Philippine National Police

Law enforcement agency

Common name
Abbreviation
Motto	"To Serve and Protect"
Formed	January 29, 1991
Preceding agency	Philippine Constabulary
Dissolved
Superseding agency
Employees	220,000 (as of 2023)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is the national police force of the Philippines. It is responsible for law enforcement throughout the country and is under the administrative control of the National Police Commission and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The PNP was established on January 29, 1991, as a result of the merger of the Philippine Constabulary and the Integrated National Police.

History

The PNP was created by Republic Act No. 6975, also known as the "Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990." This act reorganized the Department of the Interior and Local Government and established the PNP as a civilian national police force. The PNP officially began operations on January 29, 1991, replacing the Philippine Constabulary and the Integrated National Police.

Organization

The PNP is organized into various regional offices, each responsible for law enforcement in their respective areas. These include:

• 
  Police Regional Office 1 - Responsible for the Ilocos Region.
• 
  Police Regional Office 2 - Responsible for the Cagayan Valley Region.
• 
  Police Regional Office 3 - Responsible for Central Luzon.

The PNP is headed by the Chief of the Philippine National Police, who is appointed by the President of the Philippines. The Chief is assisted by the Deputy Chief for Administration, the Deputy Chief for Operations, and the Chief of the Directorial Staff.

Functions

The primary functions of the PNP include:

• Enforcing laws and maintaining peace and order.
• Preventing and investigating crimes.
• Apprehending offenders.
• Maintaining public safety and internal security.
• Providing assistance during emergencies and disasters.

Training and Education

The PNP Academy, located in Silang, Cavite, is the primary training institution for future police officers. It offers a Bachelor of Science in Public Safety, which is a four-year course designed to prepare cadets for a career in law enforcement.

Challenges

The PNP faces several challenges, including issues of corruption, human rights violations, and the need for modernization and reform. Efforts are ongoing to address these issues and improve the effectiveness and integrity of the police force.

Also see

• Department of the Interior and Local Government (Philippines)
• National Bureau of Investigation (Philippines)
• Armed Forces of the Philippines
• Philippine Constabulary