[ LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 337, November 17, 1975 ]
The Secretary of National Defense
WHEREAS, it its duty and responsibility of local government officials to assist the Chief Executive in the proper enforcement and execution of the laws of the land;
WHEREAS, under Presidential Decree No. 765, dated 8 August 1975, the police forces throughout the country have been integrated and, as a consequence, the operational and administrative control over such forces have been transferred to the Integrated National Police;
WHEREAS, it is imperative to define and delineate the functions of local civil officials and the Integrated National Police units, including their relationships vis-a-vis each other, relative to the maintenance of peace and order and public safety;
WHEREAS, there is a need for establishing a system of coordination and cooperation between the local executives and the Integrated National Police to effectively preserve law and order thru joint effort and undertaking, including the involvement of the citizenry;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution, do order and direct the following:
- The Manager of the Metropolitan Manila Commission, with respect to the Greater Manila Area as defined in Presidential Decree No. 824, issue November 7, 1975, the provincial governors, the city mayors and the municipal mayors, shall have the following powers and responsibilities relative to peace and order and public safety:
- See that laws and ordinances in their respective jurisdictions are faithfully executed by calling upon the Commanders of the Integrated National Police units therein or the members of such forces, to suppress disorder, riot, lawless violence or rebellious or seditious conspiracy and other criminal activities, enforce laws, apprehend the violators thereof.
- Bring to the attention of such Integrated National Police forces any problem on peace and order, and/or make appropriate recommendations to improve law-enforcement and public safety services in the area.
- Extend necessary support, cooperation and assistance to the Integrated National Police in the latter's appropriate circular or rules and regulations shall be jointly issued by you.
29 VITAL LEGAL DOCUMENTS, 53 (1976 —)