WHEREAS, various instruments have been issued under Republic Act No. 7279, otherwise known as the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA) of 1992, instituting mechanisms to curb the nefarious activities of professional squatters and squatting syndicates;

WHEREAS, there is need to further intensify the national drive against these criminal elements that prey on people who need most the protection of the law;

WHEREAS, there is need to re-orient and strengthen the existing mechanisms to effectively curtail said menace; and

WHEREAS, Section 31, Chapter 10, Title III, Book III of Executive Order No. 292 or the Administrative Code of 1987 provides for the continuing authority of the President to reorganize the administrative structure of the Office of the President.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law do hereby order:

SECTION 1. Instituting the National Drive Against Professional Squatting and Squatting Syndicates. - The national drive against professional squatting and squatting syndicates is hereby instituted.

SECTION 2. HUDCC and DOJ as Lead Agencies. - The Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) is hereby directed to take the lead in the identification of professional squatters and squatting syndicates, monitor and launch operations, through the proper agency or body, to curtail their activities.

The Department of Justice (DOJ), in conjunction with HUDCC's functions under this Order, shall take the lead in the prosecution of identified professional squatters and squatting syndicates.

The National Committee Against Squatting Syndicates and Professional Squatters established under Executive Order No. 129 dated 15 October 1993 is hereby abolished. All the functions thereof are hereby transferred to the HUDCC. Any reference to the National Committee shall by virtue hereof be read as referring to HUDCC insofar as such is not inconsistent with the provisions of this Order.

SECTION 3. Support of Relevant Agencies. - The HUDCC and DOJ shall have authority to call on the following government agencies to give their full support, assistance and cooperation in the course of the implementation of the provisions of this Order:

1. Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP);
2. Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG);
3. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR);
4. Philippine National Police (PNP);
5. National Urban Poor Sectoral Council of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NUPSC-NAPC);
6. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI);
7. Land Registration Authority (LRA); and
8. Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).

The above agencies are hereby directed to designate full-time staff who shall be tasked to coordinate with and work closely with HUDCC and DOJ.

SECTION 4. Strengthening of the National Police Task Force. - The National Police Task Force (NPTF) to Apprehend Squatting Syndicates and Professional Squatters created under Executive Order No. 178 dated 23 November 1999 is hereby strengthened. It shall serve as the operational arm of HUDCC in the drive against professional squatters and squatting syndicates.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is hereby directed to designate full-time staff and/or personnel for the NPTF.

SECTION 5. Secretariat. - The Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) shall provide secretariat support to HUDCC, DOJ and the NPTF.

SECTION 6. Funding Requirements. - The initial funding requirements for the implementation of the provisions of this Order shall come from the budgets of HUDCC, DOJ, PNP, and PCUP respecting each of their functions herein. Subsequent funding shall be incorporated into their respective regular budgets.

SECTION 7. Reporting to the Executive Secretary.  - The HUDCC and the DOJ shall submit regular reports to the Executive Secretary relative to the implementation of the provisions of this Order.

SECTION 8. Implementing Guidelines. - The HUDCC and DOJ, in consultation with relevant agencies and other stakeholders, shall jointly formulate and adopt guidelines for the effective implementation of this Order.

SECTION 9. Repealing or Amendatory Clause. - All other executive orders, rules, regulations and other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with this Order are hereby repealed, superseded or modified accordingly.

SECTION 10. Effectivity. - This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 10 Dec. 2002

By the President: