Philippine National Police Operational Procedures Vocabulary
Manual Identification: PNPM-DO-D-0-2-13-21.
Issuing Office: Directorate for Operations, National Headquarters, Philippine National Police, Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City.
Copyright: Originally published 2010, revised September 2021.
Gender and Development (GAD): Strictly adheres to gender-fair language and non-discriminatory terms.
Repealing Clause: This manual repeals the 2013 Police Operational Procedures (POP) Manual and all inconsistent PNP issuances.
Separability Clause: Declaration of any provision as invalid or unconstitutional does not affect the remainder of the manual.
Effectivity: Takes effect fifteen days upon publication at the UP Law Center (E.O. No 292).
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE (RA 6975)
Under Section 24 of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990, the PNP shall:
Enforce all laws and ordinances for the protection of lives and properties.
Maintain peace and order and ensure public safety.
Investigate and prevent crimes, effect arrests, and assist in prosecution.
Exercise general powers of arrest, search, and seizure in accordance with the Constitution.
Detain persons for periods prescribed by law, informing them of constitutional rights.
Issue licenses for firearms and explosives.
Supervise training and operations of security agencies and private detectives.
Perform other duties as provided by law.
CATEGORIES OF POLICE OPERATIONS (CHAPTER 1)
Patrol Operations: The backbone of policing; the most basic function.
Law Enforcement Operations: Includes warrants of arrest, search warrants, and visitorial powers.
Internal Security Operations (ISO): Counterterrorism and operations against threat groups.
Public Safety Operations: Critical incident management, search and rescue, hostage situations, and health hazard management.
Special Police Operations: High-risk checkpoints, roadblocks, aircraft hijacking, and maritime vessel boarding.
Investigation Operations: SOCO, administrative investigations, and fact-finding for criminal cases.
Police Community Relations (PCR): Community development, public info, and strategic communication.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES AND COORDINATION (CHAPTER 2)
Pre-Operational Clearance: Required for all planned operations; must be approved by the Chief/Commander and submitted to the Operations Section for record-keeping.
Inter-Office Coordination: Local Police Units (LPUs) or National Support Units (NSUs) operating outside their jurisdiction must coordinate personally with the local office whenever practicable.
Coordination Form: Must be filed with the operation center of the concerned Regional, Provincial, or City Police Office (Annex B).
Urgent Coordination: In cases like cross-jurisdiction pursuit, notification may be made via available communication (electronic/signal), with a written incident report furnished immediately after.
Basic Requirements: Operations must typically involve marked police vehicles, be led by a Police Commissioned Officer (PCO) or the most senior PNCO, and personnel must be in prescribed uniform (exceptions apply for covert operatives during arrests, provided uniformed personnel are present).
Use of Megaphones: Team Leaders must use megaphones or similar devices to warn offenders to stop or surrender peacefully.
USE OF BODY-WORN CAMERAS (BWC) AND ALTERNATIVE RECORDING DEVICES (ARD)
Activation: Activated during arrests, searches, and whenever practicable in warrantless arrests, following A.M. No. 21-06-08-SC.
Chain of Custody Events:
Recording footage.
Turnover to Data Custodian.
Downloading by Data Custodian.
Redaction of personal identities.
Retrieval and transfer to external media storage.
Submission/delivery to court.
Deactivation Triggers: Only deactivated after the conclusion of the arrest/search and delivery of the subject to a station/jail.
Prohibited Activation Situations:
Personal activities in private areas (restrooms, locker rooms).
Locations with expectation of privacy (residences) unless under a valid warrant.
Strip or body cavity searches.
Tactical planning sessions.
Communications with confidential informants or undercover officers.
Privileged communication (attorney-client, clergy).
Schools, hospitals, or places of worship unless responding to an imminent threat.
THE FORCE CONTINUUM (CHAPTER 2, SECTION 2-4)
Police responses must be linear-progressive and commensurate to the suspect's level of resistance.
1. Non-Lethal Approach
Officer’s Presence: Display professional deportment in the prescribed uniform.
Verbal Command: Loud, firm, and clear communication techniques (persuasion, warning, whistles, or sign language).
Physical Control (Soft Hand): Minimal chance of injury. Includes bare-hand guiding, joint manipulation, and touch pressure points. Used for passive resistance (unarmed, verbally abusive, or fetal position).
Physical Control (Hard Hand): Strikes, punches, or kicks to ensure compliance. Used for active resistance (physical threats/aggression).
2. Less Lethal Approach
Impact Weapons: Use of batons, truncheons, or nightsticks.
Targets: Only fleshy parts (arms, torso, legs, thighs).
Avoidance Areas: Head, neck, face, groin, solar plexus, kidneys, and spinal column.
Criteria: Used for assaultive resistance where the suspect attempts physical harm to the officer or others.
3. Lethal Approach
Justification: Last resort to thwart life-threatening actions. Used when suspects are armed and dangerous.
Conventional Weapons: Handguns and rifles are authorized to repel unlawful aggression.
Vital Parts: Avoid hitting the head or vital organs as much as possible.
Duties: Wounded suspects must be given first aid and brought to a hospital at the first possible opportunity.
USE OF FIREARMS AND ARMED CONFRONTATIONS
Justification: Imminent danger of death or injury, or under self-defense, defense of relative, or defense of stranger doctrines.
Warning Shots: Prohibited unless the officer is outnumbered/overpowered and life is in imminent danger.
Moving Vehicles: Prohibited to fire at moving vehicles unless occupants pose an imminent danger. Parameters for consideration: intent, capability, and proximity.
Post-Armed Confrontation Procedures:
Secure the site and check for continuing danger.
Take photographs and evacuate wounded.
Isolate arrested suspects.
Conduct debriefing and provide psychological stress counseling for operatives.
Submit an After-Operations Report.
PATROL OPERATIONS (RULE 1)
Briefings: Conducted before (dispatch) and after (debriefing) patrol operations.
Patrol Plan Components: Area coverage (safe havens, ambush areas), organizational detail, duration, stand-by points, and route plan.
Patrol Duties:
Strictly observe the "Buddy System".
Establish rapport with the community.
Report situational location hourly to the Tactical Operations Center (TOC).
Responses to Calls for Assistance:
Validate calls in areas with known threat groups.
Approach on foot with extreme caution; stop the patrol car at a distance.
Priority: Aid the injured first, then arrest the criminal.
Street fights: Call for backup before intervening.
Domestic violence: Seek the presence of barangay officials or DSWD personnel.
STOP AND FRISK (PAT-DOWN SEARCH)
Stopping: Occurs when there is a genuine reason to believe criminal activity is afoot based on specific facts/rational inferences.
Body Frisking: A pat-down of outer clothing if the officer believes the person carries a weapon and poses a safety threat.
Limitations: Officers feel outer clothing only. If an object is felt that could be a weapon, the officer may reach inside. No further search if patting fails to disclose a weapon.
Reporting: If no arrest is made, the stop must be recorded in the patrol notebook. If grounded, a warrantless arrest is made.
CHECKPOINTS (RULE 2.2)
Authority: Established by Heads of Offices of territorial units (RD, District/Provincial/City Director, COP).
Composition (Minimum 8 Personnel):
Team Leader (PCO or senior PNCO).
Spotter/Profiler.
Verifiers.
Search/Arresting Personnel.
Forward and Rear Security.
Operation Rules:
Must be well-lighted with visible signage (Slowdown, Checkpoint Ahead).
Visual search only for routine checkpoints; occupants cannot be compelled to step out.
Participation of LGUs or NGOs is limited to observation (except mandated enforcers like BPSOs).
In drug seizures: Presence of elected official and media/NPS representative is required for inventory.
Hasty Checkpoints: Immediately established after an order; uses collapsible/improvised barriers. Must be converted to a standard checkpoint as soon as possible.
ARREST AND BOOKING (RULE 2.6)
Warranted Arrest: Served at any time/day. Officers must notify that the arrest is recorded via BWC/ARD.
Warrantless Arrest Justification:
In flagrante delicto (committing or attempting an offense).
Hot pursuit (crime just committed with probable cause).
Escaped prisoner.
Foreign Nationals: Inform Foreign Liaison Division (FLD) via SMS within and written report within .
Children (CICL): Processed by WCPD and turned over to LSWDO/NGO within .
Booking Steps:
Recording in the blotter (Desk Officer).
Medical examination (Request Form Annex F).
Mug shots (Front, Left/Right profiles, Full body).
Fingerprints/Tenprints (for AFIS).
Valuation/Receipt of personal properties (Annex M).
SEARCH AND SEIZURE (RULE 2.7)
Search Warrants: Valid for from issuance. Generally served during daytime unless otherwise specified.
Presence Requirement: Search must be in the presence of the lawful occupant, a family member, or two witnesses of sufficient age/discretion in the locality.
BWC Usage: Activated upon arrival; deactivated only after leaving the premises and returning to the station.
Seizure without Warrant (Exceptions):
Search incidental to a valid arrest.
Moving vehicles with probable cause.
Plain View Doctrine (prior justification, unintentional discovery, apparent contraband).
Consented search (waived rights).
Exigent and emergency circumstances.
SPECIALIZED OPERATIONS: DRUGS, KIDNAPPING, AND CYBERCRIME
Anti-Illegal Drugs: PDEA is the lead agency. PNP units (PDEG/DEU) must secure a Certificate of Coordination (COC) from PDEA Regional Operation Center.
Drug Evidence Inventory: Marking and physical inventory must be done at the place of seizure (or nearest station if safety is compromised) before an elected official and media/NPS representative.
Anti-Kidnapping: Lead unit is the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG). Categorized into OCG/Criminal Groups, Terrorist Groups (requires activation of CIMTG), or Other Individuals.
Cybercrime Response:
Protect the scene and disable internet/remote access.
If computer is "OFF", do not turn it "ON". If "ON", do not touch the mouse/keyboard.
Secure warrant for digital forensic examination by ACG.
Mobile devices: Use signal-blocking containers or airplane mode.
PUBLIC SAFETY AND CRITICAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT (RULE 4)
Responsibility: Human-induced incidents (POC/CMC); Natural disasters (NDRRMC). PNP acts as the first responder.
5 Ps of Crisis Management:
Predict: Horizon scanning and strategic warning.
Prevent: Target hardening and physical security.
Prepare: Planning, training, and exercises.
Perform: Implementing contingency plans during crisis.
Post-Action and Assessment: Evaluation and improvement.
Stages of Disaster Management:
Pre-Disaster: Risk mapping and awareness.
Response: Activation of DIMTG/CIMTG, pre-emptive evacuation.
Post-Disaster: Support rehabilitation, RDANA reports.
Hostage Situations:
Negotiate first; assault is a last resort if death/injury is imminent.
NOC (Negotiation Operation Center) setup.
Adhere to the "basic policy on safety of the hostage".
Civil Disturbance Management (CDM):
Contingents must be away from the assembly.
No firearms; equipped with batons, shields, and gas masks.
Maximum tolerance is mandatory.
SPECIAL POLICE OPERATIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS
Major Events: Classification: International (APEC/ASEAN), National (SONA), Local (Sinulog). Requires a Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC).
Investigation Standards:
Blue Blotter: General crime incidents and arrests.
Pink Blotter: VAW/C, Trafficking, and Gender-Based Violence.
Judicial Affidavit Rule: Replaces direct testimony for crimes with penalties not exceeding .
Custodial Investigation: Assistance of counsel is mandatory. Rights: remain silent, communicate with lawyer/family, medical treatment.
VAW/C and GBV: Timely and child-sensitive. Interviews must be sensitive; the WCPD Officer must ensure privacy and use reasonable means to enforce Protection Orders.
POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS (PCR) AND SALAAM POLICE
Strategic Communication: Orchestrate actions, words, and images to achieve goals.
Social Media Protocols: Posting must be fact-based and approved by supervisors; classified info is prohibited.
Salaam Police: Promotes Muslim community trust.
Guidelines: address religious leaders formally, remove shoes when entering mosques, flexible schedules during Ramadan, respect for Eid al-Fit'r/Eid al-Adha.
Gender and Development (GAD): Advocates for gender equality. Prohibits "firing line" presentation of suspects and victim-blaming.
SUMMARY OF CHANGES (2013 TO 2021 MANUAL)
New Procedures:
Use of Body Worn Cameras (BWC).
Use of Force Policy (Force Continuum).
High-Risk Stop and Arrest in Maritime/Airport settings.
Quarantine Measure Enforcement (Health Hazards).
Major Events Security Management.
Revised Procedures:
Anti-Illegal Drugs and Anti-Kidnapping operations.
Internal Security Operation support role.
Investigation of Heinous and Sensational crimes.
Transporting and Inquest procedures for Persons Under Police Custody (PUPC).
Manual Identification: PNPM-DO-D-0-2-13-21.
Issuing Office: Directorate for Operations, National Headquarters, Philippine National Police, Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City.
Copyright: Originally published 2010, revised September 2021.
Gender and Development (GAD): Strictly adheres to gender-fair language and non-discriminatory terms.
Repealing Clause: This manual repeals the 2013 Police Operational Procedures (POP) Manual and all inconsistent PNP issuances.
Separability Clause: Declaration of any provision as invalid or unconstitutional does not affect the remainder of the manual.
Effectivity: Takes effect fifteen days upon publication at the UP Law Center (E.O. No 292).
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE (RA 6975)
Under Section 24 of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990, the PNP shall:
Enforce all laws and ordinances for the protection of lives and properties.
Maintain peace and order and ensure public safety.
Investigate and prevent crimes, effect arrests, and assist in prosecution.
Exercise general powers of arrest, search, and seizure in accordance with the Constitution.
Detain persons for periods prescribed by law, informing them of constitutional rights.
Issue licenses for firearms and explosives.
Supervise training and operations of security agencies and private detectives.
Perform other duties as provided by law.
CATEGORIES OF POLICE OPERATIONS (CHAPTER 1)
Patrol Operations: The backbone of policing; the most basic function.
Law Enforcement Operations: Includes warrants of arrest, search warrants, and visitorial powers.
Internal Security Operations (ISO): Counterterrorism and operations against threat groups.
Public Safety Operations: Critical incident management, search and rescue, hostage situations, and health hazard management.
Special Police Operations: High-risk checkpoints, roadblocks, aircraft hijacking, and maritime vessel boarding.
Investigation Operations: SOCO, administrative investigations, and fact-finding for criminal cases.
Police Community Relations (PCR): Community development, public info, and strategic communication.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES AND COORDINATION (CHAPTER 2)
Pre-Operational Clearance: Required for all planned operations; must be approved by the Chief/Commander and submitted to the Operations Section for record-keeping.
Inter-Office Coordination: Local Police Units (LPUs) or National Support Units (NSUs) operating outside their jurisdiction must coordinate personally with the local office whenever practicable.
Coordination Form: Must be filed with the operation center of the concerned Regional, Provincial, or City Police Office (Annex B).
Urgent Coordination: In cases like cross-jurisdiction pursuit, notification may be made via available communication (electronic/signal), with a written incident report furnished immediately after.
Basic Requirements: Operations must typically involve marked police vehicles, be led by a Police Commissioned Officer (PCO) or the most senior PNCO, and personnel must be in prescribed uniform (exceptions apply for covert operatives during arrests, provided uniformed personnel are present).
Use of Megaphones: Team Leaders must use megaphones or similar devices to warn offenders to stop or surrender peacefully.
USE OF BODY-WORN CAMERAS (BWC) AND ALTERNATIVE RECORDING DEVICES (ARD)
Activation: Activated during arrests, searches, and whenever practicable in warrantless arrests, following A.M. No. 21-06-08-SC.
Chain of Custody Events: 1. Recording footage. 2. Turnover to Data Custodian. 3. Downloading by Data Custodian. 4. Redaction of personal identities. 5. Retrieval and transfer to external media storage. 6. Submission/delivery to court.
Deactivation Triggers: Only deactivated after the conclusion of the arrest/search and delivery of the subject to a station/jail.
Prohibited Activation Situations:
Personal activities in private areas (restrooms, locker rooms).
Locations with expectation of privacy (residences) unless under a valid warrant.
Strip or body cavity searches.
Tactical planning sessions.
Communications with confidential informants or undercover officers.
Privileged communication (attorney-client, clergy).
Schools, hospitals, or places of worship unless responding to an imminent threat.
THE FORCE CONTINUUM (CHAPTER 2, SECTION 2-4)
Police responses must be linear-progressive and commensurate to the suspect's level of resistance.
1. Non-Lethal Approach
Officer’s Presence: Display professional deportment in the prescribed