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Rule 4 Public Safety Operations

4.1 PNP Critical Incident Management Operational Procedures (CIMOP)

As a matter of policy, human-induced (man-made) critical incidents are

the responsibilities of the National and Local Peace and Order Council (NPOC)
while natural calamities and disasters are the responsibilities of the National and
Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). Lower-level
organizations of the NPOC and NDRRMC take cognizance of the responsibilities
ascribed in their national organization. The PNP, being at the forefront of crisis
situations, must play an active role by organizing its own Critical Incident
Management Committee (CIMC) to support the NPOC and NDRRMC.

The Crisis Management Committee (CMC) is primarily concerned with the

formulation of crisis management procedures, integration and orchestration of
government, military/police and public efforts towards the prevention and control
of crisis incidents. All actions and decisions taken by the CMC shall be within the
policies laid down by the corresponding Peace and Order Councils (POCs).

The National POC (NPOC) chaired by the Secretary of Interior and Local
Government (SILG) is tasked to contribute to the strategies of the National Security
Council, coordinate and monitor, and serve as a forum for deliberation for peace
and order concerns. This Council outlines its roles and responsibilities to threats
to peace and order.

The Incident Command System (ICS) shall be adopted as a template in

responding to critical incidents. This provides guidance to the PNP’s roles on how
to organize its assets to respond to an incident and processes to manage the
response through its successive stages.

a. Types of Critical Incidents

PNP Incident Management Operations complement the Peace and

Order Councils (POCs) – CMCs and DRRMC from the National, Regional,
Provincial, City and Municipal levels. The procedures under this Rule shall
be observed by all PNP Units/Offices with respect to their roles in addressing
human induced incidents and police responses to natural calamity and
disaster (PNP MC 2013-021 “PNP Critical Incident Management Operational
Procedures”).

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1) Natural Calamity and Disaster. In the event of natural calamity and

disaster, the PNP shall act as the first responder in the affected
area in order to provide area security and support in the conduct
of search, rescue and retrieval operations to be spearheaded by
the area DRRMCs.

2) Human Induced Incidents. In the event of human induced incidents,

the PNP shall respond to two different situations:

a) To manage an incident that could be resolved by ordinary

police response without the involvement of the Crisis
Management Committee (CMC);

b) To manage an incident that needs a CMC–directed operation

requiring the implementation of special tasks by one or more
of the urgent services of the Philippine government.

Both actions of the PNP in either situation follow the ICS operational
procedures.

All actions of the PNP in addressing these critical incidents are in support
to the POC – CMCs and DRRMCs with common objectives of saving lives
and properties, resolution of the critical incidents at the earliest possible
time, and restoration of normalcy in the affected areas.

Based on the National Crisis Management Core Manual series of 2012,

the National Crisis Management Framework provides a comprehensive
approach to understand the components of a crisis or the 5Ps of Crisis
Management: Predict, Prevent, Prepare, Perform and Post-Action and
Assessment (Annex “AA”).

b. Stages in Disaster Management

1) Pre - Disaster Stage - Pro-active Assessment. When there is no

disaster or calamity:

a) Risk Mapping and identification of disaster-prone areas;

b) Identification of staging areas, evacuation routes and

evacuation centers;

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c) Disaster response drills, simulation exercises and trainings

for flood, earthquake, fire etc;

d) Meeting of regular Task Groups and Sub-Task Groups

together with respective levels of the National Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Councils;

e) Capability audit (manpower, machines, materials, money

and methods);

f) Awareness campaign through TRIMP; and

g) Community mobilization activities such as but not limited to:

(1) Sewerage clean-up;

(2) De-clogging of waterways, canals, esteros; and

(3) Clearing of unauthorized structures in disaster prone

areas.

2) Disaster Response Stage - Disaster Incident Management (Level

2 - Red). When there is an impending natural calamity or when an
unexpected human-induced incident and natural calamity occur:

a) Natural Calamity

(1) Activation of Disaster Incident Management Task

Groups (DIMTG);

(2) Coordination with NDRRMC to support its disaster

response;

(3) Employment of alarm and warning systems such as the

use of police sirens and other portable warning systems
capable of producing loud wailing sound;

(4) Pre-emptive evacuation of residents in affected areas

in coordination with concerned government agencies;
and

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(5) Provision of security in calamity area and support

search, rescue and retrieval operation, evacuation
and emergency medical services in coordination with
concerned DRRMC.

b) Human Induced Incident

(1) Activation of Critical Incident Management Task Group

(CIMTG);

(2) Coordination with NPOC-CMC or its equivalent to

support its crisis response;

(3) Evacuation of residents in the crisis area in coordination

with concerned government agencies; and

(4) Provision of security in crisis area and support

search, rescue and retrieval operation, evacuation
and emergency medical services in coordination with
concerned agencies.

3) Post-Disaster Stage - Support to Recovery and Rehabilitation

Efforts (Level 3- White).

a) Acquisition of Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs

Analysis (RDANA) reports from concerned Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Council of the affected areas;

b) Deployment of personnel for relief operations;

c) Provision of security and traffic assistance to returning

evacuees;

d) Submission of After Disaster Response Report to the C, PNP

copy furnished DRRMC; and

e) Deactivation of the DIMTG/ CIMTG when the situation is

already manageable in disaster-stricken area.

In the Management of the Dead and Missing Persons (MDM) the

PNP CL shall take the lead in identifying the remains of victims during

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and after human-induced disasters, while the NBI shall take the lead in
the identification of remains of victims during and after a natural calamity.

c. Alert Levels During Human-Induced Critical Incident. Terrorism and

threat group alert level shall be disseminated by TDI to all concerned
offices based on the information provided by NICA.

1) Level 1 (Low) – There is no information to suggest a specific

human-induced critical incident may occur.

2) Level 2 (Moderate) –Human-induced critical incident is possible,

but not likely.

3) Level 3 (High) – There is a strong possibility that human-induced

critical incident may occur within a short period of time.

4) Level 4 (Extreme) – A human-induced critical incident has just

occurred or has just been pre-empted;

d. Incident Command System (ICS). The ICS, provided under National

Crisis Management Core Manual, is structured on six major functional
areas: Command, Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance,
Administration, and Intelligence/Investigation as an optional seventh
functional area that is activated on a case-to-case basis. (Annex “BB”).

On the enactment of Republic Act (RA) 10121, otherwise known as the

Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Law, on May
27 2010, the Philippine government took a proactive approach to manage
the disaster consequences and reduce disaster risks by institutionalizing
various mechanisms. Among these is the ICS.

ICS is one of the flagship programs of the Office of the Office of the Civil
Defense (OCD). As provided for in RA 10121, the NDRRMC Memorandum
Circular No. 4 s 2012 and the Executive Order No. 82 s 2012, ICS has been
institutionalized as an on-scene, all-hazard incident management concept
introduced by the US Forest Service that can be used by all DRRM Councils,
emergency management and response agencies. It is a disaster response
tool that coordinates the actions of all response groups.

ICS has been proven effective in managing potential and actual disaster
consequences. It has significantly enhanced the mechanism for resource

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management, reporting and documentation, promotion of responder safety,

and optimum achievement of response objectives as evident in past major
disaster response operations to include management of planned high-
density population gatherings.

e. Organization and Structure of CIMC/CIMTG/DIMTG

In accordance with Executive Order NO. 82, series of 2012, CMCs shall
be established at all levels specifically to take decisive action in responding
to and managing human-induced crisis.

The local CMC, headed by the local chief executive as the responsible
officer (RO), designates the Incident Commander (IC) whenever a particular
crisis occurs. If the LPU commander is designated as the IC, the CIMTG
shall be immediately activated to support the CMC.

1) The Crisis Management Committee (CMC)

The CMC (Annex “CC”) is primarily concerned with the formulation

of crisis management procedures, integration and orchestration of
government, military/police and public efforts towards the prevention
and control of crisis incidents. All actions and decisions taken by the
CMC shall be within the policies laid down by the corresponding POCs.

2) The PNP NHQ Critical Incident Management Committee (PNP

NHQ CIMC)

In support to the mandates of CMCs, the PNP NHQ shall organize

its CIMC (Annex “DD”) with five sub-committees namely: sub-committee
on criminality, sub-committee on destabilization, public disturbance
and planned events, sub-committee on terrorism and CBRNE, sub-
committee on public health hazards and sub- committee on natural
disasters. This Committee shall take cognizance of all critical incidents,
whether human-induced or natural disaster, and shall supervise/
oversee operations of concerned offices/units to mitigate its effects on
the general populace. It is primarily concerned with the implementation
of policies and orchestration of PNP’s force and resources and efforts
towards the control and mitigation of critical incidents. The NHQ CIMTG/
DIMTG shall also be activated and shall serve as a special operating
task group of the CIMC.

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3) The Critical Incident Management Task Group (CIMTG)

To carry out the mandates of the PNP CIMC on human-induced

(man-made) incidents, CIMTGs (Annexes “EE” and “EE-1”) shall be
organized and replicated at the PRO/NCRPO (Regional) level down
to the PPO/CPO; CPS/MPS (City/Municipal) level following the ICS
structure.

The IC shall be designated by the Chairman, CMC and CIMTG to

be complemented by the Officers of the Office/unit who has functional
staff functions in the organization.

At the Regional/Provincial/City/Municipal level, the PNPs response

to any crisis will be to activate the CIMTG for human-induced incident
and the DIMTG for natural disaster. The Regional Director/Provincial/
City Director/COP shall have the authority to activate the CIMTG or
DIMTG.

The following are considered as human-induced critical incidents:

a) Abduction involving prominent personalities such as national

and local government officials, foreign nationals (diplomats,
ambassadors, consuls, attaches, foreign tourists), religious
leaders from various religious congregations, and other
personalities whose involvement in incidents may result in
controversies;
b) Attacks on vital installations, communities, and prominent
personalities;
c) Jailbreaks;
d) Heinous crimes like assassination, ambush involving
prominent personalities;
e) Robbery hold-up, armored van robbery, and bank robbery
perpetrated by syndicated groups;
f) Election –Related Violent Incident (ERV);
g) Major Events (International and National);
h) Terrorism;
i) Conflagration Incidents;
j) Major Road Accidents;
k) Mass Transport Accidents;
l) Aircraft Hijackings;

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m) Sea Mishaps;
n) Bombings;
o) Indiscriminate active shooting;
p) Mass actions;
q) Mass poisoning;
r) Drone attack;
s) Gas leaks;
t) Nuclear and Radiation Accidents;
u) Chemical Disaster;
v) Biological Disaster;
w) Cyber-attacks;
x) Epidemic;
y) Pandemic;
z) Stampede;
aa) Industrial Accident;
bb) Oil spills; and
cc) Other similar human-induced critical incidents that may result
in human casualties and/or mass destruction of properties
and environment.

As applicable, the following shall be designated to handle the functional

responsibilities of the CIMTG depending on the level of its activation:

Incident Commander: DRDO/DDDO/DPDO/DCDO/DCOPO

Deputy Incident Commander: RCS/CDDS/OPB/C, OPNS
Public Information Officer: Unit C, PIO
Liaison Officer: PCR Officer
Safety Officer: C, RHSG/C, DHSG/PESPO/SESPO
Operations /Plans Staff: C, PL/C, PL/C, PLB/ C, OPNS
Intel/Invest Staff: C, RID/ C, DID/C, IB/IMB/C, IIS
Budget and Logistics Staff: C, RLD/C, DF/C, PLB/C, Finance

In accordance with Executive Order 320, as amended, NPOC has

constituted CMCs at all levels specifically to take decisive action in emergency
situations.

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4) Disaster Incident Management Task Group (DIMTG)

A DIMTG shall also be established and shall serve as a special

operating task group of the PNP Sub-Committee on Disaster Management
(SCDM) and assist the PRO DIMTG as the Chairman/Task Coordinator,
PNP SCDM may direct. The NHQ PNP shall be composed of the NSUs
to be headed by the Director, PNP Special Action Force (SAF) as Task
Group Commander with the Deputy Director of PCRG as the Deputy Task
Group Commander (Annex “FF”).

DIMTGs shall also be activated at the PRO/PPO/CPO/CPS/MPS

level depending on the affected area (Annex “FF-1”). As a matter of rule,
a Regional DIMTG shall be activated if two or more provinces/cities are
affected by disaster, a Provincial DIMTG shall be activated if two or more
municipalities are affected, and a Municipal DIMTG shall be activated if
two or more barangays are affected (LOI 35/10 “SAKLOLO REVISED”).

The following are considered natural disaster incidents:

a) Floods;
b) Landslides;
c) Volcanic Eruption;
d) Earthquake;
e) Tidal Wave;
f) Tsunami;
g) Storm surge;
h) Forest fire;
i) Drought;
j) Meteorite impact;
k) Tornado; and
l) Other natural hazards that may lead to colossal loss of property
and lives.

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As applicable, the following shall be designated to handle the functional

responsibilities of the DIMTG:

Incident Commander: D,SAF/DRDO/DDDO/DPDO/DCDO/COP

Deputy Incident Commander: DDPCR/RCS/CDDS/D, IC/DCOP
Public Information Officer: Unit C, PIO
Liaison Officer: D, PCADG/C, RPCR/C, PCR/C,WCPD
D, HSS/C, RHSG/C, DHSG/PESPO/
Safety Officer:
SESPO
Operations/Plans Staff: DDO/DDPL/ C, PLD/C, PLB/C, OPNS
DDI/DDIDM/C, RID/RIDMD/C, DID/DID-
Intel/Invest Staff:
MD/C, IB/IMB/C, I&IS
DDL/C, RLD/RCD/C, DF/LD/C, PLB/C,
Budget and Logistics Staff:
FINANCE
Admin Staff: DD, DPRM/C, RPMD/C, DPHRDD/C,
PHRDB/C, ADMIN

f. The Escalation Protocols

The responsibility of addressing crisis can be transferred if the increasing

needs in handling the incident are beyond the capability of the established
CIMTG or DIMTG, or if there is jurisdictional change, when the incident
moves location or area of responsibility crosses boundaries. The transfer
of responsibility during a crisis must always include a transfer of command
briefing which may be oral, written or combination of both.

1) Human-Induced Escalation Protocol (CIMTG). To attain a smooth

transition of command responsibility, the table shows the conditions
or situations in any crisis level that will be considered:

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Table 3.1 Human-Induced Escalation Protocols

CIMTG Activation Level Conditions or Situations

a. Local PNP and Local CMC are in control of the
situation; and
Municipal/City (MPS/CPS b. Appropriate resources are available and
Numbered PS) capable at either Municipal or Barangay Level.

a. Local PNP at the Municipal/City Level are unable

to resolve the crisis within their capabilities;
b. Municipal/City CMC recommends elevation of
the crisis level;
c. Situation requires employment of security
Provincial/District PPO/DPO
forces and utilization of resources of the
provincial level organization and beyond; and
d. Incident affects two or more municipalities
within the same province/district.

a. Situation requires employment of security

forces and utilization of resources of the
Regional level organizations;
b. Upon the recommendation of the Provincial
Regional (PRO/NCRPO) CMC;
c. Incident involves foreign nationals, either
perpetrators or victims; and
d. Incidents affects two or more provinces/districts
within the same region

a. Terrorism attach resulting into mass casualties;

b. Upon recommendation of the Regional CMC;
c. Incident involves foreign national/s, either
perpetrators or victims;
d. National Security issues are at stake, such as
National (NHQ) food, water, energy, critical transportation and
communication structure, and environment are
threatened; and
e. Incident affects NCR, or two or more regions.
However, the Task Group Commanders/RDs
remains in command in their respective PROs.

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2) Natural Disaster Escalation Protocol (DIMTG)

Table 3.2 Natural Disaster Escalation Protocols

DIMTG Activation Level Conditions or Situations

CPS/MPS Level Two or more barangays or the entire CPS/MPS
PPO/CPO Level Two or more CPS/MPS or the entire PPO/CPO
PRO Level Two or more Districts/PPOs/CPOs or the entire
PRO
NHQ Level Two or more PROs

4.2 Hostage Situation. In handling hostage situations, the following guidelines

and procedures shall be undertaken:

a. First Responders (FR)

1) Secure the incident scene and establish perimeter security.

2) Give situation update to concerned TOC and inform the Hostage

Negotiation Team (HNT) for possible deployment.

3) Do not allow unauthorized persons at the incident scene.

4) Gather information about the hostage-taker and hostage(s) from

witnesses.

5) Re-route traffic flow (if necessary).

6) Evacuate all persons within the vicinity of the incident scene.

7) Clear areas for use of other responders.

8) Establish Advanced Command Post (ACP).

9) Initiate contact with the hostage-taker through any available

means.

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10) If the situation becomes volatile, request for deployment of HNT.

However, at any given time, if the hostage-taker is neutralized, the
HNT may no longer be necessary.

11) Brief the TL, HNT of the situation and turn-over the conduct of
negotiation.

12) Stay at the incident scene to maintain security, crowd and traffic
control, preserve evidence and take custody of witnesses.

b. Incident Commander (IC)

There shall be only one IC holding at least a senior rank and/or one with
experience in hostage/crisis situation or relative training. Until such time that
he/she officially designates a spokesperson, he/she may issue appropriate
press statements and continue to perform the role of the spokesperson.

1) The IC shall, upon assessment of the situation, prepare necessary

plans including but not limited to the following:

a) Emergency Response Plan - depends on the threat posed

by the hostage-takers and need of the HNT and IC.

b) Breakout Plan - possibility of breakout shall be considered

immediately upon drawing up of negotiation strategy. This
should be considered as one of the priority plans.

c) Delivery Plan - in case the hostage-takers change plans in

the middle of the execution.

d) Surrender Plan - shall be drawn up in a way that the Hostages’

lives will not be jeopardized.

e) Hostage Reception/Release - for security reasons, released

hostages shall be contained and isolated.

f) Collection Plan - safety of the police personnel involved is

the priority consideration.

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2) In handling hostage situations, the IC shall be guided by the

following courses of actions:

a) Negotiate

(1) Situation must be stabilized first before the start of the

negotiation.

(2) All attempts to negotiate must be done by remote

means.

(3) Adherence to the basic policy on safety of the hostage

shall be paramount.

(4) Do not allow outsiders (non-law enforcement officers)

into the negotiation process, unless their presence is
extremely necessary in the solution of the crisis. If so,
they shall be properly advised on the Do’s and Don’ts
of the hostage negotiation.

(5) Provide relevant information to the tactical teams.

(6) All communication with the hostage-taker must be

secured and protected.

(7) Always adhere to the ethics of negotiation.

b) Arrest

(1) Effect the arrest of the hostage-taker when situation

warrants.

(2) Restrain the hostage-taker and conduct thorough

search on his/her body and the immediate vicinity of
the incident scene.

(3) Inform the arrested person of the circumstances of his/

her arrest, and recite the Miranda warning, and anti-
torture warning.

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(4) All evidence must be secured and properly documented.

(5) Use reasonable force in arresting the hostage-taker.

(6) Facilitate the transport of the hostage-taker to the

nearest police station.

c) Tactical assault

(1) It may be resorted to if the hostage-taker poses imminent

danger of causing death or injury to the negotiator or
hostage.

(2) When all peaceful means were utilized and failed

and the hostage-taker is determined to become more
violent.

(3) When peaceful resolution of the incident becomes

impossible.

c. Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT)

Negotiators shall be designated by IC. No one shall be allowed to talk

to the hostage-taker without clearance from the Negotiator or IC. The HNT
is directly under the control and supervision of the IC. The HNT consists
of the team leader/coordinator, primary negotiator, secondary negotiator,
intelligence liaison/recorder and board negotiator. The HNT shall:

1) Set-up Negotiation Operation Center (NOC);

2) Initiate contact with the hostage-taker and obtain other information;

3) Give updates to the IC and brief him/her of the current situation;

4) Evaluate the necessity of resorting to other option without

compromising the safety of the hostage(s);

5) Recommend for activation of CMC and deployment of CIMTG as

necessary;

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6) Facilitate all deliveries, hostage receptions, and release and

possible surrender of hostage-taker; and

7) Attend to all meetings called by the CMC or IC.

d. Assault Team

An assault team shall be alerted for deployment in case the negotiation

fails. Members of the assault team shall wear authorized and easily
recognizable uniform during the conduct of the operation.

e. Crowd Control

A crowd control team shall be deployed to manage and control the

crowd and augment the first responders in securing the perimeter.

f. Support Personnel.

Support personnel shall include those in charge of managing traffic,

firefighting, providing medical emergency assistance, crime scene processing
and rescue.

g. After the neutralization of the hostage-taker/s and rescue of the

hostage/s, the following processing and debriefing procedures shall be
under taken:

1) Clear and secure the crime scene to avoid contamination of

evidence;

2) Evacuate the hostages and other injured persons;

3) Conduct CSI;

4) Conduct debriefing on the hostages and participating personnel;

5) Take the sworn statement of witnesses, hostages, hostage-taker,

and key participants in the incident;

6) Initiate case conferences to facilitate filing of cases;

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7) Issue press statements;

8) Submit reports to higher headquarters; and

9) Deactivate the CMC and CIMTG.

4.3 Bomb Threat and Bomb Incident Emergency Response

a. Procedures for FR Upon Receipt of Any Bomb Threat:

1) Treat all threats as serious until proven otherwise;

2) Determine the exact location of the establishment under threat;

3) Proceed immediately to the scene;

4) Coordinate with the security manager or administrator;

5) Conduct visual search in the area and isolate the specific place,
if necessary, when a suspicious item is located without causing
panic;

6) Alert EODT/K9;

7) Notify HHQ of any development and continue giving updates;

8) Brief the EOD/K9 team upon arrival and assist if necessary; and

9) Provide security at the scene until such time when the EOD/K9
team declares the area is cleared of any incendiaries or explosives.

b. Procedures for FR if a suspected item is found and the EOD/K9

recommended an evacuation from the affected area.

1) Coordinate with the management or administrator to identify the

safety areas for evacuation;

2) Assist in the evacuation of people without causing panic while the

EOD/K9 conducts panelling procedures;

3) Cordon the isolated area to prevent entry of unauthorized persons;

and

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4) Coordinate with the management once the EOD/K9 declares the

area as cleared and assist the people in resuming their businesses.

c. Procedures for FR if the EOD/K9 confirmed the presence of an explosive

component or Improvised Explosive Device (IED):

1) Report the progress of the incident to the TOC for the following:

a) Summon ambulance and fire trucks to the scene; and

b) Request for deployment of additional police personnel

to establish traffic control, crowd control and security.

2) Lock down the affected area to a distance of at least 300 meters

away;

d. Procedures for FR in case of Bomb Explosion

1) Upon receipt of the report:

a) Identify exact location of the incident and proceed to the

scene immediately;

b) Direct EOD/K9 teams to proceed to the area;

c) Notify HHQ of the situation;

d) Report the incident to the TOC for the following:

(1) Summon ambulance, fire trucks and SOCO team to the

scene and other resources as may be determined;

(2) Request for deployment of additional police personnel

to establish traffic control, crowd control and security;

2) Upon arrival at the scene:

a) Cordon the area at least 150 meters from the location of

explosion;

b) Assist in the immediate evacuation of the injured if possible;

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c) Direct occupants of the establishment to evacuate;

d) Maintain order and crowd control;

e) Seal off location until the EOD/K9 team determines if a

secondary device exists;

f) Conduct rescue operations at the scene upon clearance of

the EOD/K9 team;

g) Assist the Post-Blast Investigation (PBI) team and SOCO

team upon clearance from the EOD/K9 team;

h) Submit initial incident report immediately with the following

information:

(1) Time when the call for bomb threat was received;

(2) Time of detonation/explosion; and

(3) Description of type of device.

i) Identify any witnesses and bring them to the nearest police

station to obtain their statement;

j) Avoid issuing “speculative” press releases or statements;

and

k) Ensure cooperation with the IOC.

4.4 Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) Operations

a. General Guidelines

The PNP units tasked to maintain peace and order shall not interfere
with the holding of public assembly. To ensure public safety, a CDM
contingent under the command of a PCO shall be detailed and stationed at
least 100 meters away from the place where the public assembly is being
held (Batas Pambansa 880 sec. 9). In the absence of any permit from the
LGU concerned, the PCO in command should exert effort in persuading the

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demonstrators to disperse peacefully and vacate the public place. In lightning

rallies or demonstrations, the Ground Commander shall exhaust efforts
through dialogue with the leaders/organizers for voluntary dispersal. In case
of failure, orderly dispersal, to include apprehension of those responsible,
shall be resorted to. Maximum tolerance must always be exercised (Batas
Pambansa 880 sec. 10).

b. Specific Guidelines

When assistance is requested by the leaders/organizers, it shall be

imperative for the CDM contingent to perform their duties while observing the
rights of demonstrators. Further, the members of the CDM contingent dealing
with the demonstrators shall be in prescribed uniform.

1) The CDM contingent shall not carry any kind of firearms but may
be equipped with batons or riot sticks, crash helmets with visor,
gas masks, boots or ankle-high shoes with shin guards.

2) Tear gas, smoke grenades, water cannons, or any similar anti-riot

device shall not be used unless the public assembly is attended
by actual violence or serious threats of violence, or deliberate
destruction of property.

3) The organization and membership of CDM contingents, as well

as their deployment and employment, shall be in accordance with
existing PNP rules and regulations.

4) For every CDM contingent, there shall be a team of negotiators.

5) A separate security contingent may be organized and ready to

provide immediate assistance to the CDM contingents as the need
arises.

c. CDM Operational Tasks

1) Isolate the area;

2) Secure likely targets;

3) Control the crowds;

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4) Establish area control; and

5) Arrest violators.

d. CDM Operational Approaches

1) The commitment of a CDM contingent must be viewed as a last

resort. Their role, therefore, should never be greater than what is
necessary under the circumstances. This does not mean though
that the number of troops employed should be minimized. Doubts
concerning the number of troops required should normally be
resolved in favor of deploying a large number as it may prevent
the development of situations in which the use of force would be
necessary. A large reserve of troops should be maintained during
civil disturbance operations.

2) In selecting an operational approach to a civil disturbance situation,

the Ground Commander and his/her personnel must adhere to the
procedures in Force Continuum in Chapter 2 Section 2-4 of this
POP.

3) Efforts should be exerted to create the image of a restrained and

well-disciplined force, the sole purpose of which is to assist in the
restoration of law and order. Further, while CDM contingent should
be visible, any activity which might excite rather than calm the
situation should be avoided when possible.

4) Consistent with the controlling principle “that he/she must use

the minimum necessary force to accomplish his/her mission”,
the Ground Commander shall equip the CDM contingent only
with rattan sticks/truncheons/batons, shields, kevlar helmets and
handcuffs.

5) In situations requiring the use of batons/truncheons, only target

fleshy parts of the body such as arms, torso, legs, and thighs.
Hitting protesters with the baton or truncheon on the head, face,
neck, shoulder blades, elbows, fingers, groins, knees, and ankles
must be avoided since strikes to these parts may cause serious to
permanent injuries, or even death.

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6) Arrested protesters must be restrained, handcuffed and brought

safely to the police station for processing.

7) In any CDM deployment, there should be trained and equipped

female CDM personnel.

4.5 Public Assembly

a. Policies

1) The PNP adheres to the Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement

Officials (1979, Art 2-3) adopted by the General Assembly of the
United Nations that requires law enforcement officials to respect
and protect human dignity, maintain and uphold the human rights
of all persons, and limit the use of force to situations where it is
strictly necessary and to the extent required for the performance
of their duty.

2) Public assemblies held in freedom parks or on private property do

not need a permit for the activity.

3) The PNP shall provide police assistance only when requested by

the leaders or organizers for maintenance of peace and order or
to ensure the safety of those participating in the public assemblies
held in freedom parks or on private property.

4) A public assembly held in a public place must have a permit from

the mayor of the city or municipality exercising jurisdiction over the
place where it will be held.

5) A public assembly held with or without a permit may be peacefully

dispersed. A public assembly with a permit may be dispersed if
the same is being held in violation of the terms and conditions
imposed in the permit. In both cases, before conducting any
dispersal operation, the PNP shall notify the concerned organizers
and leaders of the public assembly.

6) Lightning demonstrations or rallies in areas where public assembly

is prohibited shall be dispersed peacefully. However, should any of

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the participants refuse to disperse voluntarily or violate any law or

ordinance during an unauthorized public assembly, they shall be
taken into police custody and be charged accordingly.

7) Ground Commanders are responsible in determining whether

there is a permit for the holding of the public assembly.

8) Close coordination with the mayor of the city or municipality, or

his/her representative, where the public assembly is being held
should always be maintained especially when a permit has not
been issued but an application has been filed prior to the holding
of the public assembly.

9) Maximum tolerance shall be exercised in the conduct of dispersal

operations.

b. Police Responses

The following are the police responses during the planning stage, initial
and peaceful stage, confrontational stage, violent stage and post operation
stage:

1) During Planning Stage

a) Initiate dialogue with the leaders/organizers to ensure the

peaceful holding of a public assembly, including among
others, the detail of police personnel providing security in the
area.

b) Prepare appropriate security and CDM contingency plans.

2) During Initial and Peaceful Stage

a) With Permit or Held in Freedom Parks/ Private Properties

(1) The PNP shall not interfere with the holding of a public
assembly. However, to adequately ensure public safety,
a CDM contingent, under the control and supervision of
a PCO shall be stationed at least 100 meters away from
the area where the public assembly is being held.

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(2) Monitor the activities at the public assembly area and

respond to any request for police assistance.

b) Without Permit or Permit has been revoked

(1) As soon as it becomes apparent that an assembly is

being held in a public place, the Ground Commander
shall immediately conduct an inquiry whether the
assembly is covered with a permit or not. If a permit
could not be shown, verification should immediately be
done with the Office of the Mayor having jurisdiction
over the place where the public assembly is being held.
Should the Office of the Mayor confirm that a permit
has not been issued, the leaders/organizers shall be
informed of the fact that they are violating the law and
will be asked to disperse peacefully.

(2) The PNP shall exhaust all peaceful remedies to

persuade the demonstrators to disperse. This may
include the involvement of Local Chief Executives
(LCE)/community leaders when available to intervene
in the situation so that dispersal operations could be
avoided.

(3) Should negotiation fail and the demonstrators refuse

to disperse voluntarily and peacefully, thereby causing
public inconvenience, CDM contingents may commence
dispersal operations after the CDM commander
announced the violations of law they have committed.
Such announcement of the violations must be made at
least three times.

3) During Breach of Peace/Confrontational Stage (With or without

permit)

No public assembly with a permit shall be dispersed. However,

when a public assembly becomes violent, the CDM contingents may
disperse such public assembly in the following manner:

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a) At the first sign of an impending violence, the Ground

Commander shall call the attention of the leaders/organizers
of the public assembly and ask the latter to prevent any
possible disturbance. CDM contingents shall hold the line to
prevent demonstrators from proceeding to other areas where
the holding of a public assembly is prohibited.

b) If actual violence reaches a point where rocks or other

harmful objects from the participants are thrown at the
CDM contingents or the non-participants, or at any property
causing damage to it, the Ground Commander shall audibly
warn the participants that if the disturbance persists, the
public assembly will be dispersed;

c) If the violence or disturbance does not stop, the Ground

Commander shall audibly issue a warning to the participants
of the public assembly, and after allowing a reasonable
period of time to lapse, shall immediately order it to disperse.
With the use of CDM formations, the rank of demonstrators
shall be disbanded, contained, and isolated from each other,
and should be prevented from regrouping.

d) Water cannons and riot sticks may be used to repel

aggression and to disperse demonstrators and reserve CDM
contingents may be employed when situation requires.

e) No arrest of any leader, organizer or participant shall be made

unless he/she violates a law, statute, or ordinance during the
assembly.

4) During Violent Stage

a) Non-lethal weapons and equipment may be used to suppress

violence, to protect lives and prevent further damage to
properties.

b) PNP security elements shall be tactically deployed to provide

immediate assistance to the CDM contingents.

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5) Post-Operation Stage:

a) CDM contingents shall be withdrawn after the area has been

cleared of possible danger to public safety.

b) Sufficient police force shall be maintained to ensure peace

and order in the area.

c. Dispersal of Public Assembly with Permit

All public assemblies with permits shall not be dispersed. However,

when an assembly becomes violent, the police may disperse such public
assembly in the following manner:

1) At the first sign of impending violence, the Ground Commander

of the PNP contingent shall call the attention of the leaders of
the public assembly and ask the latter to prevent any possible
disturbance;

2) If actual violence reaches a point where rocks or other harmful

objects from the participants are thrown at the police officers or at
the non-participants, or at any property, causing damage to it, the
Ground Commander of the PNP contingent shall audibly warn the
participants that if the disturbance persists, the public assembly
will be dispersed;

3) If the violence or disturbance does not stop, the Ground

Commander of the PNP contingent shall audibly issue a warning
to the participants of the public assembly, and after allowing a
reasonable period of time to lapse, he shall immediately order it to
disperse; and

4) No arrest of any leader, organizer or participant shall be made

unless he violates during the assembly a law, statute, or ordinance.

d. Dispersal of Public Assembly Without Permit

When the public assembly is held without a permit where a permit is

required, the said public assembly may be peacefully dispersed. However,
when the leaders or organizers of public assembly can show an application

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for permit duly filed at the Office of the Mayor which has jurisdiction over
the place where the rally will be held, at least five days prior to the intended
activity and the Mayor did not act on the same, the grant of the permit being
then presumed under the law, and it will be the burden of the authorities to
show that there has been a denial of the application, in which case, the rally
may be peacefully dispersed following the procedure of maximum tolerance
prescribed by law.

e. Prohibited Acts

The following prohibitions provided by Section 13 of Batas Pambansa

(BP) 880 shall be strictly observed:

1) Obstructing, impeding, disrupting or otherwise denying the

exercise of the right to peaceful assembly;

2) The unnecessary firing of firearms to disperse the public assembly.

3) Acts in violation of paragraph “d” of this Rule;

4) Acts described hereunder if committed within 100 meters from the

area of activity of the public assembly;

a) The carrying of a deadly or offensive weapon or device such

as firearm, pillbox, bomb, and the like;

b) The carrying of a bladed weapon;

c) The malicious burning of any object in the streets or

thoroughfares;

d) The carrying of firearms by CDM contingents;

e) The interfering with or intentionally disturbing the holding of a

public assembly by the use of a motor vehicle, its horns and
loud sound systems;

f) The drinking of liquor or alcoholic beverages; and

g) Gambling of any kind.

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f. Guidelines in dealing with Assemblies, Rallies, Demonstrations and

Marches

1) To ensure the protection, safety and welfare of the public and

demonstrators as well, the following must be observed:

a) Confined Assemblies in Private Property (churches, schools,

etc.)

(1) Initiate the conduct of dialogue with the leaders/

organizers.

(2) Secure and maintain order within the perimeter.

b) Confined Assemblies in Freedom Parks

(1) Initiate the conduct of dialogue with the leaders/

organizers.

(2) Secure and contain the area within the limits of the
permit to ensure the orderly and peaceful conduct of
the assembly.

c) Mobile Assemblies in a Private Area

(1) Initiate the conduct of dialogue with the leaders/

organizers.

(2) Secure and maintain order within the perimeter.

d) Marches and Motorcades along Public Thoroughfares

(1) Initiate the conduct of dialogue with the leaders/

organizers.

(2) Request for the permit from the leaders/organizers if

the local ordinance of the area requires one.

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(3) Ensure the orderly and peaceful conduct of the marches

and motorcades to ensure public safety and to prevent
compromise of public convenience.

2) There shall always be a designated Ground Commander at the

rally site;

3) If necessary, provide a medical team to extend assistance; and

4) All CDM operations shall be properly documented with video and

photo coverage;

4.6 Procedures for Responding PNP Personnel in Enforcing Quarantine

Measures to Manage Health Hazards

Since the outbreak of Covid-19, the PNP has played a crucial role in
supporting the government’s efforts to control the disease and promote safer
communities. Covid-19 may not be the last health hazard that the country will
experience. It is therefore essential for PNP personnel enforcing the quarantine
measures to work together with other government agencies, the local government
units and the community in addressing other similar threats.

a. Initial Response Upon the Impact of Health Hazard

1) PNP responders who first arrived at the scene shall initially and
simultaneously perform the following:

a) Assess and secure the scene, cordon and prevent the ingress
and egress of individuals to the area of impact;

b) Ensure the observance of safety protocol and use Personal

Protective Equipment (PPE) and respiratory protection;

c) In situations where the victims are directly exposed to a

non-contagious health hazard as assessed by authorities,
immediately evacuate them to a safe area while waiting for
the emergency responders;

d) Immediately inform the Chief of Police (COP) or Station

Commander and the station TOC, which will then call other
emergency groups;

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e) Make a record of the initial emergency responders who

arrived at the area and their actions taken;

2) Establish the Incident Command Post (ICP) with the COP or

Station Commander who shall initially act as IC until such time the
mayor or responsible officer has made an official designation of
his/her IC.

3) Immediately turn over the scene to the designated IC upon his/her

arrival;

4) Assist the IC in matters pertaining to the provision of security and

maintenance of law and order;

5) Designate an investigator who shall coordinate with the

investigators from BFP and other concerned agencies to gather
relevant information, if necessary;

6) If the health hazard is the result of an illegal act such as disposal

of hazardous materials, the PNP may immediately effect the arrest
of the identified suspect/s, if warranted; and

7) Wait for the official announcement that the area of impact has
been cleared from any health hazard before leaving the scene.

b. When the Health Hazard Becomes Widespread and has Affected Many
Communities

1) Assist in the implementation of government-issued guidelines and

issuances in mitigating the effect of health hazard;

2) Establish health hazard control points for the implementation of

travel restrictions without compromising the movement of essential
goods and authorized persons;

3) Implement the guidelines in the observance of the minimum public

health standards;

4) Activate law and order cluster and observe the CIMOP guidelines;

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5) Ensure that all PNP personnel rendering duty in health hazard

control points, isolation or quarantine facilities are using appropriate
PPEs;

6) Coordinate with the PNP health service in organizing and

capacitating the Medical Reserve Force (MRFs) in the management
of health hazard;

7) Assist the LGUs in the conduct of contact tracing when requested;

8) Provide security in quarantine/isolation facilities or escort in the

transport of affected and infected individuals, when requested; and

9) Observe proper decontamination procedures/protocol in

coordination with the PNP Health Service or other authorized
health offices.

c. Other Activities Relative to Public Safety and Security

1) Organize Reactionary Support and Standby Force (RSSF) for

possible deployment;

2) Provide security in the arrival, transport and distribution of goods

and medical supplies;

3) Conduct Red Teaming operations;

4) Conduct awareness campaign through TRIMP; and

5) Provide security to other government programs/activities that

require police assistance;

d. Arrest of Violators in Relation to Health Hazard Laws, Guidelines and

Protocols

1) PNP personnel must be abreast of the prevailing directives, laws,

and ordinances relating to health hazards and must maintain
copies of the same;

2) Arrest shall be done in accordance with guidelines and procedures

on Arrest in Rule 2.6 of this POP and with observance of public
health standards and protocol;

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3) All arrested persons shall be subjected to an initial investigation

and booking at a designated holding area if necessary. They shall
be separated from other persons under police custody until cleared
from any diseases/infection;

4) When the law or ordinance prescribes the penalty of fine and allows
the person apprehended to pay voluntarily the fine imposed prior
to the filing of a formal complaint with the appropriate prosecution
office, he/she shall be allowed to pay said fine with the concerned
City/Municipality/Barangay where he/she was apprehended to
avoid being criminally prosecuted; and

5) Respect for human rights and dignity of persons shall be observed

at all times.

Rule 5 Special Police Operations

5.1 Major Events Security Management

Major events are events of national and international significance where

the overall responsibility for ensuring the safety and security rests with the host
country/region/organization among others. These events involve very very
important persons (VVIPS) and political figures who are potential targets of
terrorists, criminals, and protest actions. Extensive planning and comprehensive
approach are necessary in developing the security plan for a major event.

The PNP undertakes necessary administrative and operational activities to

ensure the safe and orderly hosting of major events. These activities are undertaken
in coordination with concerned international and local government agencies, NGOs
and other concerned private individuals. They are often co-sponsored, planned and
executed jointly by public and private-sector interests across different government
jurisdictions by multiple agencies.

a. Classification of Major Events

1) International, National and Local Special Events. These are events

that involve a whole-of-government approach in ensuring safety

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