Political Stability, Regional Peace, and Public Safety
Political stability, regional peace, and public safety are crucial for the well-being and progress of any nation. In the Philippines, ensuring political stability, maintaining regional peace, and safeguarding public safety are top priorities for government agencies responsible for upholding law and order. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) plays a central role in promoting political stability by overseeing local governance and ensuring the effective delivery of basic services to citizens. Additionally, the Philippine National Police (PNP) works tirelessly to maintain public safety and security, responding to various threats and incidents to uphold peace and order across the nation. Alongside these agencies, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) contributes significantly to regional peace by safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Together, these government bodies collaborate to address challenges and uphold stability, ensuring that citizens can live in a peaceful and secure environment conducive to progress and development. Domain 2 of the Research Dashboard delves into the dynamics and challenges surrounding political stability, regional peace, and public safety in the Philippines, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of these crucial aspects across the nation. By shedding light on key issues and trends in this domain, policymakers can make informed decisions and implement strategic interventions to uphold stability, peace, and safety in the Philippines.
The Nature of Local Government Units
The present Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) traces its roots from the Philippine Revolution of 1897. On March 22, 1897, the Katipunan Government established the first Department of Interior at the Tejeros Convention.
A revolutionary government was also established at that time and the new government elected General Emilio Aguinaldo as President and Andres Bonifacio as Director of Interior, although Bonifacio did not assume the post. At the Naic Assembly held on April 17, 1897, President Aguinaldo appointed General Pascual Alvarez as Secretary of the Interior.
The Department of Interior was enshrined in the Biak-na-Bato Constitution signed on November 1, 1897. Article XV of the said Constitution defined the powers and functions of the Department that included statistics, roads and bridges, agriculture, public information and posts, and public order.
As the years of struggle for independence and self-government continued, the Interior Department became the premier office of the government tasked with various functions ranging from supervision over local units, forest conservation, public instructions, control and supervision over the police, counterinsurgency, rehabilitation, community development, and cooperatives development programs.
In 1950, the Department was abolished, and its functions were transferred to the Office of Local Government (later renamed Local Government and Civil Affairs Office) under the Office of the President. On January 6, 1956, President Ramon Magsaysay created the Presidential Assistant on Community Development (PACD) to implement the Philippine Community Development Program that will coordinate and integrate on a national scale the efforts of various governmental and civic agencies to improve the living conditions in the barrio residents nationwide and make them self-reliant.
In 1972, Presidential Decree No. 1 created the Department of Local Government and Community Development (DLGCD) through Letter of Implementation No. 7 on November 1, 1972. Ten years later or in 1982, the DLGCD was reorganized and renamed Ministry of Local Government (MLG) by virtue of Executive Order No. 777; and in 1987, it was further reorganized and this time, renamed Department of Local Government (DLG) by virtue of Executive Order No. 262.
Again, on December 13, 1990, the DLG underwent reorganization into what is now known as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) by virtue of Republic Act No. 6975. The law also created the Philippine National Police (PNP) out of the Philippine Constabulary-Integrated National Police (PC-INP), which, together with the National Police Commission, was integrated under the new DILG, the Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the Philippine Public Safety College; and absorbed the National Action Committee on Anti-Hijacking from the Department of National Defense (DND).
The passage of RA 6975 paved the way for the union of the local governments and the police force after more than 40 years of separation.
Today, the Department faces a new era of meeting the challenges of local autonomy, peace and order, and public safety.
Ensuring Political Stability and Public Safety
Source: DILG Annual Report 2022, PNP Annual Accomplishment Report 2023
The DILG is tasked with overseeing local government units (LGUs), promoting good governance, and maintaining peace and order throughout the country. It plays a crucial role in ensuring political stability and regional peace by supervising LGUs, implementing policies to strengthen local governance, and coordinating with various agencies to address peace and order issues. Additionally, the DILG coordinates with the PNP and provides guidance and support to ensure effective law enforcement at the local level.
The PNP serves as the national police force responsible for maintaining peace and order, enforcing laws, and preventing crimes across the Philippines. It operates under the supervision of the DILG and is organized into various units, including the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Traffic Management Group (TMG), and Special Action Force (SAF). The PNP’s chain of command starts from the Chief of the PNP down to the provincial, city, and municipal levels, ensuring efficient coordination and implementation of law enforcement activities nationwide.
Mandates and Authority of the DILG and PNP
Source: DILG Annual Report 2022, PNP Annual Accomplishment Report 2023
The DILG derives its mandate primarily from the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160). This law outlines the powers and functions of the DILG, particularly in supervising LGUs and ensuring their compliance with laws and regulations. Additionally, the Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998 (Republic Act No. 8551) also plays a significant role in defining the DILG’s authority over the PNP and its role in overseeing law enforcement at the local level.
The PNP operates under the legal framework provided by the Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998 (Republic Act No. 8551). This law establishes the PNP as the national police force responsible for enforcing laws, maintaining peace and order, and preventing crimes across the Philippines. Furthermore, the PNP adheres to the Constitution of the Philippines and other relevant laws governing law enforcement and public safety, ensuring that its actions are in accordance with legal principles and safeguards.
Powers & Functions
- Assist the President in the exercise of general supervision over local governments;
- Advise the President in the promulgation of policies, rules, regulations and other issuances on the general supervision over local governments and on public order and safety;
- Establish and prescribe rules, regulations and other issuances implementing laws on public order and safety, the general supervision over local governments and the promotion of local autonomy and community empowerment and monitor compliance thereof;
- Provide assistance towards legislation regarding local governments, law enforcement and public safety;
Establish and prescribe plans, policies, programs and projects to promote peace and order, ensure public safety and further strengthen the administrative, technical and fiscal capabilities of local government offices and personnel; - Formulate plans, policies and programs which will meet local emergencies arising from natural and man-made disasters;
Establish a system of coordination and cooperation among the citizenry, local executives and the Department, to ensure effective and efficient delivery of basic services to the public; - Organize, train and equip primarily for the performance of police functions, a police force that is national in scope and civilian in character.
The Local Government Unit
Regional Summary
NUMBER OF PROVINCES , CITIES, MUNICIPALITIES AND BARANGAY'S, BY REGION AS OF MARCH 31, 2023
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Initiatives and Challenges in Promoting Peace and Safety
Source: DILG Year-End Report 2022, PNP Annual Accomplishment Report 2023
The DILG has spearheaded various initiatives to promote political stability, regional peace, and public safety. These include community-oriented policing programs aimed at building trust and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and local communities. Additionally, the DILG conducts internal security operations to address threats to peace and order, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Moreover, the DILG provides capacity-building support to LGUs in conflict resolution and peace-building efforts. However, the DILG faces challenges such as resource limitations, which may hinder the effective implementation of its initiatives, as well as issues related to local governance, including political conflicts and administrative inefficiencies.
The PNP plays a vital role in ensuring public safety and maintaining law and order through various initiatives aimed at crime prevention, law enforcement, and internal cleansing efforts. These efforts include intensified police patrols, anti-criminality campaigns, and crackdowns on illegal drugs and criminal syndicates. However, the PNP faces challenges such as alleged human rights concerns in its anti-crime operations and inadequate resources to address emerging threats effectively. Addressing these challenges requires sustained efforts to enhance accountability, professionalism, and integrity within the police force while also addressing systemic issues such as resource constraints and institutional reforms. Additionally, the PNP has implemented several programs to promote regional peace and public safety, including the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Iwasan (BIDA) Program, which involves partnerships with the private sector to promote drug-free workplaces and business establishments, emphasizing shared responsibility in eradicating illegal drugs and encouraging stricter measures like random drug testing for employees.
Moreover, recognizing the power of sports in preventing drug abuse and raising awareness of anti-illegal drug campaigns, the PNP has partnered with major sports leagues in the country. Notably, partnerships with the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Premier Volleyball League (PVL), and University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) have allowed the BIDA Program to leverage the influence of athletes and media platforms in amplifying its anti-drug advocacy. Additionally, the program has collaborated with celebrities and major cinemas to disseminate anti-drug messages to the general public, aiming to garner widespread support in combating illegal drug abuse.
Furthermore, the PNP has strengthened partnerships with international organizations such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to co-develop and distribute community-based drug rehabilitation materials and learning modules in LGUs. Notably, the success of the BIDA Program was internationally recognized when it was awarded the National Social Welfare Initiative of the Year in the 2023 Gov Media Awards, affirming the effectiveness of the PNP’s efforts in promoting regional peace and public safety.
1. Combating Illegal Drugs
Source: DILG Year-End Report
The DILG has been actively engaged in various initiatives aimed at combating illegal drugs, fostering peace and security at the barangay level, and addressing criminal activities across the nation. Through its efforts, significant progress has been achieved, as reflected in the statistics presented in Tables 1, 2, and 3. Table 1 highlights the outcomes of the Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP), showcasing the number of surrenderers, new participants, readmitted individuals, and graduates. Table 2 demonstrates the localization of Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs) at the barangay level, indicating the level of functionality across different classifications. Additionally, Table 3 provides insights into the anti-criminality success indicators and the volume of index and non-index crimes recorded over two consecutive years.
Since the inception of the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS) in 2018, the Department has remained steadfast in fortifying its ADACs and fulfilling its commitments under PADS. This includes the continuous monitoring of the CBDRP, the establishment of Special Drug Education Centers and Programs, and capacity-building efforts for LGUs to combat illegal drug activities.
Table 1.
Monitoring of Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP) Quarterly Report Based on submissions from 8 out of 17 regions as of December 12, 2023
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Source: FY 2023 DILG PADS-PMO Narrative Accomplishment Report as of 9-7-23
The Department has decentralized ADACs to the barangay level through Memorandum Circular No. 2018-135, which establishes standards and procedures for monitoring and ensuring the compliance of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs) with key functionality indicators. On May 18, 2023, an advisory titled ‘Implementing Guidelines for the Conduct of FY 2023 BADAC Functionality Audit’ was issued, directing regional offices to assess at least 95% of barangays in their respective regions. The table below presents the audit results:
Table 2.
Localization of anti-drug abuse councils at barangay level.
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Note: The remaining five (5) barangays are excluded from the assessment due to the absence of barangay officials.
Source: DILG Year-End Report 2022
The collective efforts of DILG members have contributed significantly to fostering peaceful and secure LGUs, consequently leading to improvements in the national crime landscape. The PNP observed positive developments, including a 0.14% reduction in total crime incidents and a 1.38% increase in Crime Solution Efficiency (CSE) following the gradual easing of pandemic restrictions.
Table 3.
Anti-criminality success indicators.
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Source: DILG Year-End Report 2022
There was an 8.44% decrease in index crime volume and a 7.32% decrease in non-index crime volume. Notably, the focus crimes, which include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, and theft, collectively decreased by 8.40%, with specific notable reductions observed in physical injury (-14.17%), rape (-14.77%), and carnapping of motor vehicles (-24.51%). Similarly, there was a 14.86% decrease in special complex crimes during the same period. These figures reflect significant efforts in crime reduction and law enforcement initiatives.
Table 4.
Crime volume per type
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Source: DILG Year-End Report 2022
2. Shift to Full Devolution
Lakas Ng Pagkakaisa: DILG Tungo Sa Bagong Pilipinas, DILG Year-End Report 2023)
Striving towards strengthening and enhancing the capacity of LGUs, the Department continued to support LGUs to help them transition to a meaningful devolution following the Supreme Court ruling on the Mandanas-Garcia petitions.
To support LGUs in prioritizing their programs, projects and activities (PPAs) particularly, those that are responsive and in line with the needs of the public, the Department continues to play a significant role in finalizing the revised guidelines for the integration of the LGU Devolution Transition Plans (DTPs) into their CDPs. This process is crucial to ensure that devolved functions, services, and facilities are seamlessly mainstreamed into the local development plans of LGUs, which will be implemented in the next five (5) years. Moreover, the LGU DTP serves as a viable tool and reference in implementing reforms that would strengthen the organization, as well as in enhancing institutional capacities to fulfill local governments’ mandated functions and responsibilities. These initiatives are in line with the national government’s commitment to empower LGUs and improve public service delivery in light of the Mandanas-Garcia ruling.
However, the submission DTPs per Executive Order No. 138 on full devolution was suspended pending the issuance of another EO that will extend the transition period from 2023 to 2027 which will further strengthen the coordination and partnership between the local and the national governments as it will delineate which services and functions will be lodged to the local and national government.
To facilitate the harmonization of LGUs’ and NGAs’ DTP implementation strategies despite the absence of approved NGA DTPs, a harmonization roadmap template (HRT) was developed using an official list of programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) to be discontinued by the NGAs. For this purpose, a series of regional NGA-LGU fora were conducted to facilitate filling out of the HRT,in which 16 regional HRT datasets have been consolidated, ready for analysis to identify assistance needed by LGUs to fully assume and implement their devolved functions, services, and facilities and PAPs, as well as the perceived service delivery gaps.
At present, almost 99% of the provinces, cities, and municipalities have already prepared and submitted their respective DTPs the details of which were as follows:
Status of LGU DTP submission as of 30 September 2022)
Source: DILG Year-End Report 2022
3. Sustained Peaceful, Orderly, and Safe Communities
Source: DILG Year-End Report 2022
The national crime situation in the country continued to improve as evidenced by the decrease in both Total Crime Volume and index crimes in 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021.
Status of LGU DTP submission as of 30 September 2022)
Conclusion
The DILG and the PNP play critical roles in maintaining political stability, regional peace, and public safety in the Philippines. The DILG’s efforts in decentralizing ADACs and conducting functionality audits demonstrate its dedication to addressing illegal drug activities and engaging communities in peace-building initiatives. Similarly, the PNP’s strict enforcement of law and order through anti-criminality campaigns and partnerships has led to tangible reductions in both index and non-index crimes. However, ongoing challenges such as resource limitations and emerging threats persist. Therefore, a coordinated and well-resourced security sector is essential for ensuring a secure Philippines, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration and support for these vital government agencies.