LESSON 3
The Law Enforcement Pillar
By: Dr. Maricar C. Aguilar
NOTA BENE: Desaparecidos
• Enforce Disappearance
By: Dr. Maricar C. Aguilar
LESSON 3
The Law Enforcement Pillar
A comprehensive understanding of
law enforcement functions in the
Philippines is essential for sustaining
a just, responsive, and efficient
system that prioritizes public safety,
upholds justice, and cultivates
community trust.
Law
enforcement Communities
Can you name the
different law
enforcement agencies
we have?
NATURE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
Public safety, law enforcement, crime prevention, and investigation
were tasked to the law enforcement agencies. It defends persons and
upholds justice with the judiciary, corrections, and community. As the major
force, the PNP handles traffic control, crime prevention, counterterrorism,
narcotics, and public safety. The PNP, under DILG, works with the NBI,
PDEA, and Bureau of Customs. These agencies handle narcotics
enforcement, immigration, and customs, but the PNP is the most visible and
important.
Updates like accountability, transparency, and community
participation have enhanced the PNP. The "war on drugs" under former
President Duterte has raised concerns about its human rights record.
The law enforcement pillar's main functions:
1. Crime Prevention
Community policing like the conduct of patrol deters crime.
2. Order and Law Enforcement
This means responding to incidents, mediating disputes, and managing public disturbances,
traffic, and peace violations.
3. Crime Investigation
The police collect evidence, question witnesses, and collect forensic data to solve crimes.
This investigation function helps solve cases, identify suspects, and gather court-admissible
evidence.
4. Offender Apprehension
Criminal suspects are arrested by law enforcement. This covers arrests, warrant executions,
and detentions for investigation or prosecution.
5. Security of People and Property
Law enforcement protects people and property during natural catastrophes, huge
events, and civil unrest.
6. Trust-building and community engagement by allowing officers to work with
individuals, listen to concerns, and address issues, improving openness and
accountability.
7. Emergency Response and Crisis Management Law enforcement
8. Public Education and Crime Awareness that promotes crime prevention, personal
safety, and legal rights. Awareness initiatives teach people how to avoid unsafe
circumstances and how law enforcement may help.
9. Judicial Process Support
Police collect evidence, report it, and testify during court. They provide credible, factual
evidence and documents for legal processes to support the judiciary.
The Philippines has many law enforcement entities with unique missions. Here are 22
important law enforcement agencies:
1. The Philippine National Police (PNP) was the heading law enforcement agency tasked
with maintaining peace and order and enforcing the law.
2. The NBI handles exceptional investigations, such as organized and high-profile crimes.
3. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) aims to eliminate illegal drug trafficking
and abuse.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) oversees imports, exports, and customs duty collection.
5. Bureau of Immigration (BI)—This ensures that foreign nationals and Filipinos adhere to
the regulations regarding the entry, stay, and exit of foreign nationals in the Philippines.
6. Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) – Maritime safety, security, and law enforcement in
Philippine waters were tasked to PCG.
7. Philippine Army - Engaged in counter-insurgency and national security, particularly in
crisis areas.
8. Philippine Air Force (PAF) - Enforces airspace security and law.
The Bureau of correctional Management and Penology (BJMP) oversees the
correctional system in the country.
10. National Prosecution Service (NPS) - Conducts criminal prosecutions to
assist law enforcement.
11. Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) - A PNP unit dedicated to
investigating big/sensational crimes.
The Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) is an elite
organization targeting terrorism, insurgency, and high-risk scenarios.
13. Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) - Manages fire safety and rescue
operations.
14. The Ombudsman investigates corruption in government departments,
including law enforcement
15. Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) – Oversees traffic management and
enforces laws in Metro Manila.
16. Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) – Provides training for law enforcement
personnel.
17. Government Security and Protection Group (GSPG) – Provides security for
government officials and facilities.
18. Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) – Enforces anti-money laundering laws.
19. Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP-MG) – They focused on maritime law
enforcement.
20. Bureau of Investigation and Intelligence (BII) – Investigates intelligence information
and coordinates with other law enforcement agencies.
21. National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) – Handles law enforcement
related to indigenous peoples' rights and protection.
22. Philippine Task Force on Anti-Illegal Gambling – Works with other agencies to combat
illegal gambling operations.
Philippine law enforcement bodies like the Philippine National Police have various
challenges that compromise their effectiveness and integrity. Organizational stress,
political influence, training and resource challenges, and public perception of their
conduct. Here are the Philippines' major law enforcement issues:
1. Political Power and Corruption
Political influence in policing and decision-making is a major issue for Philippine law
enforcement. Politicians sometimes order police to pursue specific subjects or
people against the law. The war on drugs under Duterte led to widespread
allegations of police employing excessive force to kill drug suspects. Despite human
rights concerns, public acceptance of these strong measures kept them continuing.
Cop corruption weakens law enforcement. Low compensation, poor working
conditions, and minimal control can lead officers to bribe, steal, and commit crimes.
Corruption has weakened public faith in law enforcement, hindering investigations
and policing.
2. Police brutality and human rights abuses
Overuse of force, especially in the drug war, remains a major issue. Police brutality and
human rights abuses are widespread. Many of the thousands of anti-drug operations under
Duterte were characterized as extrajudicial killings. While police claimed to be tackling crime,
human rights groups believed these tactics violated the right to life. Thus, international and
domestic demand for police reform and accountability is considerable. Post-Duterte public
opinion and police culture may condone disproportionate force, especially when crime stats
are used as justification. Following the law and regulating police conduct will fix these
difficulties.
3. Insufficient Resources and Training
Police in the Philippines often lack resources. PNP equipment financing, training, and crime-
fighting strategies are problematic. PNP cars and weaponry are contemporary, but many police
stations lack infrastructure and people. Police have trouble conducting extensive investigations
and large-scale operations. Not all police officers are trained to handle cybercrime or high-level
narcotics trafficking. Missed criminal prevention and prosecution opportunities leave many
instances unresolved.
4. Mental health and work stress.
Most Police officer suffers from psychological stress from their hard work like burnout, which
impairs decision-making and encourages immorality. This leads them to frustration, leading to
corruption and misbehavior. Police may overreact in a toxic workplace due to narcotics,
terrorist, and violent offenses. Low pay, no assistance, and difficult working conditions
increase organizational stress.
5. Public opinion and trust
Public view of police hinders their efficacy. Violence and corruption have eroded public
trust in recent years. The Duterte administration's war on drugs gave the impression that
the police preferred violent convictions to legitimate ones. The Philippine National Police
must engage communities, be open, and be accountable to regain trust. Crime
prevention and resolution require public confidence, which the police will lack without
these improvements.
INTERVIEW
Interview with police officers. Please introduce
yourself and include interview leading questions
and photos.
Guide Questions:
• Describe your typical day structure. Could you
describe your daily duties?
• What types of situations do you experience
frequently?
• Do you focus on specific crime categories, such
as drug trafficking or cybercrime, throughout
your career?
1. Introduction
Briefly describe the SAF 44 tragedy (44 SAF members killed in Mamasapano, 2015) and Oplan
Exodus (the operation to capture terrorists).
Your thesis should be centered on the incident's personal or national significance.
2. Key Fact summary
Detail the operation's objective: the capture of terrorists such as Marwan.
Cite the tragic events: 44 SAF officers were killed in an ambush.
The aftermath should be emphasized, including the public reaction, political fallout, and
investigations.
3. Evaluation
Personal Reaction: Please express your emotional response to the recent tragedy.
Leadership and Accountability: Consider the errors that have occurred in the processes of
leadership and communication between the military and police.
National Impact: Evaluate the extent to which the incident dented public confidence in the
government, military, and peace processes.
4. The lessons that were acquired
Operational Lessons: What areas could be enhanced in operation in the future?
societal impact: Consider more extensive concerns, including peace
negotiations and political corruption.
Personal Introspection: Evaluate the lessons that this tragedy imparts regarding
sacrifice and duties.
5. Ending
Review the primary points: emotional response, analysis, and the lessons that
have been acquired.
Finally, reflect on the impact of the incident on national sentiment and suggest
potential changes for the future.OPLAN EXODUS_ The SAF 44
Documentary.mp4
