized computer:
1) Secure the Scene
a) Officer’s safety is always paramount.
b) Preserve the area for potential fingerprints.
c) Immediately restrict access to the computer.
d) Disable the internet connection to restrict remote access to the computer

2) Secure the computer as evidence

a) If the computer is “OFF”, do not turn it “ON”.
b) If the computer is “ON”, do not turn it “OFF”, nor touch its mouse or its keyboard.
3) For stand-alone connection or single area connection computers (non-networked)
a) Consult a Digital Forensic Examiner.
b) If a Digital Forensic Examiner is not available, the station IOC shall perform the following:
(1) Photograph screen and disconnect all power sources and plugs including those at the back of
the computer;
(2) Cover or put a tape over each drive slot;
(3) Photograph (or make a diagram) and label parts located at the back of the computer including its
connections;
(4) Label all connectors and cable end to allow reassembly as needed (Example: “Socket” marked
“A” and the “cable End” also marked “A”);
(5) If transport is required, pack the components as “fragile cargo” prior to transport;
(6) Keep it away from magnets, radio transmitters, and from other hostile environment; and
(7) Ensure that only the Digital Forensic Examiner conducts the search for any evidence contained
in the computer hardware;
4) For Networked Computers (or business computers)
a) Consult a Digital Forensic Examiner for assistance.
b) Do not immediately pull the plug to prevent the following:
(1) Severe damage to the system;
(2) Disrupting the legitimate business; and
(3) Possible liability of the police officers.

5) For Ransomware or Malware Attack on a Computer

a) Consult a computer specialist for assistance;
b) Immediately disconnect the computer from the network to avoid the spread of malware to other
computers on the same network; and
c) Do not immediately pull the plug and wait for the computer specialist to arrive.

d. Guidelines in the Treatment of Other Electronic Data Storage Devices

The IOC should understand that other electronic devices may contain viable evidence associated with
the crime. The IOC must ensure that the device should not be accessed unless a warrant has
been issued.

e. Preservation of Seized Mobile Communication Devices

Upon determination of how the mobile communication device was utilized in the commission of the
crime the following are the guidelines to be followed:
1) If the device is turned “ON”, do not turn it “OFF” as it could activate lockout feature
a) Take a photograph of the screen display and write down all information therein;
b) If possible, turn on airplane/flight mode or use a signal blocking container, if available, and record
the steps undertaken;
c) If the device is locked, do not attempt to unlock it; and
d) Bring the power supply cord of the seized device found at the scene.

2) If the device is TURNED “OFF”, leave it “OFF” AS IT could alter evidence in the device.

f. Preservation of Seized Facsimile or Fax Machine or Similar Devices

If the fax machine is “ON”, do not turn it “OFF” as it may cause the loss of the last number dialed or
other stored fax numbers. If possible, all manuals should be seized along with the machine.
Photographs of the machine and its display shall be taken.

g. Preservation of Seized Caller ID Devices and Other Similar Devices

1) The IOC should be able to recognize potential evidence contained in caller ID devices such as
telephone numbers and subscriber’s information from incoming phone calls.
2) The IOC should remember that interruption of the power supply of the caller ID device may
cause loss of data if not protected by an internal battery back-up.

h. Guidelines in the Treatment of Seized Digital Video Recording (DVR) Devices

1) The IOC should be able to recognize potential evidence contained in DVR devices such as the
date and time of occurrence and the persons viewed on the video captured by the Audio and
Video Recorder (AVR) and camera devices; and
2) The IOC should secure a warrant for the conduct of forensic examination/enhancement of
audio video recorded by the DVR device.

i. Acquiring the DVR Devices and/or their Footages/Recording

1) The IOC shall send a Preservation Letter (Annex “Y”) addressed to the DVR device owner
 directing him/her to keep, retain and preserve the footages/recordings; and
2) A court order or a notarized affidavit of consent together with the photocopy of valid ID from
the DVR device owner or authorized administrator must be secured to obtain the original
and/or duplicate copies of footages/recordings.

Rule 3 Internal Security Operations

The PNP shall provide active support to the AFP in Internal Security Operations (ISO) for the
suppression of the TGs and other serious threats to national security. In the conduct of ISO,
the PNP quad concept shall be integrated and applied.
3.1 The PNP in an Active Support Role
The PNP shall perform the following:
a. In white areas of operation, the PNP may assume the lead role in ISO against the TGs, other
threats to national security and OCGs engaged in armed offensives. In red areas of operation,
the AFP will assume the lead role (AFP-PNP JLD No.3, 2020);
b. Coordination with the territorial AFP and other uniformed services must be made in writing
before the conduct of ISO. However, in justifiable circumstances, electronic means may be
allowed;
c. Specific areas where atrocities initiated by the TG occurred, such as but not limited to ambush,
harassment, arson, raid, liquidation and bombing, shall be treated as a crime scene. The LPU
shall conduct the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI); and
d. Specific areas where armed encounters occurred shall likewise be investigated by the LPU for
purposes of evidence and intelligence gathering.

3.2 Law Enforcement Operations Against Terrorist Groups and other Threats to National
Security.
The PNP shall take the lead role in the conduct of sustained law enforcement operations against TGs
and other threats to national security to include but not limited to the service of warrant of
arrest, implementation of search warrant, entrapment, and hot pursuit.
In the conduct of law enforcement operations in Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)
areas/communities identified by the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), coordination with the
latter shall be made by the implementing/operating PNP Unit Commander.

3.3 Target Hardening.

Police stations, patrol bases of mobile forces and established checkpoints, especially those located in
far-flung areas, are prone to attacks. As such, security measures to prevent atrocities of
terrorist groups must be undertaken such as but not limited to:
a. Conduct of security survey and inspection to assess defense viability;
b. Strengthen physical security measures and defense to prevent unauthorized access;
c. Develop security consciousness among personnel through education and training;
d. Conduct regular Red Teaming Operations to check and provide solutions to identified gaps in the
security plan;
e. Conduct community organization and mobilization activities to encourage the community to
immediately report the presence and plans of TGs;
f. Internalize and put into practice the 11 General Orders of a Duty Guard. (Annex “Z”) Likewise,
personnel on duty shall always carry issued long firearms and ammunition rig/bandoliers with
basic load and wear bulletproof vest;
g. Whenever there is an arrested individual identified to be a member or associated with TGs, a
mandatory DNA collection sample should be taken from the arrested individual upon request of
the arresting police unit to the PNP CL in support to investigation and as part of the record/
database of the PNP for future investigation/intelligence operations; and
h. Regularly conduct simulation exercise on camp defense to improve operational readiness of
PNP personnel and capabilities.

Rule 4 Public Safety Operations

4.1 PNP Critical Incident Management Operational Procedures (CIMOP)
As a matter of policy, human-induced (man-made) critical incidents are the responsibilities of the
National and Local Peace and Order Council (NPOC) while natural calamities and disasters
are the responsibilities of the National and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Council (NDRRMC). Lower-level organizations of the NPOC and NDRRMC take cognizance of
the responsibilities ascribed in their national organization. The PNP, being at the forefront of
crisis situations, must play an active role by organizing its own Critical Incident Management
Committee (CIMC) to support the NPOC and NDRRMC.
The Crisis Management Committee (CMC) is primarily concerned with the formulation of crisis
management procedures, integration and orchestration of government, military/police and
public efforts towards the prevention and control of crisis incidents. All actions and decisions
taken by the CMC shall be within the policies laid down by the corresponding Peace and Order
Councils (POCs).
The National POC (NPOC) chaired by the Secretary of Interior and Local Government (SILG) is
tasked to contribute to the strategies of the National Security Council, coordinate and monitor,
and serve as a forum for deliberation for peace and order concerns. This Council outlines its
roles and responsibilities to threats to peace and order.
The Incident Command System (ICS) shall be adopted as a template in responding to critical
incidents. This provides guidance to the PNP’s roles on how to organize its assets to respond
to an incident and processes to manage the response through its successive stages.

a. Types of Critical Incidents

PNP Incident Management Operations complement the Peace and Order Councils (POCs) – CMCs
and DRRMC from the National, Regional, Provincial, City and Municipal levels. The
procedures under this Rule shall be observed by all PNP Units/Offices with respect to their roles
in addressing human induced incidents and police responses to natural calamity and disaster
(PNP MC 2013-021 “PNP Critical Incident Management Operational Procedures”).
1) Natural Calamity and Disaster. In the event of natural calamity and disaster, the PNP shall act
as the first responder in the affected area in order to provide area security and support in the
conduct of search, rescue and retrieval operations to be spearheaded by the area DRRMCs.
2) Human Induced Incidents. In the event of human induced incidents,
the PNP shall respond to two different situations:
a) To manage an incident that could be resolved by ordinary police response without the
involvement of the Crisis Management Committee (CMC);
b) To manage an incident that needs a CMC–directed operation requiring the implementation of
special tasks by one or more of the urgent services of the Philippine government.
Both actions of the PNP in either situation follow the ICS operational procedures.
All actions of the PNP in addressing these critical incidents are in support to the POC – CMCs and
DRRMCs with common objectives of saving lives and properties, resolution of the critical
incidents at the earliest possible time, and restoration of normalcy in the affected areas.
Based on the National Crisis Management Core Manual series of 2012, the National Crisis
Management Framework provides a comprehensive approach to understand the components
of a crisis or the 5Ps of Crisis Management: Predict, Prevent, Prepare, Perform and Post-
Action and Assessment (Annex “AA”).
b. Stages in Disaster Management
1) Pre - Disaster Stage - Pro-active Assessment. When there is no disaster or calamity:
a) Risk Mapping and identification of disaster-prone areas;
b) Identification of staging areas, evacuation routes and evacuation centers;
c) Disaster response drills, simulation exercises and trainings for flood, earthquake, fire etc;
d) Meeting of regular Task Groups and Sub-Task Groups together with respective levels of the
National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils;
e) Capability audit (manpower, machines, materials, money and methods);
f) Awareness campaign through TRIMP; and
g) Community mobilization activities such as but not limited to:
(1) Sewerage clean-up;
(2) De-clogging of waterways, canals, esteros; and
(3) Clearing of unauthorized structures in disaster prone areas.

2) Disaster Response Stage - Disaster Incident Management (Level 2 - Red). When there is an
impending natural calamity or when an unexpected human-induced incident and natural
calamity occur:
a) Natural Calamity
(1) Activation of Disaster Incident Management Task Groups (DIMTG);
(2) Coordination with NDRRMC to support its disaster response;
(3) Employment of alarm and warning systems such as the use of police sirens and other portable
warning systems capable of producing loud wailing sound;
(4) Pre-emptive evacuation of residents in affected areas in coordination with concerned
government agencies; and
(5) Provision of security in calamity area and support search, rescue and retrieval operation,
evacuation and emergency medical services in coordination with concerned DRRMC.

b) Human Induced Incident

(1) Activation of Critical Incident Management Task Group (CIMTG);
(2) Coordination with NPOC-CMC or its equivalent to support its crisis response;
(3) Evacuation of residents in the crisis area in coordination with concerned government agencies;
and
(4) Provision of security in crisis area and support search, rescue and retrieval operation,
evacuation and emergency medical services in coordination with concerned agencies.

3) Post-Disaster Stage - Support to Recovery and Rehabilitation Efforts (Level 3- White).

a) Acquisition of Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) reports from
concerned Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of the affected areas;
b) Deployment of personnel for relief operations;
c) Provision of security and traffic assistance to returning evacuees;
d) Submission of After Disaster Response Report to the C, PNP copy furnished DRRMC; and
e) Deactivation of the DIMTG/ CIMTG when the situation is already manageable in disaster-
stricken area.
In the Management of the Dead and Missing Persons (MDM) the PNP CL shall take the lead in
identifying the remains of victims duringand after human-induced disasters, while the NBI shall
take the lead in the identification of remains of victims during and after a natural calamity.

c. Alert Levels During Human-Induced Critical Incident. Terrorism and threat group alert level
shall be disseminated by TDI to all concerned offices based on the information provided by
NICA.
1) Level 1 (Low) – There is no information to suggest a specific human-induced critical incident
may occur.
2) Level 2 (Moderate) –Human-induced critical incident is possible, but not likely.
3) Level 3 (High) – There is a strong possibility that human-induced critical incident may occur
within a short period of time.
4) Level 4 (Extreme) – A human-induced critical incident has just occurred or has just been pre-
empted;

d. Incident Command System (ICS). The ICS, provided under National Crisis Management
Core Manual, is structured on six major functional areas: Command, Operations, Planning,
Logistics, Finance, Administration, and Intelligence/Investigation as an optional seventh
functional area that is activated on a case-to-case basis. (Annex “BB”).

On the enactment of Republic Act (RA) 10121, otherwise known as the Philippine Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management (DRRM) Law, on May 27 2010, the Philippine government took a
proactive approach to manage the disaster consequences and reduce disaster risks by
institutionalizing various mechanisms. Among these is the ICS.
ICS is one of the flagship programs of the Office of the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD). As provided
for in RA 10121, the NDRRMC Memorandum Circular No. 4 s 2012 and the Executive Order
No. 82 s 2012, ICS has been institutionalized as an on-scene, all-hazard incident management
concept introduced by the US Forest Service that can be used by all DRRM Councils, emergency
management and response agencies. It is a disaster response tool that coordinates the actions
of all response groups.
ICS has been proven effective in managing potential and actual disaster consequences. It has
significantly enhanced the mechanism for resource management, reporting and
documentation, promotion of responder safety, and optimum achievement of response
objectives as evident in past major disaster response operations to include management of
planned high- density population gatherings.

e. Organization and Structure of CIMC/CIMTG/DIMTG

In accordance with Executive Order NO. 82, series of 2012, CMCs shall be established at all levels
specifically to take decisive action in responding to and managing human-induced crisis.
The local CMC, headed by the local chief executive as the responsible officer (RO), designates the
Incident Commander (IC) whenever a particular crisis occurs. If the LPU commander is
designated as the IC, the CIMTG shall be immediately activated to support the CMC.

1) The Crisis Management Committee (CMC)

The CMC (Annex “CC”) is primarily concerned with the formulation of crisis management procedures,
integration and orchestration of government, military/police and public efforts towards the
prevention and control of crisis incidents. All actions and decisions taken by the CMC shall be
within the policies laid down by the corresponding POCs.

2) The PNP NHQ Critical Incident Management Committee (PNP NHQ CIMC)
In support to the mandates of CMCs, the PNP NHQ shall organize its CIMC (Annex “DD”) with five sub-
committees namely: sub-committee on criminality, sub-committee on destabilization, public
disturbance and planned events, sub-committee on terrorism and CBRNE, sub- committee on
public health hazards and sub- committee on natural disasters. This Committee shall take
cognizance of all critical incidents, whether human-induced or natural disaster, and shall
supervise/ oversee operations of concerned offices/units to mitigate its effects on the general
populace. It is primarily concerned with the implementation of policies and orchestration of
PNP’s force and resources and efforts towards the control and mitigation of critical incidents.
The NHQ CIMTG/ DIMTG shall also be activated and shall serve as a special operating task
group of the CIMC.
3) The Critical Incident Management Task Group (CIMTG)
To carry out the mandates of the PNP CIMC on human-induced (man-made) incidents, CIMTGs
(Annexes “EE” and “EE-1”) shall be organized and replicated at the PRO/NCRPO (Regional)
level down to the PPO/CPO; CPS/MPS (City/Municipal) level following the ICS structure.

The IC shall be designated by the Chairman, CMC and CIMTG to be complemented by the Officers of
the Office/unit who has functional staff functions in the organization.
At the Regional/Provincial/City/Municipal level, the PNPs response to any crisis will be to activate the
CIMTG for human-induced incident and the DIMTG for natural disaster. The Regional
Director/Provincial/ City Director/COP shall have the authority to activate the CIMTG or
DIMTG.

The following are considered as human-induced critical incidents:

a) Abduction involving prominent personalities such as national and local government officials,
foreign nationals (diplomats, ambassadors, consuls, attaches, foreign tourists), religious
leaders from various religious congregations, and other personalities whose involvement in
incidents may result in controversies;
b) Attacks on vital installations, communities, and prominent personalities;
c) Jailbreaks;
d) Heinous crimes like assassination, ambush involving prominent
personalities;
e) Robbery hold-up, armored van robbery, and bank robbery perpetrated by syndicated groups;
f) Election –Related Violent Incident (ERV);
g) Major Events (International and National);
h) Terrorism;
i) Conflagration Incidents;
j) Major Road Accidents;
k) Mass Transport Accidents;
l) Aircraft Hijackings;
m) Sea Mishaps;
n) Bombings;
o) Indiscriminate active shooting;
p) Mass actions;
q) Mass poisoning;
r) Drone attack;
s) Gas leaks;
t) Nuclear and Radiation Accidents;
u) Chemical Disaster;
v) Biological Disaster;
w) Cyber-attacks;
x) Epidemic;
y) Pandemic;
z) Stampede;
aa) Industrial Accident;
bb) Oil spills; and
cc) Other similar human-induced critical incidents that may result in human casualties and/or mass
destruction of properties and environment.

As applicable, the following shall be designated to handle the functional responsibilities of the CIMTG
depending on the level of its activation:
Incident Commander: DRDO/DDDO/DPDO/DCDO/DCOPO
Deputy Incident Commander:
RCS/CDDS/OPB/C, OPNS
Public Information Officer:
Unit C, PIO
Liaison Officer:
PCR Officer
Safety Officer:
C, RHSG/C, DHSG/PESPO/SESPO
Operations /Plans Staff:
C, PL/C, PL/C, PLB/ C, OPNS
Intel/Invest Staff:
C, RID/ C, DID/C, IB/IMB/C, IIS
Budget and Logistics Staff:
C, RLD/C, DF/C, PLB/C, Finance

In accordance with Executive Order 320, as amended, NPOC has constituted CMCs at all levels
specifically to take decisive action in emergency situations.

4) Disaster Incident Management Task Group (DIMTG)

A DIMTG shall also be established and shall serve as a special operating task group of the PNP Sub-
Committee on Disaster Management (SCDM) and assist the PRO DIMTG as the
Chairman/Task Coordinator, PNP SCDM may direct. The NHQ PNP shall be composed of the
NSUs to be headed by the Director, PNP Special Action Force (SAF) as Task Group
Commander with the Deputy Director of PCRG as the Deputy Task Group Commander (Annex
“FF”).
DIMTGs shall also be activated at the PRO/PPO/CPO/CPS/MPS level depending on the affected
area (Annex “FF-1”). As a matter of rule, a Regional DIMTG shall be activated if two or more
provinces/cities are affected by disaster, a Provincial DIMTG shall be activated if two or more
municipalities are affected, and a Municipal DIMTG shall be activated if two or more barangays
are affected (LOI 35/10 “SAKLOLO REVISED”).

The following are considered natural disaster incidents:

a) Floods;
b) Landslides;
c) Volcanic Eruption;
d) Earthquake;
e) Tidal Wave;
f) Tsunami;
g) Storm surge;
h) Forest fire;
i) Drought;
j) Meteorite impact;
k) Tornado; and
l) Other natural hazards that may lead to colossal loss of property and lives.

As applicable, the following shall be designated to handle the functional responsibilities of the
DIMTG:
Incident Commander:
D,SAF/DRDO/DDDO/DPDO/DCDO/COP
Deputy Incident Commander:
DDPCR/RCS/CDDS/D, IC/DCOP
Public Information Officer:
Unit C, PIO
Liaison Officer:
D, PCADG/C, RPCR/C, PCR/C,WCPD
Safety Officer:
D, HSS/C, RHSG/C, DHSG/PESPO/ SESPO
Operations/Plans Staff:
DDO/DDPL/ C, PLD/C, PLB/C, OPNS
Intel/Invest Staff
DDI/DDIDM/C, RID/RIDMD/C, DID/DID- MD/C, IB/IMB/C, I&IS
Budget and Logistics Staff:
DDL/C, RLD/RCD/C, DF/LD/C, PLB/C,
FINANCE
Admin Staff:
DD, DPRM/C, RPMD/C, DPHRDD/C,
PHRDB/C, ADMIN

f. The Escalation Protocols

The responsibility of addressing crisis can be transferred if the increasing needs in handling the incident
are beyond the capability of the established CIMTG or DIMTG, or if there is jurisdictional
change, when the incident moves location or area of responsibility crosses boundaries. The
transfer of responsibility during a crisis must always include a transfer of command briefing
which may be oral, written or combination of both.

1) Human-Induced Escalation Protocol (CIMTG). To attain a smooth transition of command

responsibility, the table shows the conditions or situations in any crisis level that will be
considered:
Table 3.1 Human-Induced Escalation Protocols
CIMTG Conditions or Situations
Activation Level

a. Local PNP and Local CMC are in control of the

Municipal/City situation; and
(MPS/CPS Numbered b. Appropriate resources are available and capable at either
PS) Municipal or Barangay Level.

a. Local PNP at the Municipal/City Level are unable

to resolve the crisis within their capabilities;
b. Municipal/City CMC recommends elevation of
Provincial/
the crisis level;
District
c. Situation requires employment of security forces and utilization of
PPO/DPO
resources of the provincial level organization and beyond; and
d. Incident affects two or more municipalities
within the same province/district.
 a. Situation requires employment of security forces and utilization of
resources of the Regional level organizations;
b. Upon the recommendation of the Provincial CMC;
Regional
c. Incident involves foreign nationals, either perpetrators or
(PRO/NCRPO)
victims; and
d. Incidents affects two or more provinces/districts within the same
region

a. Terrorism attach resulting into mass casualties;

b. Upon recommendation of the Regional CMC;
c. Incident involves foreign national/s, either
perpetrators or victims;
d. National Security issues are at stake, such as food, water,
National (NHQ) energy, critical transportation and communication structure,
and environment are threatened; and
e. Incident affects NCR, or two or more regions. However, the Task
Group Commanders/RDs remains in command in their
respective PROs.

2) Natural Disaster Escalation Protocol (DIMTG)

Table 3.2 Natural Disaster Escalation Protocols
DIMTGActivation Level Conditions or Situations

CPS/MPS Level Two or more barangays or the entire CPS/MPS

PPO/CPO Level Two or more CPS/MPS or the entire PPO/CPO

PRO Level Two or more Districts/PPOs/CPOs or the entire PRO

NHQ Level Two or more PROs

4.2 Hostage Situation. In handling hostage situations, the following guidelines and procedures
shall be undertaken:
a. First Responders (FR)
1) Secure the incident scene and establish perimeter security.
2) Give situation update to concerned TOC and inform the Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) for
possible deployment.
3) Do not allow unauthorized persons at the incident scene.
4) Gather information about the hostage-taker and hostage(s) from witnesses.
5) Re-route traffic flow (if necessary).
6) Evacuate all persons within the vicinity of the incident scene.
7) Clear areas for use of other responders.
8) Establish Advanced Command Post (ACP).
9) Initiate contact with the hostage-taker through any available means.
10) If the situation becomes volatile, request for deployment of HNT. However, at any given time, if
the hostage-taker is neutralized, the HNT may no longer be necessary.
11) Brief the TL, HNT of the situation and turn-over the conduct of negotiation.
12) Stay at the incident scene to maintain security, crowd and traffic control, preserve evidence
and take custody of witnesses.
b. Incident Commander (IC)
There shall be only one IC holding at least a senior rank and/or one with experience in hostage/crisis
situation or relative training. Until such time that he/she officially designates a spokesperson,
he/she may issue appropriate press statements and continue to perform the role of the
spokesperson.
1) The IC shall, upon assessment of the situation, prepare necessary plans including but
not limited to the following:
a) Emergency Response Plan - depends on the threat posed by the hostage-takers and need of
the HNT and IC.
b) Breakout Plan - possibility of breakout shall be considered immediately upon drawing up of
negotiation strategy. This should be considered as one of the priority plans.
c) Delivery Plan - in case the hostage-takers change plans in the middle of the execution.
d) Surrender Plan - shall be drawn up in a way that the Hostages’ lives will not be jeopardized.
e) Hostage Reception/Release - for security reasons, released hostages shall be contained and
isolated.
f) Collection Plan - safety of the police personnel involved is the priority consideration.

2) In handling hostage situations, the IC shall be guided by the following courses of

actions:
a) Negotiate
(1) Situation must be stabilized first before the start of the negotiation.
(2) All attempts to negotiate must be done by remote means.
(3) Adherence to the basic policy on safety of the hostage shall be paramount.
(4) Do not allow outsiders (non-law enforcement officers) into the negotiation process, unless their
presence is extremely necessary in the solution of the crisis. If so, they shall be properly
advised on the Do’s and Don’ts of the hostage negotiation.
(5) Provide relevant information to the tactical teams.
(6) All communication with the hostage-taker must be secured and protected.
(7) Always adhere to the ethics of negotiation.

b) Arrest
(1) Effect the arrest of the hostage-taker when situation warrants.
(2) Restrain the hostage-taker and conduct thorough search on his/her body and the immediate
vicinity of the incident scene.
(3) Inform the arrested person of the circumstances of his/ her arrest, and recite the Miranda
warning, and anti- torture warning.
(4) All evidence must be secured and properly documented.
(5) Use reasonable force in arresting the hostage-taker.
(6) Facilitate the transport of the hostage-taker to the nearest police station.

c) Tactical assault
(1) It may be resorted to if the hostage-taker poses imminent danger of causing death or injury to the
negotiator or hostage.
(2) When all peaceful means were utilized and failed and the hostage-taker is determined to
become more violent.
(3) When peaceful resolution of the incident becomes impossible.
c. Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT)
Negotiators shall be designated by IC. No one shall be allowed to talk to the hostage-taker without
clearance from the Negotiator or IC. The HNT is directly under the control and supervision
of the IC. The HNT consists of the team leader/coordinator, primary negotiator, secondary
negotiator, intelligence liaison/recorder and board negotiator. The HNT shall:
1) Set-up Negotiation Operation Center (NOC);
2) Initiate contact with the hostage-taker and obtain other information;
3) Give updates to the IC and brief him/her of the current situation;
4) Evaluate the necessity of resorting to other option without compromising the safety of
the hostage(s);
5) Recommend for activation of CMC and deployment of CIMTG as necessary;
6) Facilitate all deliveries, hostage receptions, and release and possible surrender of
hostage-taker; and
7) Attend to all meetings called by the CMC or IC.

d. Assault Team
An assault team shall be alerted for deployment in case the negotiation fails. Members of the assault
team shall wear authorized and easily recognizable uniform during the conduct of the
operation.

e. Crowd Control
A crowd control team shall be deployed to manage and control the crowd and augment the first
responders in securing the perimeter.

f. Support Personnel.
Support personnel shall include those in charge of managing traffic, firefighting, providing medical
emergency assistance, crime scene processing and rescue.

g. After the neutralization of the hostage-taker/s and rescue of the hostage/s, the following
processing and debriefing procedures shall be under taken:
1) Clear and secure the crime scene to avoid contamination of evidence;
2) Evacuate the hostages and other injured persons;
3) Conduct CSI;
4) Conduct debriefing on the hostages and participating personnel;
5) Take the sworn statement of witnesses, hostages, hostage-taker, and key participants in the
incident;
6) Initiate case conferences to facilitate filing of cases;
7) Issue press statements;
8) Submit reports to higher headquarters; and
9) Deactivate the CMC and CIMTG.

4.3 Bomb Threat and Bomb Incident Emergency Response

a. Procedures for FR Upon Receipt of Any Bomb Threat:
1) Treat all threats as serious until proven otherwise;
2) Determine the exact location of the establishment under threat;
3) Proceed immediately to the scene;
4) Coordinate with the security manager or administrator;
5) Conduct visual search in the area and isolate the specific place, if necessary, when a
suspicious item is located without causing panic;
6) Alert EODT/K9;
7) Notify HHQ of any development and continue giving updates;
8) Brief the EOD/K9 team upon arrival and assist if necessary; and
9) Provide security at the scene until such time when the EOD/K9 team declares the area is
cleared of any incendiaries or explosives.

b. Procedures for FR if a suspected item is found and the EOD/K9 recommended an

evacuation from the affected area.
1) Coordinate with the management or administrator to identify the safety areas for evacuation;
2) Assist in the evacuation of people without causing panic while the EOD/K9 conducts panelling
procedures;
3) Cordon the isolated area to prevent entry of unauthorized persons; and
4) Coordinate with the management once the EOD/K9 declares the area as cleared and assist the
people in resuming their businesses.

c. Procedures for FR if the EOD/K9 confirmed the presence of an explosive component or

Improvised Explosive Device (IED):
1) Report the progress of the incident to the TOC for the following:
a) Summon ambulance and fire trucks to the scene; and
b) Request for deployment of additional police personnel to establish traffic control, crowd control
and security.

2) Lock down the affected area to a distance of at least 300 meters away;

d. Procedures for FR in case of Bomb Explosion

1) Upon receipt of the report:
a) Identify exact location of the incident and proceed to the scene immediately;
b) Direct EOD/K9 teams to proceed to the area;
c) Notify HHQ of the situation;

d) Report the incident to the TOC for the following:

(1) Summon ambulance, fire trucks and SOCO team to the scene and other resources as may be
determined;
(2) Request for deployment of additional police personnel to establish traffic control, crowd control
and security;

2) Upon arrival at the scene:

a) Cordon the area at least 150 meters from the location of explosion;
b) Assist in the immediate evacuation of the injured if possible;
c) Direct occupants of the establishment to evacuate;
d) Maintain order and crowd control;
e) Seal off location until the EOD/K9 team determines if a secondary device exists;
f) Conduct rescue operations at the scene upon clearance of the EOD/K9 team;
g) Assist the Post-Blast Investigation (PBI) team and SOCO team upon clearance from the
EOD/K9 team;
h) Submit initial incident report immediately with the following information:

(1) Time when the call for bomb threat was received;
(2) Time of detonation/explosion; and
(3) Description of type of device.

i) Identify any witnesses and bring them to the nearest police station to obtain their statement;
j) Avoid issuing “speculative” press releases or statements; and
k) Ensure cooperation with the IOC.
4.4 Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) Operations
a. General Guidelines
The PNP units tasked to maintain peace and order shall not interfere with the holding of public
assembly. To ensure public safety, a CDM contingent under the command of a PCO shall be
detailed and stationed at least 100 meters away from the place where the public assembly is
being held (Batas Pambansa 880 sec. 9). In the absence of any permit from the LGU
concerned, the PCO in command should exert effort in persuading the demonstrators to
disperse peacefully and vacate the public place. In lightning rallies or demonstrations, the
Ground Commander shall exhaust efforts through dialogue with the leaders/organizers for
voluntary dispersal. In case of failure, orderly dispersal, to include apprehension of those
responsible, shall be resorted to. Maximum tolerance must always be exercised (Batas
Pambansa 880 sec. 10).

b. Specific Guidelines
When assistance is requested by the leaders/organizers, it shall be imperative for the CDM contingent
to perform their duties while observing the rights of demonstrators. Further, the members of the
CDM contingent dealing with the demonstrators shall be in prescribed uniform.
1) The CDM contingent shall not carry any kind of firearms but may be equipped with batons or
riot sticks, crash helmets with visor, gas masks, boots or ankle-high shoes with shin guards.
2) Tear gas, smoke grenades, water cannons, or any similar anti-riot device shall not be used
unless the public assembly is attended by actual violence or serious threats of violence, or
deliberate destruction of property.
3) The organization and membership of CDM contingents, as well as their deployment and
employment, shall be in accordance with existing PNP rules and regulations.
4) For every CDM contingent, there shall be a team of negotiators.
5) A separate security contingent may be organized and ready to provide immediate assistance to
the CDM contingents as the need arises.

c. CDM Operational Tasks

1) Isolate the area;
2) Secure likely targets;
3) Control the crowds;
4) Establish area control; and
5) Arrest violators.

d. CDM Operational Approaches

1) The commitment of a CDM contingent must be viewed as a last resort. Their role, therefore,
should never be greater than what is necessary under the circumstances. This does not mean
though that the number of troops employed should be minimized. Doubts concerning the
number of troops required should normally be resolved in favor of deploying a large number as
it may prevent the development of situations in which the use of force would be necessary. A
large reserve of troops should be maintained during civil disturbance operations.
2) In selecting an operational approach to a civil disturbance situation, the Ground Commander and
his/her personnel must adhere to the procedures in Force Continuum in Chapter 2 Section 2-4
of this POP.
3) Efforts should be exerted to create the image of a restrained and well-disciplined force, the
sole purpose of which is to assist in the restoration of law and order. Further, while CDM
contingent should be visible, any activity which might excite rather than calm the situation
should be avoided when possible.
4) Consistent with the controlling principle “that he/she must use the minimum necessary force
to accomplish his/her mission”, the Ground Commander shall equip the CDM contingent only
with rattan sticks/truncheons/batons, shields, kevlar helmets and handcuffs.
5) In situations requiring the use of batons/truncheons, only target fleshy parts of the body such
as arms, torso, legs, and thighs. Hitting protesters with the baton or truncheon on the head,
face, neck, shoulder blades, elbows, fingers, groins, knees, and ankles must be avoided since
strikes to these parts may cause serious to permanent injuries, or even death.
6) Arrested protesters must be restrained, handcuffed and brought safely to the police station for
processing.
7) In any CDM deployment, there should be trained and equipped female CDM personnel.

4.5 Public Assembly

a. Policies
1) The PNP adheres to the Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials (1979, Art 2-3)
adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations that requires law enforcement officials
to respect and protect human dignity, maintain and uphold the human rights of all persons, and
limit the use of force to situations where it is strictly necessary and to the extent required for
the performance of their duty.
2) Public assemblies held in freedom parks or on private property do not need a permit for the
activity.
3) The PNP shall provide police assistance only when requested by the leaders or organizers for
maintenance of peace and order or to ensure the safety of those participating in the public
assemblies held in freedom parks or on private property.
4) A public assembly held in a public place must have a permit from the mayor of the city or
municipality exercising jurisdiction over the place where it will be held.
5) A public assembly held with or without a permit may be peacefully dispersed. A public assembly
with a permit may be dispersed if the same is being held in violation of the terms and
conditions imposed in the permit. In both cases, before conducting any dispersal operation, the
PNP shall notify the concerned organizers and leaders of the public assembly.
6) Lightning demonstrations or rallies in areas where public assembly is prohibited shall be
dispersed peacefully. However, should any of the participants refuse to disperse voluntarily or
violate any law or ordinance during an unauthorized public assembly, they shall be taken into
police custody and be charged accordingly.
7) Ground Commanders are responsible in determining whether there is a permit for the holding
of the public assembly.
8) Close coordination with the mayor of the city or municipality, or his/her representative, where
the public assembly is being held should always be maintained especially when a permit has
not been issued but an application has been filed prior to the holding of the public assembly.
9) Maximum tolerance shall be exercised in the conduct of dispersal operations.

b. Police Responses
The following are the police responses during the planning stage, initial and peaceful stage,
confrontational stage, violent stage and post operation stage:
1) During Planning Stage
a) Initiate dialogue with the leaders/organizers to ensure the peaceful holding of a public
assembly, including among others, the detail of police personnel providing security in the area.
b) Prepare appropriate security and CDM contingency plans.

2) During Initial and Peaceful Stage

a) With Permit or Held in Freedom Parks/ Private Properties
(1) The PNP shall not interfere with the holding of a public assembly. However, to adequately
ensure public safety, a CDM contingent, under the control and supervision of a PCO shall be
stationed at least 100 meters away from the area where the public assembly is being held.
(2) Monitor the activities at the public assembly area and respond to any request for police
assistance.
b) Without Permit or Permit has been revoked
(1) As soon as it becomes apparent that an assembly is being held in a public place, the Ground
Commander shall immediately conduct an inquiry whether the assembly is covered with a
permit or not. If a permit could not be shown, verification should immediately be done with the
Office of the Mayor having jurisdiction over the place where the public assembly is being held.
Should the Office of the Mayor confirm that a permit has not been issued, the
leaders/organizers shall be informed of the fact that they are violating the law and will be asked
to disperse peacefully.
(2) The PNP shall exhaust all peaceful remedies to persuade the demonstrators to disperse. This
may include the involvement of Local Chief Executives (LCE)/community leaders when
available to intervene in the situation so that dispersal operations could be avoided.
(3) Should negotiation fail and the demonstrators refuse to disperse voluntarily and peacefully,
thereby causing public inconvenience, CDM contingents may commence dispersal operations
after the CDM commander announced the violations of law they have committed. Such
announcement of the violations must be made at least three times.

3) During Breach of Peace/Confrontational Stage (With or without permit)

No public assembly with a permit shall be dispersed. However, when a public assembly becomes
violent, the CDM contingents may disperse such public assembly in the following manner:
a) At the first sign of an impending violence, the Ground Commander shall call the attention of the
leaders/organizers of the public assembly and ask the latter to prevent any possible
disturbance. CDM contingents shall hold the line to prevent demonstrators from proceeding to
other areas where the holding of a public assembly is prohibited.
b) If actual violence reaches a point where rocks or other harmful objects from the participants
are thrown at the CDM contingents or the non-participants, or at any property causing
damage to it, the Ground Commander shall audibly warn the participants that if the disturbance
persists, the public assembly will be dispersed;
c) If the violence or disturbance does not stop, the Ground Commander shall audibly issue a
warning to the participants of the public assembly, and after allowing a reasonable period of
time to lapse, shall immediately order it to disperse. With the use of CDM formations, the rank
of demonstrators shall be disbanded, contained, and isolated from each other, and should be
prevented from regrouping.
d) Water cannons and riot sticks may be used to repel aggression and to disperse demonstrators
and reserve CDM contingents may be employed when situation requires.
e) No arrest of any leader, organizer or participant shall be made unless he/she violates a law,
statute, or ordinance during the assembly.

4) During Violent Stage

a) Non-lethal weapons and equipment may be used to suppress violence, to protect lives and
prevent further damage to properties.
b) PNP security elements shall be tactically deployed to provide immediate assistance to the CDM
contingents.

5) Post-Operation Stage:
a) CDM contingents shall be withdrawn after the area has been cleared of possible danger to
public safety.
b) Sufficient police force shall be maintained to ensure peace and order in the area.
c. Dispersal of Public Assembly with Permit

All public assemblies with permits shall not be dispersed. However, when an assembly becomes
 violent, the police may disperse such public assembly in the following manner:
1) At the first sign of impending violence, the Ground Commander of the PNP contingent shall
call the attention of the leaders of the public assembly and ask the latter to prevent any
possible disturbance;
2) If actual violence reaches a point where rocks or other harmful objects from the participants are
thrown at the police officers or at the non-participants, or at any property, causing damage to it,
the Ground Commander of the PNP contingent shall audibly warn the participants that if the
disturbance persists, the public assembly will be dispersed;
3) If the violence or disturbance does not stop, the Ground Commander of the PNP contingent
shall audibly issue a warning to the participants of the public assembly, and after allowing a
reasonable period of time to lapse, he shall immediately order it to disperse; and
4) No arrest of any leader, organizer or participant shall be made unless he violates during the
assembly a law, statute, or ordinance.

d. Dispersal of Public Assembly Without Permit

When the public assembly is held without a permit where a permit is required, the said public
assembly may be peacefully dispersed. However, when the leaders or organizers of public
assembly can show an application for permit duly filed at the Office of the Mayor which has
jurisdiction over the place where the rally will be held, at least five days prior to the intended
activity and the Mayor did not act on the same, the grant of the permit being then presumed
under the law, and it will be the burden of the authorities to show that there has been a denial
of the application, in which case, the rally may be peacefully dispersed following the procedure
of maximum tolerance prescribed by law.

e. Prohibited Acts
The following prohibitions provided by Section 13 of Batas Pambansa (BP) 880 shall be strictly
observed:
1) Obstructing, impeding, disrupting or otherwise denying the exercise of the right to
peaceful assembly;
2) The unnecessary firing of firearms to disperse the public assembly.
3) Acts in violation of paragraph “d” of this Rule;
4) Acts described hereunder if committed within 100 meters from the area of activity of the public
assembly;
a) The carrying of a deadly or offensive weapon or device such as firearm, pillbox, bomb, and the
like;
b) The carrying of a bladed weapon;
c) The malicious burning of any object in the streets or thoroughfares;
d) The carrying of firearms by CDM contingents;
e) The interfering with or intentionally disturbing the holding of a public assembly by the use of a
motor vehicle, its horns and loud sound systems;
f) The drinking of liquor or alcoholic beverages; and
g) Gambling of any kind.

f. Guidelines in dealing with Assemblies, Rallies, Demonstrations and Marches

1) To ensure the protection, safety and welfare of the public and demonstrators as well, the
following must be observed:

a) Confined Assemblies in Private Property (churches, schools, etc.)

(1) Initiate the conduct of dialogue with the leaders/ organizers.
(2) Secure and maintain order within the perimeter.
b) Confined Assemblies in Freedom Parks
(1) Initiate the conduct of dialogue with the leaders/ organizers.
(2) Secure and contain the area within the limits of the permit to ensure the orderly and peaceful
conduct of the assembly.

c) Mobile Assemblies in a Private Area

(1) Initiate the conduct of dialogue with the leaders/ organizers.
(2) Secure and maintain order within the perimeter.

d) Marches and Motorcades along Public Thoroughfares

(1) Initiate the conduct of dialogue with the leaders/ organizers.
(2) Request for the permit from the leaders/organizers if the local ordinance of the area requires
one.
(3) Ensure the orderly and peaceful conduct of the marches and motorcades to ensure public safety
and to prevent compromise of public convenience.

2) There shall always be a designated Ground Commander at the rally site;

3) If necessary, provide a medical team to extend assistance; and
4) All CDM operations shall be properly documented with video and photo coverage;

4.6 Procedures for Responding PNP Personnel in Enforcing Quarantine Measures to

Manage Health Hazards
Since the outbreak of Covid-19, the PNP has played a crucial role in supporting the government’s
efforts to control the disease and promote safer communities. Covid-19 may not be the last
health hazard that the country will experience. It is therefore essential for PNP personnel
enforcing the quarantine measures to work together with other government agencies, the local
government units and the community in addressing other similar threats.
a. Initial Response Upon the Impact of Health Hazard
1) PNP responders who first arrived at the scene shall initially and simultaneously perform the
following:
a) Assess and secure the scene, cordon and prevent the ingress and egress of individuals to the
area of impact;
b) Ensure the observance of safety protocol and use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and
respiratory protection;
c) In situations where the victims are directly exposed to a non-contagious health hazard as
assessed by authorities, immediately evacuate them to a safe area while waiting for the
emergency responders;
d) Immediately inform the Chief of Police (COP) or Station Commander and the station TOC,
which will then call other emergency groups;
e) Make a record of the initial emergency responders who arrived at the area and their
actions taken;

2) Establish the Incident Command Post (ICP) with the COP or Station Commander who shall
initially act as IC until such time the mayor or responsible officer has made an official
designation of his/her IC.
3) Immediately turn over the scene to the designated IC upon his/her arrival;
4) Assist the IC in matters pertaining to the provision of security and maintenance of law and
order;
5) Designate an investigator who shall coordinate with the investigators from BFP and other
concerned agencies to gather relevant information, if necessary;
6) If the health hazard is the result of an illegal act such as disposal of hazardous materials, the
 PNP may immediately effect the arrest of the identified suspect/s, if warranted; and
7) Wait for the official announcement that the area of impact has been cleared from any health
hazard before leaving the scene.

b. When the Health Hazard Becomes Widespread and has Affected Many Communities
1) Assist in the implementation of government-issued guidelines and issuances in mitigating the
effect of health hazard;
2) Establish health hazard control points for the implementation of travel restrictions without
compromising the movement of essential goods and authorized persons;
3) Implement the guidelines in the observance of the minimum public health standards;
4) Activate law and order cluster and observe the CIMOP guidelines;
5) Ensure that all PNP personnel rendering duty in health hazard control points, isolation or
quarantine facilities are using appropriate PPEs;
6) Coordinate with the PNP health service in organizing and capacitating the Medical Reserve
Force (MRFs) in the management of health hazard;
7) Assist the LGUs in the conduct of contact tracing when requested;
8) Provide security in quarantine/isolation facilities or escort in the transport of affected and
infected individuals, when requested; and
9) Observe proper decontamination procedures/protocol in coordination with the PNP Health
Service or other authorized health offices.

c. Other Activities Relative to Public Safety and Security

1) Organize Reactionary Support and Standby Force (RSSF) for possible deployment;
2) Provide security in the arrival, transport and distribution of goods and medical supplies;
3) Conduct Red Teaming operations;
4) Conduct awareness campaign through TRIMP; and
5) Provide security to other government programs/activities that require police assistance;

d. Arrest of Violators in Relation to Health Hazard Laws, Guidelines and Protocols

1) PNP personnel must be abreast of the prevailing directives, laws, and ordinances relating to
health hazards and must maintain copies of the same;
2) Arrest shall be done in accordance with guidelines and procedures on Arrest in Rule 2.6 of this
POP and with observance of public health standards and protocol;
3) All arrested persons shall be subjected to an initial investigation and booking at a designated
holding area if necessary. They shall be separated from other persons under police custody until
cleared from any diseases/infection;
4) When the law or ordinance prescribes the penalty of fine and allows the person apprehended to
pay voluntarily the fine imposed prior to the filing of a formal complaint with the appropriate
prosecution office, he/she shall be allowed to pay said fine with the concerned
City/Municipality/Barangay where he/she was apprehended to avoid being criminally
prosecuted; and
5) Respect for human rights and dignity of persons shall be observed at all times.

Rule 5 Special Police Operations

5.1 Major Events Security Management
Major events are events of national and international significance where the overall responsibility for
ensuring the safety and security rests with the host country/region/organization among others.
These events involve very very important persons (VVIPS) and political figures who are
potential targets of terrorists, criminals, and protest actions. Extensive planning and
comprehensive approach are necessary in developing the security plan for a major event.
The PNP undertakes necessary administrative and operational activities to ensure the safe and orderly
hosting of major events. These activities are undertaken in coordination with concerned
international and local government agencies, NGOs and other concerned private individuals.
They are often co-sponsored, planned and executed jointly by public and private-sector interests
across different government jurisdictions by multiple agencies.

a. Classification of Major Events

1) International, National and Local Special Events. These are events that involve a whole-of-
government approach in ensuring safety and security to attain the desired objectives of the
major event. Any untoward incident that may transpire during these activities could adversely
affect the country in terms of its capability to ensure safety and security.
a) nternational Events. These are events of international significance being participated by heads
of state/government, ministers, senior officials, and representatives in the public or private
sectors. These events involve two or more nations or those that cross beyond international
boundaries such as but not limited to the following: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
(APEC) or Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits, conferences, meetings,
and sporting events.
b) National Events. These are events observed nationwide that require multi-agency
collaboration. These are events that are within the boundaries of the country such as but not
limited to the State of the Nation Address (SONA), Philippine Independence Day, Palarong
Pambansa, Rizal Day and Labor Day.
c) Local Special Events. These are events in a particular area or place that also need a whole-
of-government approach such as but not limited to Panagbenga, Sinulog, Feast of the Black
Nazarene, Dinagyang, Ati-Atihan and events that are frequented by foreign and local tourists.

2) Election/plebiscite/referendum. These events include the election of public officers, and the
people’s democratic exercise to approve or reject an initiative on the constitution, or a
legislation.
3) Presidential visits. These events involve all visits and engagements of the president outside of
Malacañan Palace.
4) Public assembly. It is a mass gathering of people such as demonstration, march parade,
procession or any other form of mass or concerted action held in a public place for the purpose
of expressing political, economic, social or religious views and opinions supporting poli cies of
or petitioning the government for redress of grievances.

b. Creation of Joint Security Task Forces (STF)

1) Upon the issuance of an executive order from the national government to create a National
Organizing Committee (NOC), the involved member agencies develop working plans for the
organization of different committees, which include the creation of a joint STF.
2) The joint STF is headed by the CPNP or his/her authorized representative as Commander. He
shall be assisted by two deputies, one from the AFP and the other from the PNP. The STF shall
be composed of three main Task Groups (TG): Security, Peace and Order, and Emergency
Preparedness and Response. Different Site TGs and Site Sub-TGs shall likewise be formed
where the events are conducted (Annex “GG”).
3) The STF Commander shall be supported by the following staff: Critical Incident Response
Force (CIRF), STF Secretariat (Red Team, Border Control, Diplomatic Liaison Team,
PCTC/Interpol), Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC), Intelligence Fusion Center,
SynchComm/Spokesperson and Finance and Logistics Group.
4) During the planning stage, it shall be the responsibility of the TG Commander to coordinate
with other concerned government agencies to designate a head of a particular sub-TG/TU.
5) For local special events, similar joint STFs shall likewise be created preferably headed by the
Regional Directror (RD) as the joint Local Event STF (LESTF) Commander. He/she shall be
 assisted by two deputies, one from the AFP and the other from the PNP. He may require
his/her Provincial Director (PD)/ City Director (CD) to make the appropriate representation with
the concerned LCE, through the local POC, for the passing of a resolution or issuance of the
local executive order creating the LESTF. In the absence of a resolution/order, the RD shall
initiate the creation of the LESTF, in coordination with other involved agencies.
6) For other sporting events affecting only a particular locality, such as the Federation of
International Basketball Association (FIBA), the site TG or LESTF shall be created, preferably
headed by the RD who shall exercise overall operational control and supervision over involved
NSUs and other agencies.
7) The creation of sub-TGs and Task Units (TUs) provided in Rule
5.1 d to f shall be dependent on the required tasks that shall be provided at the identified sites
where the meetings and other activities are to be conducted.
8) For national events, the PNP shall provide the appropriate security coverage under the overall
supervision of CPNP or his/ her authorized representative at the national level, while the RDs
and their subordinate Unit Commanders shall act as the Officers Primarily Responsible (OPR)
for securing the events affecting their respective jurisdictions, in coordination with other local
security and law enforcement agencies.
9) For elections, plebiscites or referendums, the establishment of COMELEC checkpoints and
other intensified law enforcement operations shall be guided by the procedures in the conduct of
joint checkpoints in Rule 2.2f of this POP and COMELEC issuances.
10) For presidential visits, the PNP, in coordination with the Presidential Security Group (PSG), AFP
and other concerned government agencies, shall provide the necessary security coverage in
all areas of his/her engagement in the country.

c. Procedures in the Establishment and Operationalization of Multi-Agency Coordinating

Center
1) The STF/LESTF Commander or his/her authorized representative shall be responsible in
coordinating with the event organizing committee for the establishment of the MACC;
2) The STF/LESTF Commander shall designate a MACC Commander who will be assisted by a
Battle Captain who works 24/7. The MACC shall be complemented by a security force;
3) The MACC shall be established in the nearest strategic location to where a particular event is
held, preferably with available communication signal;
4) All involved PNP units and agencies shall ensure the detail of their respective action officers and
communicators to the MACC to facilitate coordination;
5) The Battle Captain may either be designated permanently until the termination of the event
or on rotation basis from among the list of PCOs who have undergone the appropriate
capability enhancement training or seminar during the security planning and preparation
stages;
6) The Battle Captain shall be in charge of synchronizing and integrating the daily activities and
operations at the MACC of all representatives of the different tasked units/agencies; and
7) Specifically, the Battle Captain monitors the movement of delegates/ participants and status of the
actual deployment of involved TUs. He/she assesses and analyzes all information and
concerns and relays it to the concerned units/agencies for appropriate action.

d. Procedures to be undertaken by the Commander, TG Security

1) Secure the delegates and participants in all areas of engagement during their stay in the
country by providing appropriate airport, close-in, convoy, onboard, route, billet, venue and
area security packages;
2) Organize and establish a TG Secretariat to monitor all the activities of the sub-TGs;
3) Coordinate and liaise with concerned agencies for information concerning the itineraries and
other requirements of delegates and participants for the provision of their appropriate security;
4) Conduct training, exercises (tabletop, CommEx, SimEx, CerEx, MarEx, etc), walkthrough, dry
 runs and contingency planning at the identified engagement areas for familiarization and
capability enhancement of the involved units/agencies;
5) Activate the financial and logistical sub-TG to provide all logistical and financial requirements of
the TG in coordination with the committee on budget and fiscal; and
6) Organize and provide support to the following sub-TGs:
a) Sub-TG on heads of state/government security – the PSG is designated as lead agency that
shall have overall and exclusive responsibility for their 24/7 protection, as well as their
immediate family members;
b) Sub-TG on delegates security – responsible for the overall protection of all delegates and VIPs
other than the heads of state/government. It shall organize the following task units (TU):
(1) TU airport security – responsible for airport security coverage to all the VIPs, delegates and
their parties within the airport premises and its environs;
(2) TU close-in security – responsible for the 24/7 executive protection for VIPs other than the heads
of state/ government, their spouses and family;
(3) TU convoy security – responsible for the protection of VIPs other than the heads of
state/government, their spouses and family during land movements;
(4) TU route security – responsible for the road-side security along convoy routes;
(5) TU billet security – responsible for the security of hotels/ billet areas of delegates/participants;
and
(6) TU area security – responsible for the land, air and maritime security in support to the sub-TG
heads of state/government and sub-TG delegates security;

c) Sub-TG on technical capability and anti-intrusion – responsible for the countermeasure

techniques/anti-intrusion system;
d) Sub-TG on diplomatic security – responsible for the security liaising of the diplomatic
missions, security officers of the heads of state/government and other VIPs to ensure
synchronized and coordinative applications and delivery of public safety and security services;
e) Sub-TG on intel operations – responsible for real time intelligence and counter-intelligence
requirements needed before, during and after the event.

e. Procedures to be undertaken by the Commander, TG Peace and Order

1) Ensure peace and order in the working and general environment in all sites where the
meetings and other activities are conducted through sustained and extensive inter-agency anti-
criminality campaigns, traffic management, public order, internal security operations, maritime
operations, air defense and other related campaigns to negate threats or disruptions to the
major event;

2) Organize and provide support to the following sub-TGs:

a) Sub-TG on Air Operations and Defense – responsible for the detection of hostile aircraft and air
defense capability;
b) Sub-TG on Community Relations – responsible for the development and maintainance of a
strong mutually beneficial relationship with the community;
c) Sub-TG on Critical Infrastructure Security – responsible for the protection and security of all
transportation, communication, power systems, and critical infrastructure;
d) Sub-TG on Cyber IT/Radio Communications – responsible for the provision of a secured
information and smooth operations of communications technology, information systems and
resources to support efficient and accessible IT services to both foreign and local delegates;
e) Sub-TG on Tourist Protection – responsible for the promotion of security and safety of VIPs and
delegates who may visit certain tourist destination and business areas. They shall be in-
charge of securing the ports, airports, bus terminals/ stations and other jump-off points leading
to these areas;
f) Sub-TG on Anti-Criminality – responsible for intensified law enforcement operations;
g) Sub-TG on Internal Security – responsible for intensified internal security operations;
h) Sub-TG on Maritime Security – responsible for intensified maritime/coastal security operations;
i) Sub-TG on Site Security – responsible for the protection of the engagement area before and
during the meetings and activities;
j) Sub-TG on Traffic Management – responsible for efficient movement of convoys along routes
of the delegates;
k) Sub-TG on Protective Technical Service/EOD-K9 – responsible for bomb/IED detection,
controlled detonation, and disposal operations;
l) Sub-TG on Public Order – responsible for CDM operations;

f. Procedures to be Undertaken by the Commander, TG Emergency Preparedness and

Response
1) Orchestrate efforts of all NDRRMC member agencies in the preparation and overall
emergency preparedness and response for all natural calamity scenarios in all engagement
areas, including storm surges, power outage, disruption of services and utilities, airport
incidents and other emergencies;
2) Lead the consequence management efforts in the event of a terrorist attack, rallies and protest
actions and other human- induced incidents;
3) Capacitate local DRRMCs through training, rehearsals, simulation exercises and contingency
planning sessions, including the organization and equipage of local responder groups that will
be deployed;
4) Provide periodic warning, alerts and advisories for the member agencies, the chairmen of the
committee and the STF commander for subsequent information to NOC and committees for
their appropriate information as basis for planning and simultaneously conducting prevention
and preparations and eventual implementation of contingency plans;
5) Attend to the emergency medical requirements of the heads of states/government and their
delegation and other conference delegations in all engagement areas;
6) Lead the prevention, risk reduction and consequence management of Chemical, Biological,
Radiological, Nuclear And Explosives (CBRNE) scenario;

7) Organize and provide support to the following Sub TGs:

a) Sub-TG on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management – responsible for disaster risk
reduction and management, as well as the organization, training and equipping of at
least three responder units depending on the risk assessment in respective localities. It shall
be composed of, but not limited to, the following TUs:
(1) TU Search and Rescue – responsible for the conduct of search and rescue, and evacuation of
delegates and participants in case of emergencies resulting from natural calamity and/or
human-induced disaster;
(2) TU Medical Emergency Management – responsible for prompt medical attention to all
delegates and participants, including management of the dead, in case of emergencies
resulting from natural calamity and/or human-induced disaster;
(3) TU CBRNE – responsible for any CBRNE prevention, risk reduction and consequence
management;
(4) TU Fire – responsible for the response to emergencies and rescue of delegates and
participants threatened by fire incidents; and
(5) TU Evacuation Management – responsible for managing the evacuees who are
delegates and participants, including management of the missing, in case of emergencies
resulting from natural calamity and/or human-induced disaster.

b) Sub-TG on Fire Safety - responsible for fire safety compliance of all proposed venues.

5.2 Police Assistance During the Implementation of Orders or Decisions from Courts,
 Quasi-Judicial or Administrative Bodies
The request for police assistance shall be submitted to the Office of the CPNP in case the final decision
or order to be implemented is rendered by the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, the Court
of Tax Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, Quasi- Judicial Bodies or Administrative Bodies.
If the final decision or order is rendered by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) or the Municipal Trial Court
(MTC), the request shall be submitted to the Office of the RD of the PRO having territorial
jurisdiction over the place of implementation.
The request for police assistance of quasi-judicial or administrative bodies shall be submitted to the
Office of the CPNP regardless of the place where the police assistance shall be rendered, but
the same may be delegated to the Regional Director upon the discretion of the CPNP in
accordance with Section 26, RA 6975.

Request for police assistance in the implementation of final decisions/ orders/writs shall be acted
only, upon compliance of the following conditions:
 The request for police assistance is based on an order of the court, quasi-judicial or
administrative bodies;
 The written request for police assistance shall be signed by the Sheriff or equivalent officer in
quasi-judicial or administrative bodies;
 The request is filed at least five working days prior to the actual implementation; and
 The original document of the final decision/order/resolution must be presented. In the absence
of the same, a copy duly authenticated by the Clerk of Court or other authorized representative
of the court, quasi- judicial or administrative body will suffice.

a. During Labor Disputes

1) General Policy and Guidelines
a) The involvement of PNP personnel during strikes, lockouts and labor disputes in general shall be
limited to the maintenance of peace and order, enforcement of laws, and implementation of legal
orders of the duly constituted authorities.
b) In case of actual violence, the police can respond without the written request.
c) No PNP personnel shall be allowed to render police assistance in connection with a strike or
lockout if there is question or complaint as regards his/her relationship by affinity or
consanguinity to any official/leader of the parties in the controversy or if he has financial or
pecuniary interest therein.
d) PNP personnel detailed as peace-keeping force in strike or lockout areas shall wear the
prescribed police uniform.
e) They shall exercise maximum tolerance and when called for by the situation or when all other
peaceful and non-violent means have been exhausted, police officers may employ such means
as may be necessary and reasonable to prevent or repel an aggression.
f) The matter of determining whether a strike, picket or lockout is legal or not should be left to
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and its appropriate agencies. PNP personnel
should not interfere in a strike, picket or lockout, except as herein provided.
g) No personal escort shall be provided to any of the parties to the controversy unless upon
written request from DOLE. Whenever escorts are to be provided, the other party shall be
informed accordingly. All escorts shall be in prescribed uniform.
h) During the pendency of a strike/lockout, the police personnel concerned are prohibited from
socializing with any of the parties involved in the controversy.
i) Liaison shall be established and maintained with the representatives of DOLE, management
and the union in the strike/lockout area for the purpose of maintaining peace and order, as well
as to maintain a continuing peaceful dialogue between the parties to the strike/lockout.
j) The peace-keeping detail shall establish a command post outside the 50-meter radius from the
picket line. A PCO shall be designated as Head/Commander of the peace keeping force that
 will be responsible for the command and control of the detailed personnel. The members of the
peacekeeping detail shall stay outside a 50-meter radius from the picket line. However, in
cases wherein the 50-meter radius includes a public thoroughfare, they may station themselves
in such public thoroughfare to ensure that the flow of traffic will be unhampered.

2) Applicable Legal Parameters

The pertinent provisions of the Public Assembly Act of 1985 (Batas Pambansa 880), the Labor Code
of the Philippines, as amended and other applicable laws, shall be observed during rallies,
strikes, demonstrations or other public assemblies. Law enforcement agents shall, at all times:
a) Exercise maximum tolerance;
b) In case of unlawful aggression, only reasonable force may be employed to prevent or repel it;
c) The employment of tear gas and water cannons shall be made under the control and
supervision of the Ground Commander; and
d) No arrest of any leader, organizer, or participant shall be made during the public assembly,
unless he/she violates any pertinent law as evidence warrants.

3) Service of Lawful Orders or Writ

The service of DOLE, court, or other lawful orders or writs is the primary concern of the DOLE
representative, sheriff, and representative of the government agency issuing the order, when
specifically stated and requested in the order or writ, shall the PNP enforce such orders or
writs.

4) Prohibited Labor Activities

No personnel of the PNP shall:
a) Bring in, introduce, or escort in any manner, any individual who seeks to replace strikers in
entering or leaving the premises or a strike area; or
b) Work in replacement of the strikers.
5) Obstruction During Pickets and Lock Downs
The ingress or egress of an establishment is not part of a strike or picket area. If the picket or lock
down causes obstruction, the PNP must first exert all peaceful means to clear the obstruction
before resorting to crowd dispersal.

b. During Enforcement of Demolition and Ejectment Orders

1) Role of the PNP in the Enforcement of a Demolition and/or Ejectment Order
a) Police assistance in the enforcement or implementation of a demolition or ejectment order
shall be granted only upon a written request of the Sheriff or equivalent officer in quasi- judicial
and administrative bodies accompanied by a valid order issued by a competent court, quasi-
judicial or administrative body and, when required, with written permission from the Local
Housing Board in accordance with Executive Order (EO) 708 amending EO 152 and
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memo Circular No. 2008-143. The
proponent shall only be provided with police assistance upon presentation of Certification from
the Local Housing Board that requirements under RA 7279 are complied with for urban areas.
Moreover, said police assistance shall be coordinated with the concerned LCE before its
enforcement. In no case shall a demolition involving informal settlers be effected without a pre-
demolition conference with the presence of all parties involved.
b) The conduct of pre-demolition conference in cases where the affected families are informal
settlers shall be mandatory before the provision of police assistance.
c) The duties of PNP personnel in any demolition or ejectment activity shall be limited to the
maintenance of peace and order, protection of life and property, and enforcement of laws and
legal orders.
d) PNP personnel tasked to provide police assistance shall be in prescribed uniform during the
 actual demolition. They shall be limited only to occupying the first line of law enforcement and
civil disturbance control; shall not participate in the physical dismantling of any structure
subject of demolition; and shall use only necessary and reasonable force.

2) Procedures in the Enforcement of a Demolition and/or Ejectment Order

a) Risk and threat assessment shall be conducted;
b) PNP personnel should be informed of the prevailing situation and their tasks;
c) Strict observance of Human Rights must be adhered;
d) As much as practicable, the COP shall lead the PNP contingent detailed to assist the Sheriff or
equivalent officer during the demolition/ejectment activity;
e) All PNP personnel involved shall desist from the use of any unnecessary force or any act that
may harm, harass, or terrorize the affected parties;
f) The mode of participation shall be limited to the maintenance of peace and order during the
entire demolition/ejectment activity, ensuring the protection of all parties from harm and injury;
g) Tear gas, water cannons, and reasonable force shall be used only when all other peaceful and
non-violent means have been exhausted;
h) Any PNP member whose families are affected with the demolition or ejectment shall adhere to
the order issued by competent authority. In no case shall a PNP member intervene during the
implementation of such order or enforcement of demolition and/or ejectment; and
i) The COP shall ensure the presence of fire and medical teams in the activity area.

c. During Implementation of Final Decisions or Orders of the Courts in Civil Cases, of

Quasi-judicial Bodies and of Administrative Bodies within their Jurisdiction
1) Police Assistance in the Implementation of Final Decisions or Orders or Resolutions of the
Courts in Civil Cases, of Quasi- Judicial Bodies and of Administrative Bodies, (Except Cases
with Issued Temporary Restraining Order or Injunction)
All requests for police assistance regardless of which courts, quasi-judicial bodies or administrative
bodies render the final decision or order shall be submitted to the RD of the PRO where the
police assistance will be rendered.

2) Requirements for Police Assistance

Request for police assistance in the implementation of final decisions/orders/writs shall be acted only,
upon compliance of the following conditions:
a) The request for police assistance is based on an order of the court, quasi-judicial or
administrative bodies;
b) The written request for police assistance including a certification shall be signed by the Sheriff or
equivalent officer in quasi-judicial or administrative bodies;
c) The request is filed at least five working days prior to the actual implementation; and
d) The original document of the final decision/order/resolution must be presented. In the absence
of the same, a copy duly authenticated by the Clerk of Court or other authorized
representative of the court, quasi-judicial or administrative body will suffice.

3) Period to Render Police Assistance

If the requirements have been satisfied, police assistance shall be rendered within three working days
from receipt of the directive from the CPNP or RD, PRO. Unless a specific period is written in
the order or due to inherent impossibility of rendering assistance, a longer period may be
required.

4) Office or Unit That May Be Tasked to Render Police Assistance

The CPNP, as may be recommended by The Director for Operations (TDO), may task any operational
support unit of the PNP or the PRO that has jurisdiction in the area where the
decision/order/resolution shall be implemented to render police assistance.
In case of request to the RD, PRO, the latter may task PNP Mobile Forces, City Police Office/Station
(CPS) or Municipal Police Station (MPS) within his/her jurisdiction to render police assistance.
For requests filed directly to the LPUs or operational support units, the same shall be referred
to the CPNP or RD, PRO, as appropriate. No police assistance shall be rendered until the
CPNP or RD, PRO shall have acted on the request.

5) Extent of Police Assistance

The Head of Office or Unit tasked to render police assistance shall have the discretion to employ
sufficient number of PNP uniformed personnel after taking into consideration the importance of
the case, the scope of the resistance to be encountered, if there is any, and the general
peace and order condition in the area. Unless a higher ranking officer is necessary and more
PNP personnel shall be required, the police team that will render police assistance shall be led
by a PCO with the rank of at least a Police Captain. All the team members shall be in
prescribed uniform while rendering assistance

6) Role of PNP Personnel Rendering Police Assistance

PNP personnel shall observe maximum tolerance and respect for human rights at all times.
Dialogue with those who may be affected by the implementation of the
decision/order/resolution is encouraged to prevent violence, and the assistance of local public
officials, when warranted, should be requested. However, the Sheriff or the equivalent officer of
quasi-judicial or administrative bodies shall have the final disposition whether to proceed with
the implementation of the decision/ order/resolution or not. The use of reasonable force shall
only be resorted for self-defense and in defense of strangers. The role of the PNP shall be limited
to the maintenance of peace and order, crowd control, and the security of the Sheriff or
equivalent officer of quasi-judicial or administrative body. In no case shall PNP personnel
participate in the implementation of the decision/order/resolution by performing acts not herein
mentioned, such as, but not limited to, dismantling, hauling of personal property and other
analogous acts.

d. During the Implementation of Final Decisions or Orders or Resolutions of the COMELEC

or DILG or Local Government Unit Exercising Disciplinary Powers in Administrative
Cases of Elected Officials
1) Requirements for the Request for Police Assistance
The police assistance shall only be granted upon the written request of COMELEC or DILG,
accompanied with the original or authenticated copy of the final decision or order or resolution
to be implemented. A Special Task Group shall be created for this purpose.

2) Period to Render Police Assistance

If the requirements have been satisfied, police assistance shall be rendered within three working days
from receipt of the directive from the CPNP. Unless a specific period is written in the order or
due to inherent impossibility of rendering assistance, a longer period may be required.

3) Extent of Police Assistance

The Special Task Group Commander tasked to render police assistance shall have the discretion to
employ enough PNP uniformed personnel after taking into consideration the threat and risk
assessment. All members of the Special Task Group shall be in prescribed uniform when
rendering police assistance.

4) Role of PNP Personnel Rendering Police Assistance

The role of the PNP when rendering police assistance shall be limited to the maintenance of peace
and order, crowd control, and the security of the duly authorized officer of the DILG,
 COMELEC or the LGU who has the responsibility in implementing the decision/order/
resolution. The aforementioned duly authorized officer shall have the final disposition whether
to proceed or not with the implementation.
No PNP personnel shall participate in the implementation by performing acts, such as, but not limited
to, dismantling, hauling of personal property and other analogous acts. The PNP personnel
shall at all times respect human rights, observe maximum tolerance and exercise utmost
impartiality and neutrality. The use of reasonable force shall only be resorted for self-defense
and in defense of strangers.

e. During the Implementation of Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP)

1) Coverage of Police Assistance
a) Preliminary Agrarian Activities
(1) Land survey
(2) Field Investigation
(3) Ocular Inspection
(4) Meeting between actual and potential agrarian reform beneficiaries
(5) Post Installation
(6) Landholding tagging
(7) Analogous cases

b) Implementation of Final Orders

(1) Final Orders/Resolutions /Decisions Issued by Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)
(2) Order of Installation or Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA)

2) Requirements in the Granting of Police Assistance

Police assistance in the implementation of CARP shall be provided only as requested by DAR, duly
approved by the CPNP or RD,PRO.
a) Police assistance during the conduct of preliminary agrarian activities as provided in Rule
5.2e1)(a) shall be rendered only upon a written request submitted by the Agrarian Reform
Officer (ARO) or any authorized Officer of DAR, accompanied with the original or authenticated
copy of the order issued for the activity. The request shall be submitted to the Office of the RD
of the PRO having jurisdiction over the area of execution for his/her approval.
b) Police assistance in the implementation of final orders, decisions, resolutions or CLOAs issued
DAR shall be rendered only upon a written request submitted by the ARO or any authorized
officer of DAR, accompanied with the original or authenticated copy of the final decision, order
or CLOA to be implemented. The request and its attachments, regardless of the place of
execution, shall be submitted to the Office of the CPNP for his/her approval.
3) Extent of Police Assistance
The head of office or unit tasked to render police assistance shall have the discretion to employ
enough PNP uniformed personnel after taking into consideration the threat and risk
assessment. The police assistance shall be led by a PCO. All involved PNP personnel shall be
in prescribed uniform when rendering police assistance.

4) Role of PNP Personnel Rendering Police Assistance

The role of the PNP when rendering police assistance shall be limited to the maintenance of peace
and order, crowd control, and the security of the duly authorized officer of the DAR who has the
responsibility in implementing the decision/order/resolution/CLOA or leading the conduct of the
preliminary agrarian activity. The aforementioned duly authorized officer shall have the final
disposition whether to proceed or not with the implementation.
No PNP member shall participate in the implementation of the decision/order/resolution/CLOA or in the
conduct of any of the preliminary agrarian activities. The PNP personnel shall always respect
 human rights, observe maximum tolerance and exercise utmost impartiality and neutrality. The
use of reasonable force shall only be resorted for self-defense and in defense of strangers.

5) When Entry to the Property is Refused by the Landowner

In the implementation of final orders or in the conduct of preliminary agrarian activities, the authority
to break into the property or into a building shall be specifically provided in the
order/resolution to be implemented. Original or authenticated copy of such shall be attached in
the written request for police assistance and the authority to break into subject property shall
be specified.
Likewise, the authority of the implementing team to forcibly break out and liberate themselves in case
denied exit from the property shall also be specified in the order/resolution.
When the DAR implementing team is denied entry into the property, the PNP personnel shall not directly
participate in the conduct of forcible entry into the said property.

f. During the Implementation of Decisions/Orders of the Court, Quasi- judicial or

Administrative Bodies that are Immediately Executory
1) This rule sets forth the procedure in the granting of police assistance in the implementation
of decisions/orders that are immediately executory such as, but not limited to the
following:
a) Temporary Restraining Order
b) Writ of Preliminary Injunction
c) Replevin
d) Writ of Preliminary Attachment
e) Receivership
f) Provisional Remedies under the Human Security Act
g) Temporary Protection Order under the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act
h) Protection Order under the Anti-Child Pornography Act; and
i) Analogous cases

2) Where to File
Decisions/Orders issued by the court, quasi-judicial or administrative bodies that are immediately
executory shall be submitted to the RD of the PRO having jurisdiction of the place where the
decision/order shall be implemented. Given the urgency of the matter, the RD, PRO shall be
the approving authority. The request for police assistance, however, shall only be acted, upon
the submission of the written request of the Sheriff or equivalent officer in quasi -judicial or
administrative bodies, accompanied by the original or authenticated copy of the decision/
order/writ sought to be implemented.

3) Role of PNP Personnel Rendering Police Assistance

PNP personnel shall always observe maximum tolerance and respect for human rights. Dialogue
with those who may be affected by the implementation of the decision/order/resolution is
encouraged to prevent violence. The assistance of local public officials, when warranted,
should be requested. However, the Sheriff or the equivalent officer of quasi-judicial or
administrative bodies shall have the final disposition whether to proceed or not with the
implementation. The use of reasonable force shall only be resorted for self-defense and in
defense of strangers.

Rule 6 Investigation Operations

6.1 Conduct of Crime Scene Investigation
The CSI starts from the arrival of the PNP First Responders (FRs) to the arrival of the Duty Investigator/
IOC and the SOCO-LS Team until the lifting of the security cordon and release of the crime
 scene. (Standard Operating Procedure No. ODIDM-2011-008 “Conduct of Crime Scene
Investigation”)

a. Specific Functions, Responsibilities and Procedures

The following are the functions and responsibilities of the investigators during the CSI, as well as the
procedures to be observed:
1) First Responders
a) Assess whether the situation still poses imminent danger and call for back up if necessary.
b) Immediately conduct a preliminary evaluation of the crime scene. This evaluation should
include the scope of the incident, emergency services required, scene safety concerns,
administration of life-saving measures, and establishment of security and control of the scene;
c) Promptly inform the immediate commander on any updates of the situation;
d) Save and preserve lives by giving the necessary first-aid measures to the injured and their
medical evacuation as necessary. They shall likewise secure and preserve the crime scene by
cordoning off the area to prevent unauthorized entry of persons;
e) Take the dying declaration or statement of severely injured person/s. (Annex “HH”).
f) Make the initial assessment on whether a crime has actually been committed and shall conduct
the preliminary interview of persons of interest and witnesses to determine what and
how the crime was committed;
g) Arrest the suspect if present in the area; and
h) Turnover the crime scene to the duty investigator/IOC upon his/her arrival after he/she has
been briefed of the situation. The FR shall prepare and submit the First Responders Report
(Annex “II”) to the IOC and assist him/her until the investigation is completed and temporarily
turned over to the local COP for the continuance of crime scene security.

2) Investigator-On-Case (IOC)
a) Make a thorough assessment of the crime scene based on the briefing of the FR;
b) Assume full control and responsibility over the crime scene and conduct inquiry into the
incident. If necessary, the IOC may extend the search outside of the crime scene;
c) Request SOCO assistance from the PNP CL office through the station TOC if required (PNP
Investigation Manual, 2011). If not, he/she may proceed with the CSI ensuring observance of the
procedures in the collection and preservation of evidence and accomplishing CSI forms
including Persons who entered the Crime Scene, Significant Persons Present at the Vicinity of
the Crime Scene, Evidence Log, Crime Scene Sketch and Inventory of Evidence Collected
(Annexes “JJ”,“JJ-1”, “JJ-2”, “JJ-3” and “JJ-4”).
d) Present the written Request for the Conduct of SOCO (Annex “KK”) to the SOCO TL. The SOCO
Team shall not process the crime scene unless the request has been received indicating that
the concerned police unit shall remain and provide all the necessary security and support to
the SOCO Team during the whole process until after the crime scene is released; and
e) Brief the SOCO TL upon their arrival at the crime scene and jointly conduct the preliminary
crime scene survey.
f) Coordinate with the PNP Legal Service for the filing of appropriate motion for the release and
disposition of submitted evidence after the case is dismissed at the Prosecutor’s Office or
terminated or resolved by the Court.

3) SOCO
a) Respond only upon request through the Operations Center and after the IOC has already
made the proper assessment of the crime scene. The SOCO Team shall not join any
operations conducted by the local police or accompany the FRs or the IOC in going to the
crime scene;
b) Conduct SOCO upon receipt of the request from the concerned police unit;
c) Turn over the crime scene to the IOC/COP for security of the area, in case the SOCO Team
 temporarily suspends the processing. The COP shall be primarily responsible and accountable
for securing the crime scene and ensuring its integrity until the return of SOCO Team and the
conclusion of the CSI;
d) Perform the final crime scene survey together with the IOC and thereafter provide the IOC the
initial results of the crime scene processing; and
e) Accomplish the Inventory of Evidence Collected Form (Annex “JJ-4”) and furnish the IOC of
copies of the same before leaving the crime scene.

4) Legal Officer
a) Make a determination through searching questions to the COP if the crime reported falls
within the definition of Sensational Crime or Serious Election Related Incident (ERI) under PNP
MC 2013-004.
b) Go to the crime scene involving Sensational Crime and Serious ERI and ensure that the
applicable laws, rules and regulations during the CSI are observed.
c) Provide the necessary legal assistance in the preparation of complaint, affidavits and other
pleadings that will be filed before the prosecutor’s office.

b. Special SOCO Procedures

In cases where the evidence gathered needs special processing due to significant or sensational
cases, the specialists from the CL shall be requested.
1) In bombing cases, the EOD personnel should first clear the area prior to entry of the SOCO
Team. The preliminary survey and crime scene processing shall be jointly conducted by EOD
personnel, IOC and SOCO Team. All evidence collected must be pre-cleared by the EOD Team
prior to disposition;
2) In suspected or reported chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) situations, the
SOCO shall directly coordinate with the Special Rescue Team of the BFP and other
appropriate government agencies.
3) In mass victim situation, the Regional/District SOCO who has jurisdiction over the area, in
addition to their function, shall act as the FR to the Interim Disaster Victim Identification Task
Group (IDVITG) of the PNP CL. The IDVITG shall immediately assess the forensic specialists
needed to be deployed at the crime scene and relay the requirements to the PNP CL
Headquarters.
4) The SOCO, in coordination with IOC, has motu proprio authority to direct all operating units
involved in the police operation to submit their respective personnel for forensic examination,
their service firearms for ballistic tests and other pieces of evidence involved to expedite the
investigation of the case.

c. Policy Guidelines on Processing of Persons Present at the Crime Scene during Post-Incident
Situations
These policy guidelines prescribe the operational procedures in processing and handling persons
present at the crime scene, be they the suspects, victims or witnesses. The aim is to clearly
define police courses of actions in dealing with persons who, for any reason and
personal circumstance, are at the crime scene during post-incident situations.

As soon as the perpetrators surrender, or when they are captured or arrested, the IC shall ensure
that the following are accomplished:
1) Processing, Debriefing and Documentation:
a) Victims;
b) Perpetrators;
c) Witnesses; and
d) Key participants in the incident.
2) Venue of Processing, Debriefing and Documentation – Considering the instability of the situation,
the safety of the responders and persons found at the scene of the crime, and the preservation
of the place of incident, the venue of the processing, debriefing and investigation shall be at a
neutral and secured place.

d. Release of the Crime Scene

1) The IOC shall decide on the release of the crime scene upon consultation with the SOCO
Team Leader. He/she shall ensure that all pieces of potential evidence have been collected
and appropriately documented. Any re-entry of the IOC or other investigative units into the
crime scene after its release to the owner will require a Search Warrant issued by the Court;
2) The IOC shall accomplish the IOC/Investigator’s CSI form (Annex “LL”) before the cordon shall
be lifted;
3) The IOC or the COP shall turn-over the crime scene to the owner of the property or where the
crime scene is a public place, to any local person in authority using the Release of the Crime
Scene Form (Annex “MM”);
4) The IOC shall accomplish and submit the Investigator’s Report with all the required
attachments to the COP within two days if practicable from the date of incident; and
5) The CSI Report shall be the first entry in the Case Folder for the investigation of the incident.

6.2 Maintenance of Police Blotter

a. Police Blotter
Each PNP operating unit/station shall maintain two separate police blotters:
1) Blue Blotter. Contains the daily registry of all crime incident reports, official summaries of arrest,
and other significant events reported in a Police Station/Unit; and
2) Pink Blotter. Contains the daily registry of all crime incident reports involving Violence Against
Women and Children, Trafficking in Person, and other Gender-Based Violence such as those
provided for in PNP policies and Philippine laws.

b. Blotter Procedure
Crime incidents, arrests or events/activities shall be recorded in the blotter book by the DO.
If the report is a crime incident as verified by the DI, he/she shall accomplish the Incident Record
Form (IRF) (Annex “NN”) using Crime Information Reporting and Analysis System (CIRAS)
from which the entry in the blotter book shall be extracted from.
If the incident falls under the jurisdiction of the Katarungang Pambarangay, it shall al be recorded but
indicated in disposition as referred to Barangay.
If the crime incident involves Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), always use a.k.a. or aliases
when writing entries to blue blotter.

6.3 Judicial Affidavit Rule (A.M. No. 12-8-8-SC)

This Rule shall apply to all actions, proceedings, and incidents requiring the reception of evidence
before the court in place of the direct testimonies of witnesses in order to reduce the time
needed for completing their testimonies.
a. Application of Rule to Criminal Actions
This rule shall apply to all criminal actions where the maximum imposable penalty does not exceed six
years.

b. Contents of Judicial Affidavit (Annex “OO”)

A Judicial Affidavit shall be prepared in the language known to the witness and, if not in English or
Filipino, accompanied by a translation in English or Filipino, and shall contain the necessary
data/information.
1) The name, age, residence or business address, and occupation of the witness;
2) The name and address of the lawyer who conducts or supervises the examination of the witness
and the place where the examination is being held;
3) A statement that the witness is answering the questions asked of him/her, fully conscious that
he/she does so under oath, and that he/she may face criminal liability for false testimony or
perjury;

4) Questions asked of the witness and his/her corresponding answers, consecutively numbered,
that:
a) Show the circumstances under which the witness acquired the facts upon which he/she
testifies;
b) Elicit from him/her those facts which are relevant to the issues that the case presents; and
c) Identify the attached documentary and object evidence and establish their authenticity in
accordance with the Rules of Court;

5) The signature of the witness over his/her printed name; and

6) A jurat or a proof that an oath was taken before an Administering officer or a notary public.

c. Sworn Attestation of the Lawyer

The judicial affidavit shall contain a sworn attestation at the end, executed by the lawyer who
conducted or supervised the examination of the witness, to the effect that:
1) He/she faithfully recorded or caused to be recorded the questions he/she asked and the
corresponding answers that the witness gave; and
2) Neither he/she nor any other person then present or assisting him/ her coached the witness
regarding the latter’s answers.

6.4 Custodial Investigation

a. Duties of the Police during Custodial Investigation (RA 7438 sec. 2)
1) The arresting officer, or the investigator, as the case may be, shall ensure that a person
arrested, detained or under custodial investigation shall, at all times, be assisted by counsel,
preferably of his own choice;
2) The arresting officer, or the investigator, as the case may be, must inform the person arrested,
detained or under custodial investigation of the following rights under RA 7438 and RA 9745 in
a language or dialect known to and understood by him/her, that:
a) He/she has the right to remain silent. If he/she waives his/her right to remain silent, anything
he/she says can be used in evidence against him/her in court;
b) He/she has the right to counsel of his/her own choice. If he/she cannot afford one, he/she shall
be provided with an independent and competent counsel;
c) He/she has the right to demand physical examination by an independent and competent doctor
of his/her own choice, before and after interview/questioning. If the person arrested is a female,
she shall be attended to preferably by a female doctor. If he/she cannot afford one, he/she
shall be provided with a competent and independent doctor to conduct physical examination;
d) The State shall endeavour to provide him/her with psychological evaluation if available under
the circumstances (RA 9745 sec. 12).
e) He/she, including his/her immediate family, have the right to immediate access to proper and
adequate medical treatment; and
f) He/she has the right to be informed of such rights.

3) If the person arrested, detained, or under custodial investigation opted to give a sworn
statement (Annex “PP”), the arresting officer, or the investigator, as the case may be, must
reduce it in writing and in the presence of his/her counsel.
4) The arresting officer must ensure that, before the sworn statement is signed, or thumb marked,
 if there is inability to read and to write, the document shall be read and adequately explained to
the person arrested, detained or under custodial investigation by his/ her counsel of choice, or
by the assisting counsel provided to him/ her, in the language or dialect known to him/her;

5) The arresting officer, or the investigator, as the case may be, must ensure that any
extrajudicial confession made by a person arrested, detained or under custodial investigation
shall be:
a) In writing;
b) Signed by such person in the presence of his/her counsel; or
c) In the latter’s absence, upon a valid waiver, and in the presence of any of the parents, elder
brothers and sisters, his/her spouse, the municipal mayor, the municipal judge, district school
supervisor, priest, imam or religious minister chosen by him/her.Failure of the arresting officer,
or the investigator, to observe the above-mentioned procedures shall render the extrajudicial
confession inadmissible as evidence in any proceeding; and
6) The arresting officer, or the investigator, as the case may be, must, under established regulations,
allow the person arrested, detained, or under custodial investigation visits by or conferences
with any member of his/her immediate family, any medical doctor, priest, imam or religious
minister chosen by him/her or by any member of his/her immediate family or by his/her
counsel, or by any local NGO duly accredited by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) or by
any international NGO duly accredited by the Office of the President. His/her “immediate
family” shall include his/her spouse, parent or child, brother or sister, grandparent or grandchild,
uncle or aunt, nephew or niece, guardian or ward, and fiancé or fiancée (RA 7438 sec. 2 f) ;

b. Persons Under Police Custody (PUPC)

The following are the policies and procedures in the admission, visitation, transfer and release of
Persons Under Police Custody (PUPC) (PNP Memorandum Circular 2018-027):

1) Admission
The pertinent data of the PUPC shall be encoded in the e-Rogues and other NGIS as applicable.
The following can be detained/admitted in PNP custodial facilities:
a) Accused covered by a Warrant of Arrest or a Commitment Order issued by the court; and
b) Arrested suspects who are under custodial investigation. However, under no circumstances
should the arrested suspects under custodial investigation be held in custodial facilities beyond
the prescribed reglementary period, unless, while in custody, appropriate charges have been
filed and Commitment Order has been issued by the court concerned or he/she signed the
required waiver of the rights under the provisions of Article 125 of the RPC.

2) Requirements for Admission

In situations where the arresting police unit has no existing custodial facility, they may request admission
of the PUPC to another police unit, provided that they submit the following mandatory
requirements:
a) Request for custody or Commitment Order;
b) Proof of medical examination or medical certificate of the PUPC; and
c) Case folder of the PUPC containing, among others, the accomplished booking sheet.

3) Segregation of PUPC
Segregation according to gender and classification of crimes committed by PUPC shall be
observed.

4) Visitation
Visitorial rights of a PUPC shall be subject to the following conditions:
a) Security rules and regulations of the facility such as but not limited to:
(1) The number of visitors at any given time;
(2) Non-wearing of similar color with the PUPC’s uniform; and
(3) Prohibition on the use or possession of camera, video equipment, cellular phone and similar
devices.

b) Presentation of public and/or pertinent documents to prove relationship;

c) Prohibition of conjugal visits.

5) Transfer of Custody
a) Upon receipt of the Commitment Order from the court, the Chief, Custodial Facility shall
coordinate with the issuing court to ascertain the validity of the order. Upon confirmation, he/she
must coordinate with the receiving detention facility for the immediate transfer of custody; and
b) Prior to the transfer, the PUPC shall be subjected to medical examination by a PNP medical
officer or, in his/her absence, any government physician.

6) Release
a) The Chief, Custodial Facility shall be the sole approving authority in releasing the PUPC.
b) Upon receipt of the Release Order from the court, the Chief, Custodial Facility shall coordinate
with the issuing court to ascertain the validity of the order. Upon confirmation, he/she must
coordinate with the arresting unit if there are other legal impediments to the release.
c) The Chief, Custodial Facility shall likewise check from the PNP e-Warrant System to determine
if the PUPC to be released has other pending warrants of arrest.
d) If there are valid grounds for continuous detention, the Chief, Custodial Facility shall inform and
coordinate with the court that issued the release order immediately or within five days from
notice.
e) Prior to the official release of the PUPC, he/she must undergo another medical examination at
any PNP Health Service unit or Rural Health Unit.
f) The Chief, Custodial Facility shall coordinate with the arresting officer for the release of
all the properties seized from the PUPC, except for those items still being used as evidence
and those forfeited in favor of the government.

c. Transporting of PUPC
1) The PUPC must be properly escorted and handcuffed at all times and seated/positioned in the
vehicle in a manner that prevents his/ her escape and deny him/her the opportunity to endanger
the lives of PNP personnel. Female PUPC shall be escorted by a police woman;
2) The transport of PUPC shall be done using official PNP vehicles. Other vehicles may be
utilized subject to the approval of the head of the concerned unit;
3) PUPCs shall as much as possible be transported wearing PUPC’s uniform or proper attire that
may identify them as PUPCs;

4) Transport of PUPC shall be limited only to the following:

a) To the proper office for inquest, or court for hearing;
b) To the nearest hospital/clinic in case of the mandatory medical examination or during
actual medical emergency;
c) To the designated evacuation area exclusive for PUPCs during a crisis situation;
d) During court-permitted transport; and
e) Other analogous circumstances

6.5 Instituting Criminal Actions

a. Inquest Procedures
1) The inquest proceedings shall commence upon the presentation of arrested person, unless
 his/her absence is justified, and witness/es by the police officer before the inquest prosecutor.
The concerned police officer shall submit the following documents:
a) Case Referral signed by the Chief of Office (Annex “QQ”);
b) Affidavit of Arrest (Annex “RR”);
c) Statement(s) of the complainant(s) (Annex “SS”);
d) Affidavit(s) of the witness(es) if any (Annex “TT”); and
e) Other supporting evidence gathered by law enforcement authorities during their investigation
of the criminal incident involving the arrested person.

2) The investigator shall also ensure that the documents to be presented during the inquest
proceedings shall comply with the guidelines and procedures provided in the existing
investigation manuals and procedures, including but not limited to:
a) A.M. No. 21-06-08-SC (Rules on the Use of Body-Worn Cameras in the Execution of
Warrants and Warrantless Arrest);
b) PNP Criminal Investigation Manual 2011;
c) DOJ-NBI-PDEA-PNP Unified Manual in the Investigation and Prosecution of Anti-Illegal Drug
Cases 2021;
d) Murder/ Homicide Investigation Manual;
e) Revised Standard Operating Procedure: Trafficking in Persons In Investigation Manual 2017;
f) Manual In Handling Children at Risk and Children in Conflict with the Law; or
g) Women And Children Protection Desk Investigator’s Manual.

b. Waiver of Rights
The inquest shall proceed unless the arrested person opts for a preliminary investigation by executing
the required waiver of rights under Article 125 of the RPC (Annex “UU”).

c. Preliminary Investigation and Direct Filing

1) Preliminary Investigation
This is an inquiry or proceeding to determine whether there is sufficient ground to engender a well-
founded belief that a crime has been committed and the respondent is probably guilty thereof
and should be held for trial.
It is required to be conducted by the Provincial or City Prosecutors and their assistants, National and
Regional State Prosecutors; and other officers as may be authorized by law before the filing of a
complaint or information for an offense where the penalty prescribed by law is at least four
years, two months and one day without regard to the fine.

2) Direct Filing
For all other offenses where preliminary investigation is not required, the concerned investigator may
file the complaint directly with the Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts, or
the complaint with the office of the prosecutor. In Manila and other chartered cities, the complaint
shall be filed with the office of the prosecutor, unless otherwise provided in their charters.
In the following instances, the concerned investigator shall file cases with the prosecutor’s office thru
regular filing when:
(a) The suspect has not been arrested but there is sufficient evidence to warrant the filing of the
case; or
(b) When there was an arrest by virtue of a warrantless arrest pursuant to Rule 113, Section 5 of
the Rules of Court, but the reglementary period to file the case has already lapsed
The requirements stated in 6.6a shall likewise be complied with, as may be applicable.

d. Attendance to Court Duties

PNP personnel shall ensure that they dutifully attend court hearings. The concerned subpoena
 court process officer from the PNP shall ensure the attendance of the aforesaid PNP personnel
by utilizing the PNP e-subpoena system (PNP MC 2014-016).

e. Monitoring of Cases by the Investigators

After the investigators file the cases at the prosecutor’s offices, they shall continuously monitor the case
up to final resolution. They are also required to upload in the Case Information and Database
Management System (CIDMS) all their case folders and the updates.

6.6 Investigation by the Local Police Unit After an Armed Confrontation

a. Responsibility of the Local Police Unit. The Police Unit that has territorial jurisdiction over the
area where the armed confrontation occurred shall conduct threat assessment prior to
response, secure and preserve the crime scene.
b. Processing of the Crime Scene. The concerned Police Unit shall immediately request the
SOCO Team to conduct crime scene processing (PNP SOP ODIDM-2011-008).
c. Disposition of Firearms, Cartridges and Bullets Used, Seized, or Recovered in the absence of
SOCO Team

1) After an armed confrontation resulting from any police operation, all firearms, cartridges and
bullets seized or recovered, including those used by PNP personnel and other law
enforcement agents in case of a joint operation, shall immediately be submitted with proper
markings to the nearest CL office for examination procedures.

2) The IOC shall perform the following:

a) Personally submit the used, seized or recovered firearms, cartridges and bullets to the nearest
CL Office;
b) Place all firearm evidence separately in properly labeled self- sealing plastic bags or appropriate
similar containers;
c) Submit the photo of the firearm and the receipt issued by the nearest CL Office for the said
firearms, cartridges and bullets to the prosecutor or the court (DOJ DC 67-2015); and
d) Request for a subpoena addressed to the firearms evidence custodian of the CL Office to
present the firearms, cartridges and bullets, if their physical submission is required.

d. Disposition of Other Evidence Used, Seized or Recovered

If there are explosives found after an armed confrontation, the operating unit shall seek the assistance
of the EODT. Other evidence intended for examination, in the absence of SOCO, shall be
properly marked and turned- over to the CL Office or other concerned PNP units.

e. Procedures to be Followed in Case Persons Died

In cases of armed confrontation resulting in the death of suspects, victims, PNP personnel or other
law enforcement agents, the location where the incident occurred shall be treated as a crime
scene and the procedures in the conduct of CSI provided in Rule 6.1 of this POP shall be
followed.
The IAS shall also conduct, motu proprio, automatic investigation of incidents that resulted in the
death of suspects or victims.

6.7 Procedures in the Investigation of Heinous and Sensational Crimes

a. Whenever a heinous or sensational crime is committed, the concerned COP or Station
Commander shall immediately assess the situation and communicate with the DD/PD/CD the
attendant circumstances and its updates which will be the basis of the DD/PD/CD for
recommending to the RD whether there is a need to activate the Special Investigation Task
Group (SITG).
b. Concerned COP or Station Commander shall base his/her assessment and recommendation
on the report of the FRs and his/her assigned IOC. The creation of the SITG is not necessary
for crimes that can be resolved at their level. Otherwise, a District/PPO/CPO level SITG shall
be organized that will take cognizance of the investigation of heinous and sensational cases
initially investigated by the City/Municipal/District Police Stations.
c. The creation of SITG and procedures to be followed shall be governed by the procedures in the
investigation of heinous and sensational crimes provided in the PNP SOP Number 2012-003.

6.8 Investigation of Violence Against Women and Children (VAW/C) and other Gender-
Based Violence (GBV)
a. Investigation of Complaints and Reports Involving All Forms of VAW/C and other GBV
The PNP Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) shall conduct a timely, thorough, and
comprehensive investigation of all cases involving VAW/C and other GBV such as those
provided in the DIDM Investigative Directive 2016-09, the Women and Children Protection
Desk Investigator’s Manual and other subsequent related issuances consistent with domestic
laws, rules and regulations, and International Human Rights standards. Any response must be
child sensitive, gender-sensitive, rights- based and disability sensitive.

The following investigation procedures shall be conducted by WCPD Investigators:

1) Upon the receipt of report/complaint, the WCPD Investigator shall conduct initial interview using
the standard Incident Record Form (IRF) and record the incident in the pink blotter;
2) The WCPD Investigator shall determine the level of risk or safety issue of the victim and/or
his/her family. If necessary, refer the victim-survivor to the Local Social Welfare and
Development Office (LSWDO) or other support services/agencies for rescue, monitoring or
welfare checks or application and enforcement of protection order.
3) The WCPD Investigator, whenever necessary, shall refer the victim-survivor to the nearest
PNP CL Office or any hospital/ medical facility for appropriate medico-legal examination. As far
as possible, the examining physician must be of the same sex as the victim-survivor,
especially in sexual violence cases;
4) Only persons expressly authorized by the victim-survivor shall be allowed inside the room
where police investigation or medical/physical examination is being conducted, except when
the victim-survivor is a child, where the presence of the unoffending parent or guardian and
social worker is required;
5) Ensure the confidentiality of identity of the victim-survivor and all other parties directly involved
with the case under investigation. For this purpose, the WCPD Investigator must record the
same in the pink blotter. The media shall not be allowed any access to information concerning
VAW/C and GBV reported to the PNP;
6) Upon the determination of the readiness of the victim to give statement, the WCPD
Investigator shall conduct the victim- sensitive interview. Before documenting or recording the
interview, the WCPD investigator shall secure the consent of the victim-survivor. If victim-
survivor is a child, the accompanying social worker or non-offending guardian or parent/adult
shall give the consent on behalf of the child.
7) The complaint, together with all relevant evidence, shall be referred to the Prosecutor’s Office
for appropriate legal action. The WCPD Investigator shall ensure the privacy of the victim-
survivor and the confidentiality of the case at all times. The name and personal circumstances
of the victim-survivor or any other information tending to establish his/her identity and that of
his/her family shall not be disclosed to the public.
8) The WCPD Officer, in coordination with the territorial police unit, shall use all reasonable means
to enforce a protection order to prevent further violence to the victim-survivor;
b. Rescue, Temporary Shelter and Protective Custody of Child Victim- Survivor
The WCPD Investigator, in coordination with the LSWDO, shall investigate on all cases of child
abuse committed within their respective area of responsibility, consistent with domestic
laws, rules and regulations, and international human rights.
1) Any Police officer, upon receipt of a complaint or report or information that a child has been
or is being abused, maltreated, exploited, neglected, or abandoned, or is under imminent
danger of being abused or exploited, shall take immediate action thereon and coordinate with
the WCPD Investigator, but under no circumstance shall be beyond 48 hours;
2) Any police officer, on a reasonable suspicion that a person is a victim of any offense defined
under RA 9208 as amended by RA 10364, in coordination with WCPD, shall immediately place
that person in the temporary custody of the LSWDO, or any accredited or licensed shelter
institution devoted to protecting trafficked persons after the rescue;
3) Whenever the investigation shows evidence of labor exploitation or violation of labor standards
involving a child, the WCPD investigator shall coordinate with the DOLE in the conduct of a
rescue operation. A representative from the DOLE and LSWDO shall be invited as part of the
rescue team.
4) In instances where the DOLE representative was not part of the rescue operation, the WCPD
officer may file a petition/ application for the closure of establishment before the DOLE when
there is evidence of worst form of child labor as provided for by Special Protection of Children
Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act (RA 9231 sec.12-d).
5) The WCPD Investigator shall ensure that the child shall not be subjected or exposed to
revictimization during investigation.

c. Procedures in the Rescue of a Child

1) A rescue team, to be headed by the WCPD, shall be activated. They shall coordinate with
representatives from LSWDO, Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC), and
other concerned agencies for the conduct of rescue operations.
2) The rescue team shall formulate and execute the operational plan. All police officers
participating in the rescue operations shall be in prescribed uniform. Only members of the
team who will be in direct contact with the child shall be in plain clothes to make the child
feel comfortable. They must have a PNP identification card to show when required.
3) Upon arrival at the place of rescue, the police officers shall secure the area and properly
introduce themselves and inform the custodian of the child as to the purpose of their operation.

d. Procedures to be Observed in the Handling of Children at Risk (CAR), Children in

Conflict with the Law (CICL) and Children Involved in Armed Conflict (CIAC)
When handling a case involving a CAR, CICL, or CIAC, the PNP personnel shall keep in mind that
the child has rights that has to be protected. He/she shall not threaten the child with any kind of
violence or use vulgar language or allow the other concerned parties from doing the same. The
parents/guardians of the CAR, CICL or CIAC shall be notified within eight hours from the time of
the physical custody of the child and shall be referred to the appropriate agencies for the
necessary intervention. The PNP personnel shall only use necessary and proportionate force to
subdue a resisting child and where such force will only be used as a last resort. In no case
shall the physical custody of the CAR, CICL or CIAC be retained in a custodial facility.
1) If the incident is involving CAR and CICL, the PNP personnel shall ensure observance of and
adherence to the provisions of the Manual in Handling Cases of Children at Risk and Children
in Conflict with the Law and the provisions of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (RA 9344), as
amended.
2) If the incident is involving CICL, the IOC, upon completion of the processing, shall ensure to
turn over the custody of the child to the LSWDO or other accredited NGOs within eight hours
after apprehension. However, in cases where the child is 15 years old or below, the IOC shall
immediately release the child to the custody of the child’s parents or guardian (RA 9344 sec.
 21i)
3) If the incident is involving CIAC, the PNP personnel shall observe the provisions of RA 11188 on
its implementing rules and regulations and the handling protocol on children in situations of
armed conflict.

4) The CIAC shall not be criminally liable for crimes they committed as CIAC and shall be treated
as victims. However, the protocol for the handling of cases of CICL shall apply when the acts
committed by the CIAC are the following:
a) Grave child rights violations; or
b) Committed not as a child involved in armed conflict.

5) If the crime is cognizable by the WCPD as stated in the DIDM Investigative Directive 2016-09
and other related issuances, the WCPD shall investigate the case. In all other cases,
investigation of the incident shall be made by the unit that has jurisdiction over the offense but
the child who is CAR, CICL, or CIAC shall be processed by the WCPD.

Rule 7 Police Community Relations (PCR)

7.1 Essence of PCR
PCR is indispensable in the PNP organization as it is geared towards forging a partnership with the
community to promote a shared responsibility in addressing peace and order. A strong
relationship between the police and the community establishes a harmonious and peaceful
environment achieved through proper coordination and communication.
PCR showcases its significance as being the first among equals in the quad concept of police
operations because it fosters an environment conducive for effective crime prevention and
solution efforts including other police activities.

7.2 General Guidelines

a. All personnel shall endeavor to manifest a character that enables him/ her to win the hearts and
minds of the community and strive to establish and maintain a good relationship with them;
b. PCR activities shall aim towards addressing the various concerns on peace and order and
public safety in the community. The proper conduct of PCR activities is essential in maintaining a
positive public perception;
c. The community shall be informed on the PNP community-based programs and activities to
gain support and address information gaps; and
d. The PNP awareness, organization and mobilization efforts shall take into consideration the
prevailing situation in the community.

7.3 Public Information

This refers to the dissemination of information that may be of interest to the general public about
policies, procedures, advisories, and events involving the PNP or other newsworthy
accomplishments that are cleared for release.
a. Protocols in Releasing Information. Prior to the sharing of information, the following shall be
performed:
1) Validate the accuracy and timeliness of the information;

2) Seek approval of the Unit Commander/Head of Office/authorized representative who shall

ensure that the information is:
a) Intended to empower and educate the community;
b) Purposive to the community safety and security to encourage them to participate in an
information chain that reduces fear and eliminate the prevalence of crime;
c) Respectful of the privacy and dignity of an individual particularly the victim of a crime;
and
d) Not prejudicial to the safety and security of the state or an individual.

3) Release information only by authorized personnel through official channels maximizing the use
of TRIMP.

b. Media Relations Protocols

1) Observe courtesy and proper decorum and avoid arguments;
2) Never give unofficial or classified information. In cases when information may not be disclosed
to the media, the basis for such shall be fully and courteously explained;
3) Press statements and PNP media lines shall be consistent with established facts;
4) Suspect/s arrested for any violation of the law shall in no case be presented in a “firing line”
during press briefings;
5) As a general rule, the interview of PUPC by the media is prohibited. However, if the PUPC
volunteers to be interviewed, he/she may be allowed to do so subject to existing rules and
regulations of the custodial facility;
6) In cases of inter-agency operations, the department/agency with primary jurisdiction shall
assume the responsibility in dealing with the media; and
7) All request for information shall be in consonance with the PNP People’s Freedom of
Information Manual.

c. Media Relations During Crisis

The Crisis Communication Action Team (CCAT) (Annex “VV”) shall be activated at the appropriate
level to provide crisis communication strategies to manage issues with negative impact on the
PNP and to inform the public to avoid fear and confusion of an ongoing critical development. It
utilizes protocols for effective communication, particularly during a major threat or incident, to
keep the community safe and secure.
The CCAT shall support the designated Public Information Officer (PIO)
of the established CIMTG at all levels and shall be guided by the following:
1) The CCAT, in coordination with the IC, is the only authorized group to release information to the
media through the designated PIO of the CIMTG;
2) Media area for pooled coverage shall be situated from a safe distance and where, as far as
practicable, the incident is not visible; and
3) Media shall be prohibited to cover actual police operations during human-induced crisis such
as but not limited to hostage situations or any similar incidents.

d. Social Media Protocols

These are policies that guide PNP personnel in using the social media particularly in sharing
information. It promotes the responsible use of social media and ensures that PNP policies
and laws of the state are observed. Social media posting of information shall adhere to the
following:
1) Ensure that posts shall be based on facts;
2) Ensure that posts are approved by the Social Network Supervisor and the Social Media Officer;
3) Ensure that classified matters/information about the PNP organization are not published; and
4) Ensure that posts on personal circumstances, tasks, and projects shall neither compromise
any operation nor endanger the lives of personnel and stakeholders.

7.4 Information Development Operations (IDO)

It is the development and application of means to influence the perception and decision-making of a
specific Target Audience (TA) in support to the strategic communication of the government.
a. Three Classifications of IDO:
1) Offensive, which is the conduct of proactive measures on anticipated or emerging issues
before it becomes a crisis;
2) Defensive, which refers to controlling the crisis or situation from scaling; and
3) Extensive, which is a day-to-day routine of crafting and developing products that convey a
strong message in the form of visual aids such as memes, infographics, informercials, and
printed materials derived from facts and plain news.

b. Strategic Communication
The IDO provides support for the Strategic Communication (StratCom) to orchestrate actions, words
and images to achieve strategic goals and to advance the organization’s interest, policies and
objectives. The main objective of StratCom is to address real-time issues which affects the
state of the nation. The following are the guidelines in carrying out StratCom:
1) PNP units shall have trained Police Community Affairs and Development (PCAD) officers to
lead in carrying out PCAD activities and efforts;
2) Stratcom plans and activities shall be developed with achievable, measurable and time-bound
content;
3) StratCom shall be crafted in order to affect positively the thinking faculties and eventually
the behaviors of the purposely predetermined TA;
4) TAs shall be classified as either internal or external to the PNP. This will aid the StratCom
crafters to appropriately identify their plan of actions as well as the useful tools;
5) The themes and messages shall be produced in the form of words, actions, and images or a
combination thereof specific to each classification of target audience and they can be
expressed through the following channels using various IDOs; social media platforms;
television; radio; and print (press release, leaflets, glossy sheets, broadsheets, tabloids,
infographics, etc.)

7.5 Police Community Affairs and Development

PCAD covers the awareness, organization, and mobilization of the community for crime prevention,
lawlessness resistance and overall security of the area relative to peace and order, public
safety, and development.
a. PCAD programs and activities shall be guided by the following:
1) There shall be trained PCAD personnel in all police stations to lead the various PCAD
programs and activities;
2) PCAD programs and activities shall be regularly conducted to sustain the partnership and
collaboration with the community;
3) There shall be social investigation/community study on the physical environment, economic
status, lifestyle, cultural and socio-political standing, and others, necessary for program
conceptualization to address societal/peace and order issues/problems in the community;
4) There shall be coordination, collaboration and cooperation with concerned government
agencies, NGOs, and stakeholders in the conduct of various PCAD programs and activities;
5) PNP units shall initiate and assist in disaster relief operations, medical support operations,
rescue operations, community- based education and training, and other urgent and non-urgent
assistance;
6) Trained and organized groups shall serve as active partners and force multipliers in the conduct
of PCAD programs and activities;
7) PNP units/offices shall assess PCAD programs and activities through various tools including
community feedback to determine their effectiveness; and
8) In certain situations where NGOs are involved in community organizing, PCAD personnel
should understand that the NGOs’ participation is purely voluntary.
b. Community Engagement and Awareness Procedures
1) Conduct Target Audience and Issue Analysis (TAIA) to assess the priority concerns in the
community;
2) Coordinate and collaborate with the barangay officials and other community leaders before the
conduct of information dissemination drives to the identified TAs;
3) Serve as lecturer/resource speaker during community engagement and awareness activities;
and
4) Sustain the conduct of community engagement and awareness activities.

c. Community Organizing Procedures

1) Prepare a database/list of people in the community and their significant roles;
2) Engage the community through seminar/lecture, pulong-pulong, ugnayan sa barangay, and
other information dissemination drives;
3) Form core groups and identify potential contacts and leaders in each target
community/sector to determine their concerns;
4) Conduct thorough validation and verification of intentions and requirements for accreditation
of sectoral groups and other entities;
5) Conduct community/sector selection to determine and assess what programs and activities
are feasible;
6) Visit the local community/sector leaders to inform them of the nature/objectives of
programs and activities to be implemented;
7) Immerse and participate in social and economic activities to adapt and familiarize oneself with
the community/sector; and
8) Take the lead in the actual mobilization of organized groups.

d. Community Mobilization Procedures

1) Ensure that the organized groups to be mobilized must be trained/capacitated based on their
respective fields of interest;
2) Supervise the activities and participation of the organized groups in various PCAD programs
and activities;
3) Conduct briefing and debriefing with the organized groups in all PCAD programs and activities;
4) Ensure regular monitoring and assessment of the organized groups in the community;
and
5) Recognize/acknowledge the effort and participation of the community and organized groups.

7.6 Gender and Development (GAD)

GAD in the PNP organization is human rights-based and it is the responsibility of a police officer to
protect and promote such rights. This recognizes that gender biases impede development
because they prevent people from attaining the full potentials that enable them to become
effective contributors to and beneficiaries of development. It is about adhering to the principle
that development is for all.
Fairness and equity demand that everyone in society, whether male or female, has the right to the
same opportunities to achieve a full and satisfying life.

a. The Role of Police Officers as Advocates of GAD

The PNP promotes women empowerment and pursues equal opportunities for men and women and
ensures equal access to resources and development results and outcomes in the organization
(RA 9710, 2009).
1) Deployment of Female Police During Operations
a) Ensure that a corresponding number of female police personnel shall be included in the
team;
b) Ensure that the same roles are performed within the gender policies of equal work standard;
 and
c) Consider the health condition of pregnant police women.

2) Deployment Of WCPD Officers in Evacuation Areas

a) Ensure that male and female WCPD officers are deployed to assist the women and children in
evacuation areas; and
b) Ensure availability of an interview/investigation room in the evacuation area for the protection
of the victim’s privacy during the interview.

3) Decent Custodial Facilities for Both Male and Female PUPCs

a) Ensure that custodial facilities are compliant with the international standards for jails
and prisons;
b) Ensure separate custodial facilities and comfort rooms for male and female PUPCs to avoid
any form of abuse; and
c) Ensure that concerns of female PUPCs must be handled by female PNP duty guard as well.

4) Promotion of Gender Equality and Development

a) Advocate gender equality;
b) Use gender-fair language;
c) Provide equal opportunity to all gender;
d) Treat people equally;
e) Uphold equal justice for everyone;
f) Adhere strictly to human rights;
g) Avoid victim-blaming;
h) Stop violence against women and children and marginalized sectors of the community;
i) Stop hate crime (color of skin, gender preference, economic & social status); and
j) Do not discriminate.

7.7 Salaam Police (\suh·lam\)

Salaam Police Center (SPC) is established to foster better Police-Muslim Community relationships.
Assigning dedicated PNP personnel, preferably Muslims, with the SPC provides a proactive and
forward-looking response to promote law and order within Muslim communities taking into
consideration indigenous cultures, traditions, and institutions of the Muslims as well as building
awareness about their rights and responsibilities as part of Filipino society.
Physical presence of Salaam Police personnel is essential in cultivating community trust, thereby
building and sustaining community support and engagement that will further build cooperative
relationships between Muslims and the PNP.

a. Islamic Cultural and Religious Sensitivities

Filipino Muslims, traditionally located in Mindanao, came from many cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
They further spread in other parts of the country due to migration. However, there were
negative issues concerning Muslims in the community, affecting relationships which become a
law enforcement concern. It is therefore imperative for the PNP to understand their culture and
sentiments to gain their trust and respect.
All PNP personnel shall observe the following guidelines to preserve cultural and Islamic religious
sensitivities (CMC 08-2021):
1) Bridge the culture gap with good communication skills;
2) Be respectful during interaction with Foreign Islamic Missionaries;
3) Practice good manners;
4) Honor and respect traditional holidays, festivals and food; and
5) Respect cultural differences.
b. Engagement with Muslim communities:
All PNP personnel are encouraged to observe or respect these Muslim customs and traditions
including but not limited to the following:
1) When addressing a religious leader, use formal religious titles such as brother/sister or
imam unless instructed otherwise;
2) When greeted by the Arabic salutation “As-salamu Alaikum” (peace be upon you), the
response is “Wa Alaikum as Salaam” (and upon you be peace) and vice versa;
3) When interacting with Muslims of the opposite sex, do not initiate handshakes or embrace
unless offered;
4) When entering a mosque, prayer room or Islamic center, remove shoes as respect to their
sacred space. If not wearing a PNP uniform, PNP personnel should dress modestly.
Policewomen should cover their heads, arms, and legs. Ask permission before participating in
religious worship services;
5) PNP personnel shall respect the Muslims’ observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Regular
duty schedules shall, as far as practicable, be flexible to accommodate Muslim PNP personnel
who are fasting and rendering five ritual prayers daily. In engaging the Muslim community,
schedules should be flexible and food/ drinks should not be served;
6) PNP personnel should be aware of Muslim religious dietary laws written in the Quran. These
dietary laws are defined by the Arabic terms halal (permitted) and haram (prohibited).
7) As far as practicable, Muslim PNP personnel shall be given consideration with respect to
Friday as the day of congregational prayer; and
8) PNP personnel should recognize the two important Islamic festivities, “Eid al Fit’r” and “Eid al
Adha”. A typical greeting to be observed for these holidays is “Eid Mubarak”, which means
blessed celebration.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES
NEW PROCEDURES
- Use of Body Worn Camera Use of Force Policy
-Procedures in the Conduct of Joint Checkpoints
-High-Risk Stop and High-Risk Arrest (Maritime and Airport Settings)
-Procedures for Responding PNP Personnel in Enforcing Quarantine Measures to Manage Health Hazards
-Major Events Security Management Police Community Relations Procedures

REVISED EXISTING PROCEDURES

-High-Risk Stop and High-Risk Arrest (General Settings) Police Defensive Roadblock
-Rules on Anti-Illegal Drugs Operations
 Coordination Requirements (based on the Unified Coordination guidelines PNP-PDEA)
 Handling, Custody and Disposition of Drug and Non-Drug Evidence (cop- ied from Unified Manual in the Investigation and
prosecution of Drug Cas- es)
-Rules on Anti-Kidnapping Operations
-Internal Security Operations
 The PNP in an Active Support Role
 Law Enforcement Operations Against Terrorist Groups and other Threats to National Security
 Target Hardening
-Public Safety Operations
 PNP Critical Incident Management Operational Procedures (CIMOP)
 Hostage Situation
 Bomb Threat and Bomb Incident Emergency Response
-Investigation Operations
 Transporting of PUPC
 Inquest Procedures
 Investigation by the Territorial Police Unit After an Armed Confrontation
 Procedures in the Investigation of Heinous and Sensational Crimes
 Investigation of Violence Against Women and Children (VAW/C) and other Gender-Based Violence (GBV)