EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 309 November 11, 1987

REORGANIZING THE PEACE AND ORDER COUNCIL

WHEREAS, the threat to peace and order posed by criminality, insurgency and subversion requires the dedicated efforts of all government official and citizens;

WHEREAS, it is the duty of local governments, the law enforcement agencies, the prosecution services, and similar institutions of Government to assist the Chief Executive in the proper enforcement of the laws and the administration of justice;

WHEREAS, Government efforts at peace and order need to be fully coordinated to effectively prevent and suppress criminality and to maintain public order and safety in the land;

WHEREAS, the participation of the citizenry in peace and order is of critical importance;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, CORAZON C. AQUINO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and the laws, do order and direct the following:

Sec. 1. Reorganization of the Peace and Order Council. The Peace and Order Council is hereby reorganized on the national regional, provincial, city and municipal levels of government to be constituted as follows:

(a) The National Peace and Order Council shall be composed of the following:

The Secretary of Local Government as Chairman;

The Secretary of Justice;

The Secretary of Social Welfare and Development;

The Press Secretary;

The Director of the National Security Council;

The Chairman of the Commission on Human Rights;

The Chairman of the National Peace Commission;

The Director of the National Bureau of Investigation;

The Executive Director of the Dangerous Drugs Board;

The AFP Chief of Staff;

The Chief of the Philippine Constabulary; and

Three (3) representatives from the private sector who shall be appointed by the Chairman, representing the academic, civic and religious organizations.

(b) The Regional Peace and Order Council shall be composed of the regional counterparts of the departments, offices and agencies enumerated in paragraph (a) above, wherever applicable, to be appointed by their respective agency heads, with the Regional Director of the Department of Local Government as Chairman. The Chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council shall appoint the three (3) representatives of the private sector, upon consultation with the members of the Council. Departments, offices, and agencies with no regional and/or field offices may deputize their representatives on the sub-national levels.

(c) The Provincial Peace and Order Council shall be composed of the Provincial counterparts of the department, offices and agencies as enumerated in paragraph (a) above, wherever applicable, to be appointed by their respective agency heads, with the Provincial Governor as Chairman. In addition, there shall be one representatives of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to be chosen by it from among its members. The Chairman of the Provincial Peace and Order Council shall appoint the three (3) representatives of the private sector, upon consultation with the members of the Council at his level. Departments, offices and agencies with no provincial and/or field offices may deputize their representatives on the provincial level.

(d) The City or Municipal Peace and Order Council shall be composed of the city or municipal counterparts of the departments, offices and agencies as enumerated in paragraph (a) above, wherever applicable, to be appointed by their respective agency heads, with the City or Municipal Mayor as Chairman. In addition, there shall be one representative of the Sangguniang Panlungsod or Sangguniang Bayan, as the case may be, to be chosen by said Sangguniang from among its members. The Chairman of the City or Municipal Peace and Order Council shall appoint the three (3) representatives of the private sector, upon consultation with the members of the Council at his level. Departments, offices and agencies with no city, municipal and/or field offices may deputize their representatives on the city or municipal levels.

Sec. 2. Responsibility of the National Peace and Order Council. The Peace and Order Council at the national level shall be responsible for the following functions:

(a) To prepare and recommend for the approval of the President, proposals, measures, thrusts and strategies that would effectively respond to peace and order problems.

(b) To coordinate and monitor peace and order plans, projects and the operation of Civilian Volunteer Self-Defense Organizations and such other counter-insurgency programs and activities.

(c) To perform such other duties and functions as the President may direct.

Sec. 3. Duties and Functions of Sub-National Councils. The Regional, Provincial and City/Municipal Peace and Order Council shall have the following duties and functions:

(a) Formulate plans and recommend such measures which will improve or enhance peace and order and public safety in their respective areas of responsibility.

(b) To monitor the implementation of peace and order programs and projects at the provincial, city or municipal levels and the operation of Civilian Volunteer Self-Defense Organizations and such other counter-insurgency programs and activities.

(c) Make periodic assessments of the prevailing peace and order situation in their respective areas of responsibility and submit a report thereon with recommendations to the Chairman of the National Peace and Order Council.

(d) Perform all other functions assigned by law, the President, or the National Peace and Order Council.

Sec. 4. Peace and Order Council Secretariat. There shall be a Peace and Order Council Secretariat which shall handle the administrative and technical activities of the Peace and Order Council that is organized in the various administrative levels of government. Specifically, the Secretariat shall prepare plans and programs for the consideration of the Councils; supervise, direct and monitor, for the Council, implementation of approved policies, plans and programs; undertake liaisoning and coordination of activities with appropriate agencies of the government and provide a forum for interdisciplinary dialogue and deliberation of major issues and problems affecting peace and order.

The Chairman of the National Police Commission shall act as the Secretary General, and shall be assisted in his functions and duties by the regular staff personnel of the National Police Commission and by the representatives of the various government offices and agencies composing the National Peace and Order Council.

Sec. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The National Peace and Order Council shall issue appropriate implementing rules and regulations to carry out this Order.

Sec. 6. Repealing Clause. All prior issuances on the organization and functions of the Peace and Order Council inconsistent herewith shall be deemed superseded by this Order.

Sec. 7. Effectivity. The reorganization of the Peace and Order Council as herein provided shall take effect immediately and be completed within thirty (30) days thereafter.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 11th day of November, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and eighty-seven.


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