What is PNP? A Comprehensive Overview to the Philippine National Police

Philippine National Police

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The Philippine National Police is the armed national police force in the Philippines. Formed on January 29, 1991, the PNP resulted from the merger of the Philippine Constabulary and the Integrated National Police, as mandated by Republic Act 6975 of 1990.

The national headquarters of the PNP is situated at Camp Crame in Bagong Lipunan ng Crame, Quezon City.

Presently, it boasts an approximate strength of 228,000 personnel tasked with policing a population exceeding 100 million.

Administered and controlled by the National Police Commission, the PNP operates under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)

Local police officers, on the other hand, are operationally controlled by city or municipal mayors. The DILG plays a pivotal role in organizing, training, and equipping the PNP to fulfill its responsibilities as a national and civilian police force.

The establishment of the PNP marked a significant milestone in the evolution of law enforcement in the Philippines, consolidating the efforts of the Philippine Constabulary and the Integrated National Police into a unified force dedicated to maintaining peace and order nationwide.

Job Opportunities:

Discover career options within the Philippine National Police for officers and enlisted personnel across different ranks.

Explore current job openings listed below or find more opportunities in government agencies

Requirements, qualifications, and application procedures may vary for different positions.

Explore the Compensation System of the Philippine National Police (PNP) (Check Here).

If you’re interested in understanding the financial aspects of a law enforcement career, take a closer look at the salary grades and benefits.

Equip yourself with essential information for making informed decisions about your future.

Roles and Careers:

Embarking on a journey with the Philippine National Police offers a diverse range of career paths, each playing a crucial role in maintaining order and safety nationwide. 

Whether aspiring to be a commissioned officer or an enlisted personnel, discover key positions within the PNP, each contributing to the effective operation and security of the nation.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Rank Structure:

Navigating the rank structure of the Philippine National Police (PNP) provides a clear understanding of the organized roles that form the heart of law enforcement in our country. 

In the current rank system as of 2019, certain positions like Second Lieutenant, Technical Sergeant, Sergeant, and Patrolman First Class are not occupied within the PNP.

From the respected Commissioned Officers, such as Police Generals and Colonels, to the dedicated Non-Commissioned Officers, including Master Sergeants and Corporals, each rank contributes significantly to maintaining order and ensuring the effective operation of the Philippine National Police. 

Join us as we explore the simplicity and significance of these roles, shaping the strength and efficiency of the PNP.

Commissioned Officers:

1. Police General (PGEN)

2. Police Lieutenant General (PLTGEN)

3. Police Major General (PMGEN)

4. Police Brigadier General (PBGEN)

5. Police Colonel (PCOL)

6. Police Lieutenant Colonel (PLTCOL)

7. Police Major (PMAJ)

8. Police Captain (PCAPT)

9. Police Lieutenant (PLT)

Non-Commissioned Officers:

1. Police Executive Master Sergeant (PEMS)

2. Police Chief Master Sergeant (PCMS)

3. Police Senior Master Sergeant (PSMS)

4. Police Master Sergeant (PMSg)

5. Police Staff Sergeant (PSSg)

6. Police Corporal (PCpl)

7. Patrolman / Patrolwoman (Pat)

These ranks play a crucial role in maintaining order and ensuring the effective operation of the Philippine National Police.

History:

Before 1991: No Civilian National Police

Until January 1991, the Philippines lacked a civilian national police force. Instead, law enforcement was managed through the Philippine Constabulary under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and city and municipal police were organized under the Integrated National Police, which was nationalized and integrated under military command during martial law in 1975.

Civilian Control Reforms: Post-Marcos Era

The need for civilian control of the military gained momentum after the People Power Revolution ousted Ferdinand Marcos in 1986. 

Within a year of Marcos’ removal, the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines established the principle of civilian supremacy over the military. 

This shift was in response to widespread human rights abuses during the dictatorship, with specific Philippine Constabulary units associated with cases of intimidation and violence against various groups.

Dissolution and Formation of the PNP: Davide Commission Recommendations

The Davide Commission in 1990 recommended dissolving the Philippine Constabulary as a service under the AFP. 

The plan was to create a new civilian Philippine National Police (PNP) by merging the Integrated National Police into the Philippine Constabulary, with the Constabulary forming the basis due to its more developed infrastructure. 

The PC was then civilianized, becoming part of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Legal Framework: Republic Act No. 6975

On December 13, 1990, Republic Act No. 6975, the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990, was passed.

This groundbreaking law ordered the total merger of both the Philippine Constabulary and the Integrated National Police, formally establishing the Philippine National Police.

Subsequent Reforms and Reorganization:

Republic Act No. 6975 underwent further amendments. Republic Act No. 8551, the Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998, and Republic Act No. 9708 refined the role and structure of the PNP.

RA 8551 envisioned the PNP as a community- and service-oriented agency, leading to the creation of the Internal Affairs Service.

Recent Development: Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group

On June 14, 2019, the PNP announced the replacement of the Counter-Intelligence Task Force with the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group, showcasing ongoing efforts to enhance the organization’s effectiveness and integrity.

Leadership Structure

In ensuring the safety and security of the nation, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is led by a dedicated team of individuals who play key roles in its administration and operations.

 Here is an overview of the current leadership structure:

  1. Commander-in-Chief:
  • President Bongbong Marcos
  1. Secretary of the Interior and Local Government & NAPOLCOM Chairman:
  • Atty. Benjamin Abalos Jr.
  1. Undersecretary for Peace and Order, DILG:
  •  Oscar F. Valenzuela
  1. Chief of the Philippine National Police (Chief, PNP):
  • PGEN Benjamin C. Acorda Jr.
  1. Deputy Chief for Administration of the Philippine National Police (TDCA, PNP):
  • PLTGEN Rhodel O. Sermonia
  1. Deputy Chief for Operations of the Philippine National Police (TDCO, PNP):
  • PLTGEN Michael John F. Dubria
  1. Chief of Directional Staff (TCDS, PNP):
  • PLTGEN Emmanuel B. Peralta
  1. Spokesperson, Philippine National Police:
  • PCOL Jean S. Fajardo

This dedicated leadership team holds crucial responsibilities to ensure the effective functioning and success of the PNP in maintaining peace and order throughout the country.

Regional Police Offices Organization (Except in Metro Manila):

  1. City Police Office (CPO)
  2. City Special Weapons and Tactics (CSWAT)
  3. Component City Police Station (CCPS)
  4. Police Community Precincts (PCP)
  5. Municipal Police Stations (MPS)
  6. City Police Stations (CPS)
  7. Police Provincial Office (PPO)
  8. District Police Office (DPO)
  9. District Police Maneuver Unit (DPMU)
  10. Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC)
  11. Police Regional Office (PRO)
  12. Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB)
  13. Regional Headquarters Support Unit (RHSU)
  14. Police Substations (PS)
  15. Internal Affairs Service (IAS)

   Operational Units:

  1. Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG)
  • Responsibilities: Investigation of cybercrime, conducting forensic analyses, assessing vulnerabilities in IT infrastructure.
  1. Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG)
  •    Responsibilities: Addressing kidnapping menace, handling hostage situations.
  1. Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP)
  • Responsibilities: Security of Philippine airports against threats to civil aviation.
  1. Civil Security Group (CSG)
  • Responsibilities: Regulation of private detectives, security agencies, supervision of firearm and explosive licensing and registration.
  1. Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)
  • Responsibilities: Monitoring, investigating, and prosecuting crimes involving economic sabotage and other major cases.
  1. Drug Enforcement Group (DEG)
  •  Responsibilities: Prevention and control of illegal drugs in support of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
  1. Highway Patrol Group (HPG)
  • Responsibilities: Enforcement of traffic laws, motor vehicle registration, and regulation.
  1. Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG)
  • Responsibilities: Conducting intelligence operations against PNP personnel involved in illegal activities, replacing the Counter-Intelligence Task Force (CITF).
  1. Intelligence Group (IG)
  • Responsibilities: Intelligence and counter-intelligence.
  1. Forensic Group (FG)
  • Responsibilities: Carrying out forensic services, scientific investigations, including Scene of the  Crime Operations (SOCO).
  1. Maritime Group (MG)
  • Responsibilities: Police functions over Philippine territorial waters, lakes, rivers, coastal areas, ports, harbors, and small islands for maritime security.
  1. Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG)
  • Responsibilities: Security of vital government installations, government officials, dignitaries, and private individuals requiring protection.
  1. Special Action Force (SAF)
  • Responsibilities: Mobile strike force for civil disturbance control, internal security, hostage rescue, search and rescue during natural calamities, anti-hijacking, anti-terrorism, explosives disposal.
  1. PNP Air Unit (AU)
  • Responsibilities: Highly specialized police unit providing air support to the entire PNP.

This structure outlines the various units and their responsibilities within the Philippine National Police outside of Metro Manila.

Conclusion:

In summary, the Philippine National Police (PNP) plays a crucial role in safeguarding our nation. With specialized units for specific tasks, such as combating cybercrime and ensuring aviation security, the PNP is well-prepared to address a variety of challenges.

The Internal Affairs Service underscores their dedication to maintaining discipline and accountability within the force. 

The National Operations Center enhances their ability to respond swiftly to different situations. Through regional offices, the PNP strives to establish strong connections with communities, addressing local concerns with efficiency.

As they continually enhance their capabilities, the PNP remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens in the Philippines.

Disclaimer:

The Philippine Go does not collect fees and is not a hiring agency, nor is it related to any hiring agency for employment abroad. 

All information contained here is solely for informational purposes and rightfully belongs to its rightful owner. 

Attached in the last section of the content are references for further verification, if needed. Read more

References:

  1. History: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_National_Police