Republic of the Philippines

Department of the Interior and Local Government

NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF, PNP

Camp Crame, Quezon City

MEMORANDUM

CIRCULAR NO. 2006-022

SUBJECT: PNP Media Relations Policy

TO: All Concerned

I. REFERENCES:

1.Executive Order No. 511, Rationalizing the Public Information Functions and Duties of the Executive Branch.

2.LOL “Santinig” (PNP Communication Plan)

II. RATIONALE:

The PNP Media Relations Policy is consistent with the policy of rational transparency in all police activities, and of uploading the right of the people to be informed on matters of public interest.

III. PURPOSE:

It is the purpose of this policy to establish the specific guidelines on how every member of the Philippines National Police ({PNP) should deal with members of the media, especially in releasing public information.

This policy also aims to re-orient and further motivate every PNP personnel to be cognizant of the importance of a good-working relationship with the media as a vital component of the organization’s over-all Police-Community Relations Program, but with utmost awareness of the limits of disclosure of information.

IV. DEFINITION OF TERMS

a.Public Information. Information that may be interest to the general public about policy, procedures and events involving the PNP or such other newsworthy information that is not legally protected, does not unduly interfere with the mission of the PNP, ongoing investigations, infringe upon the rights of an individual or compromise the legitimate safety and/or privacy interests of the officers, victims, witnesses or others.

b.News Media Representative. An individual employed by agencies of the electronics or print media such as radio, television, newspaper, news magazine, or wires to gather information and report on a newsworthy event. Freelance workers are considered as other members of the general public unless otherwise designated by the Chief, PNP or head of the concerned PNP unit/office.

c.Accredited. A media representative duly recognized by the PNP, through its PIO and allowed access to gather news information about the PNP.

d.News. It is the reporting of (current) events by the mass media. To be considered news, an event must have broad interest due to such news values as impact, timeliness; revelation (is there significant new information, previously unknown?)

e.Press Release. It is the official statement issued by the PNP to the media. Press release may be purely factual and address a specific issue or concern, or maybe promotional in nature. The press often relies on press release to form the factual basis for their subsequent articles.

f.Public Information Officer (PIO). The official authority who serves as a central source of information for release by the PNP and responds to requests for information by the news media and the community.

g.Spokesperson. The officially-designated authority who acts as the mouthpiece of the PNP and usually speaks in behalf of the Chief, PNP. The public information officer also usually becomes the spokesperson.

h.Community Policing. An approach to law enforcement designated to reduce and prevent crime by increasing interaction and cooperation between t5he PNP and the people.

i.Limit of Disclosure. The term “limit of disclosure“applies only to limits set by legal requirements (i.e. the rights of the accused). I the absence of any legal impediment the PIO or spokesperson must be truthful and honest at all times. However, the PIO may set the roles with media on what type of information to reveal to the public (i.e. status of police operations) so that existing efforts will not be jeopardized.

j.Crisis. A crucial or decisive point or situation in the course of anything. It could also mean as an unstable condition, as in political, social, or economic affairs, involving an abrupt or decisive change.

k.Emergency. A serious situation or occurrence that happens unexpectedly and demands immediate action.

l.Criminal Intelligence Information. Refers to any information with respect to an identifiable person or persons collected by a police unit/ department as a part of the PNP effort to anticipate, prevent, or monitor the occurrence of a possible major criminal acti9vity, most specifically terrorist acts.

V. POLICIES

A.DESIGNATION OF PIOs/SPOKESPERSON

There shall be designated Public Information officers / official spokespersons at all Regional Office and National Support Units (NSUs).

B.RESPONSIBILITY OF THE UNIT COMMANDER

Generally, it is the responsibility of any unit head / chief to respond queries raised by the process, as well as decide on what stories or press release would be given out to the media. He may delegate this responsibility to be a unit PIO/spokesperson.

C.DUTIES OF THE PIO

The PNP/ unit PIO at all available is available to:

1.Assist the news media particularly in covering routine news stories.

2.Set up an area for the media.

3.Initially, issue a prepared statement. Then allocate a very short time, not too long as to distract your ongoing operations (or the PIO or chief of a unit/ department could designate his deputy or representative to do this), to meet with the media and answer questions. And also to agree to basic rules of coverage for the particular crisis / emergency situations.

4.In agreeing on the “rules” of the coverage, it is important that you stress to the members of the media the importance of staying out of the line of fire, not only for their safety, but also for the security and success of the operation.

5.Such rules may include also requesting the media not to describe positions of snipers, and other activities of police operatives within the area.

6.Advise the media that you (PIO or unit chief / commander) or you representative will give them updates on the situation, after a specific period (e.g. how many minutes after)

7.Continue to give updates at regular intervals, when it will not jeopardize the operation or endanger lives. This is to ensure you satisfy the media’s curiosity, and avoid them getting restless and trying to get information themselves at the risk of jeopardizing the operation.

8.Advise media prior to firing gas (in cases where the situation calls for the act)

9.Advise media personnel to watch their lights, as they interfere in the operation, particularly, when the incident occurs at night.

10.If damage has to be estimated for press immediately, confine statement to general description of what was destroyed.

11.Eliminate obstacles wherever possible. Most reporters will agree that the more obstacles they find in their way, the harder they will work to ferret out the real story— from any source possible. They will almost always use something they have uncovered, and you have no control over what they may uncover.

12.Have needed records available for your reference if possible.

13.Any information that goes to one source in the crisis is fair game to all. Don’t play favorites.

14. Keep cool. If reporters get snappy, chances are it’s because they are under considerably more pressures at the moment you try to cooperate to the extent possible.

15.Always accentuate the positive.

16.At the conclusion of the operation, particularly if it is successful, never fail to acknowledge the cooperation of the media.

17.As much as possible, never officially judge especially in front of the media, the mental condition of the suspect. Instead, it can be answered in a safer and diplomatic way of saying: “It is not known what prompted the suspect(s) to do this” or He said to have imbibed generous amount of alcohol”.

F. HOW TO DEAL WITH THE MEDIA

1.Authorized / accredited media representatives will be allowed reasonable access to the PIO and the unit head / chief as governed by existing policies. In cases when information must be denied / withheld to the press, the basis for such shall be fully and courteously explained.

2.The PNP recognizes identification from all legitimate local, national, and international news organizations. In cases when any media representative fails to present authorized identification, it may be used as ground for restricting access to requested information or to incident scenes.

3.Public information shall be released to the media as promptly as circumstances allow objectively and without partiality.

4. A media representative may be given information through telephone if his/her identity is known or can be authenticated.

5. Ranking officers at crime or incident scenes may provide factual information to the media as governed by this policy. But, when the officer is unsure of the facts or the propriety of releasing information, he shall refer the inquiry to the PIO.

6.When it is an inter-agency operation, the department / agency with primary jurisdiction will determine the dissemination of the appropriate press statements/ releases. The PNP will issue statements consistent with this policy when it is the agency with primary jurisdiction. The information shall recognize all other assisting agencies.

7.Written press statements shall be approved first by the unit head/chief or his designee before it can be disseminated to the media.

8.The PNP communications center shall immediately inform the Chief Operations canter upon receipt of information about events or activities that may call media attention.

9.The Chief, Operations center shall see to it that the C,PNP and the C,PIO is properly informed of events that may have media interest.

10.The PNP will be consistent in issuing information to the media for public dissemination.

G. PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION TO THE MEDIA

G.1 Intelligence Information

While it is the policy of the PNP to cooperate fully with the media, however, it may keep form the press those regarded as active or classified such as “criminal intelligence information.”

G.2 Non-investigate Information

The PNP allows the release of information of a general nature which is not specific to an on-going investigation.

G.3 Investigative Information

From the initial stage of a criminal investigation until the completion of trial or disposition without trial, police personnel shall refer all requests for information to the Head of Office or his designee.

(i)Information that may be released in connection with an investigation of an event or crime includes:

a.The type or nature of an event or crime;

b.The location, date and time, injuries sustained damages and a general description of how the incident occurred.

c.Type and quantity of property taken,

e.The identity and approximate address of a victim with the exception of sex crime victims, and in other cases where reprisals or intimidation may be employed.;

f.Requests for aid in locating evidence, a complainant or a suspect.

g.Numbers of officers or people involved in an event or investigation, and the length of the investigation; and

h.Name of the officer in charge of a case, his supervisor and division or unit assignment (exception: the name of any undercover officer will not be released)

(ii) Information that may be released in connection with an investigation of an event or crime, unless authorized by the department chief executive or his designee, include:

a.The identity of a suspect prior to arrest unless such information would aid in apprehending the suspect or serve to warn the public of potential danger.

b.The identity of any victim of a sex crime or any related information which, if divulged, could lead to the victim’s identity.

c.The identity of victims or witnesses if such disclosure would prejudice an investigation to any significant degree, or if it would place the victim in personal danger;

d.The identity of any juvenile who is a suspect on defendant in a case subject to the jurisdiction of the juvenile court;

e.The identity of any critically injured or deceased person prior to notification of the next kin;

f.The results of any investigative procedure such as lineups, polygraph tests, fingerprint comparison, ballistics test or other procedures (the fact that these tests have ben performed may be revealed without further comment);

g.Information which, if prematurely released, may interfere with the investigation or apprehension such as the nature of leads, specifics of an “MO,”  details of the crime known only to the perpetrator and the police, or information that may cause the suspect to flee or more effectively avoid apprehension;

h.Information that may be of evidentiary value in criminal proceedings;

i.Specific cause of death unless officially determined by the medical examiner, and

j.The home address or telephone number any member of the department.

G.4 Arrest information

1.Following arrest, issuance of an arrest warrant or filing of information or indictment, it is permissible to release.

a.The name, age, residence, occupation and family status of accused;

b.The time and place of arrest, whether pursuit or resistance was encountered, whether weapons were used, charges places against the suspect and description of contraband seized;

c.The identity of the arresting officers and the duration of the investigation unless the officers are engaged in undercover operations; and

d.The amount of bond, scheduled court dates and place of the suspect’s detention.

2.Following the arrest and formal charging of a suspect, but prior to adjudication, the following types of information should not be released without express permission of the unit had/chief.

a.Prior criminal conviction record, character or reputation of a defendant

b.Existence or contents of any confession, admission or statement of a defendant, or his failure or unwillingness to make a statement

c.Performance or results of any tests, or a defendant’s refusal or failure to submit to tests such as s polygraph.

d.Identity, statement or expected testimony of any witness or victim

e.Any opinion about the guilt or innocence of a defendant or the merits of the case

f.Any opinion or knowledge of the potential for a plea bargain or other pretrial action.

G.5 Special Consideration Considerations – In Criminal Matters

1.PNP personnel shall extend every reasonable courtesy to news media representatives at crime scenes. This may include closer access of personnel and equipment that available to the general public to the degree that it does not interfere with the police mission or the movement of traffic.

2.At the scene of such crimes as hostage and barricaded situations, the officer in charge shall designate a preliminary press area as early as possible and as close to the scene as safety and operational requirements allow

3.In cases where a suicide and suspected suicide has occurred, only factual information describing how the incident happened may be released to the media. The name, age, address, sex, and occupation of the victim may also be released but only after the suicide’s next of kin had been duly informed of the incident. The fact that a suicide note exists may also be acknowledged without further comment. The content of such notes is personal and confidential and shall be released except as provided by law.

4.Suspects or accused persons in custody shall not be posed or arrangements made for photographs, telecast or interviews, nor shall departmental personnel pose with suspects or accused persons in custody until after investigation had been conducted.

5. When an individual is charged with a criminal offense and is sought by law enforcement authorities, photographs or mug shots may be released to the media to help locate the individual. No departmental photographs mug shots, videotape, film or composites of subjects in custody shall otherwise be released to the media unless authorized by the department chief executive or authorized designee.

G.6 Special Considerations – In SOCO Matters

1.The news media shall not be allowed access to any area or scene of an incident or crime where there is a possibility that evidence may be damaged, altered, destroyed or otherwise prejudices by its existence being published or portrayed.

2. When the scene of the crime operatives (SOCO) have finished processing the crime scene and have secured all evidences, members of the news media may be allowed to enter the area and take footages / photographs of the scene upon permission of the commanding officer or SOCO team leader.

3. Recovered / collected items / evidences may be presented to the news media only after the same had been processed, accounted and turned over to the evidence custodian.

4. On private property, photocopy, film or videotape recording must require the permission of the owner of the owner’s representatives.

5. Information such as type and quality of property taken during robbery incidents may be released by SOCO / first responders / investigators at crime scenes but beyond that, the SOCO / first responders / investigators must avoid giving premature information that may affect the result of the investigation to the news media.

G.7 Special Consideration – In Non-criminal Matter.

1. At the scene of significant accidents, man-made or natural catastrophes, the principles of media cooperation shall be maintained to the degree that they do not interfere with the mission of the police, fire, medical or other emergency relief workers.

2. Media access to and movement within fire lines shall be controlled by the fire officer in charge. In consultation with the fire officer in charges, the ranking police officer at the scene shall establish an observation point from which the media may observe and photograph the incident.

a. at the discretion of the officer in charge, an inner perimeter may be establish for the media from which to record the event.

3. News media representatives should be prevented from access to any area because of the possibility of their injury or death. The PIO should explain the circumstances of the situation and in case the media insist entry in the area, the concerned media must execute in writing that he was informed of the risk and access in the area is his own violation.

4. Daily administrative reports of criminal activity will be made available on a routine basis to media representatives. Statistical report of criminal activity will also be made available to the media.

5. Media representatives shall denied access to the contents of investigative or incident reports and records where release of the information would.

a. interfere with law enforcement proceedings, including pending investigations;

b. deprive a person of the right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication, or give one party to a controversy an undue advantage by exclusive access to such information;

c. constitute an unwarranted invasion of the personal privacy rights of another person;

d. reveal the identity of an individual who has furnished information to the department under confidential circumstances;

e. disclose investigative technique and procedures, thereby impairing future effectiveness of the department; or

f. endanger the life or physical safety of any person.

G.8 Internal investigation of PNP officers.

Sensitive information concerning the internal investigation of any officer or member of the PNP shall not released to the media without prior approval / permission of the C. PNP or the Chief of Police or his designee.

G.9 Daily Activity Reports and other concerns.

The PNP will make available to authorized / accredited member of the media on a routine basis its daily activity reports.

If and when a conflict between a member of the PNP and a representative of the media arises, the parties involve are encouraged to inform the PIO or his deputy for resolution.

II. Crisis Situation

A.Rule of the PNP in Crisis / Emergency Situation

In times of crises / emergency situation the police assume different levels. When crisis arises out of man-made emergencies, the Peace and Order Council, at the appropriate level where the Chief of Police or District / Provincial / Regional Commanders are members of, shall be the organizational body that shall primarily act on the crisis situation.

When crisis results from aircraft hijacking, disturbances in the civil aviation of terrorism that has national significance, the responsibility lies with the National Action Committee on Anti-Hijacking and Anti-Terrorism. In such cases, the local police may be called upon assisting capacity.

For crises arising out of natural disaster or calamities, it is the National or Regional Disaster Coordinating Council and its subordinate entities that assume primary responsibility. Again, in such cases, the local police unit may be called upon to assist.

It is in crises or emergencies resulting from peace and order problems such as terrorism and criminality where the police organization assumes a primarily role. In such instances, it is also the primary responsibility of the PNP to inform the public through the media of the situation without jeopardizing ongoing efforts at managing the crisis or emergency situation.

To adequately prepare for crisis, a proactive strategy based on containment and counteraction rather than a reactive strategy based on hesitation, denial, or confrontation must be developed.

B.The following are the different types of crisis / emergency

1.Man-made crises / emergencies

(i) Civil Disturbance

a. Labor strikes demonstrations

b. Riots

c. Anarchy

d. Welga ng Bayan (transport, fuel, etc.)

(ii) Revolt

a. Mutiny

b. Insurrection

c. Coup d’etat

(iii) Revolution

(iv) Border Incident

(v) War

a. Conventional

b. Non-Conventional

c. Chemical, Biological, and Radiological warfare

(vi) Kidnapping

(vii) Hijacking

(viii) Hostage-Taking

(ix) Terrorist Activities (bombing, assignation / liquidation, extortion etc.)

2. Natural Crises / Emergencies

i. Fire

ii. Marine / Air, Land and Sea Disasters

iii. Structural Collapse

iv. Hazardous Spills

v. Utilities Failure ( power, water, telephone)

vi. Nuclear incidents

vii. Food Scarcity / Famine

viii. Fuel Shortage

ix. Pestilence / Epidemic

x. Floods, Landslides, and Mud Flows

xi. Volcanic Eruption

xii. Earthquake

xiii. Tidal Wave

xiv. Typhoons

xv. Drought

C. Choosing the spokesperson.

Choosing the spokesperson is a most important part of dealing with a crisis situation. Whatever that is, that person should be someone who is perceived by the [public as credible, knowledgeable, and updated on all developments. He/she must know all aspects of the crisis and must understand their implications.

D. What the spokesperson can do.

There are several things that a PIO / spokesperson can do in times of crisis. One is to “stonewall it”: Deny that a crisis exists, refuse to answer media questions or simply ignore the issue. However, although silence may work in some cases, this kind of behavior suggests a “public-be-damned” attitude that could harm the PNP’s goodwill with the public.

Another option is to “manage” the news about the crisis by releasing partial, often inaccurate, and delayed information while concealing especially unfavorable acts. Make sure, however, that any attempt to cover up the issue do not leak to the media as this could shatter the spokesperson’s credibility.

The best course a PIO / spokesperson can take is through an open communication policy. In terms of crisis management, the open system is the much easier one in which to operate.

Rumors are less likely to start where information is openly available and a residue of trust exists inside and outside of the organization.

In open communication, the PNP keeps the media fully and promptly informed of the facts while providing background information to put the facts into a perspective. A story candidly told, while perhaps embarrassing in its immediate impact, is less damaging than a cover-up version that generates rumors and suspicious much worse reality.

Because crises may develop without warning, every department / unit needs a well-prepared policy of emergency action.

E. Communicating with the media.

E.1 In times of crisis, the PIO / spokesperson plays a very important role in dealing with the media, particularly (1) in the delicate negotiations that have to go on between source and media about what to use; (2) in providing enough opportunities, such as news conferences, for information to be given to the media; and (3) in educating as well as informing, so that reporters don’t fall back on stereotyping to explain the incident itself or the people involved in it.

It must be remembered that public is represented by the press, and this medium has a recognized right to information that may vitally concern the community, employees, their friends and families, and the victims.

It is also common knowledge that the best way to prevent the spread of false rumors and information is through issuance of factual information.

At the same time, the organization (the PNP and /or its units / departments) must guard its own interest and insist on relaying factual information only in an orderly and controlled manner.

The PIO / spokesperson must also remember the following in dealing with the media in times of crisis / emergencies:

1.Maintain control. Release only what you want and when you want.

2.Emphasize your concern for the welfare of all involved. Be sincere.

E.2 Steps to take in handling the situation.

1)As soon as the crisis / emergency develops, call the media, preferably those in your police beat. They may even know about it before your do.

2)Set up an area for the media.

3)Initially, issue a prepared statement. Then allocate a very short time, not too long as to distract your ongoing operations (or the PIO or chief of a unit / department could designate his deputy or representative to do this), to meet with the media and answer questions. And also to agree to basic rules of coverage for the particular crisis / emergency situation.

4) In agreeing on the “rules” of the coverage, it is important that you stress to the members of the media the importance of staying out of the line of fire, not only for their safety, but also for the security and success of the operation.

5)Such rules may include also requesting the media not to describe position of snipers, and other activities of police operatives within the area.

6)Advise the media that you (PIO or unit chief / commander) or your representative will give them updates in the situation, after a specific period (e.g. how many minutes after)

7)Continue to give updates at regular intervals, when it will not jeopardize the operation or endanger lives. This is to ensure you satisfy the media’s curiosity, and avoid them getting restless and trying to get the information themselves at the risk of jeopardizing the operation.

8)Advise media prior to firing gas (in cases where the situation calls for the act).

9)Advise media personnel to watch their lights, as this may interfere in the operation, particularly when the incident occurs at night.

10)If damage has to be estimated for press immediately, confine statement to general description of what was destroyed.

11)Eliminate obstacles wherever possible. Most reporters will agree that the more obstacles they find their way, the harder they will work to ferret out the real story – from any source possible. They will almost always use something they have uncovered, and you have no control over what they may uncover.

12)Have needed records available for your reference if possible.

13)Any information that goes to one source in the crisis is fair game to all. Don’t play favorites.

14)Keep cool. If reporters get snappy, chances are it’s because they are under considerably more pressures at the moment than you try to cooperate to the event possible.

15)Always accentuate the positive.

16)At the conclusion of the operation, particularly if it is successful, never fail to acknowledge the cooperation of the media.

17)As much as possible, never officially judge especially in front of the media, the mental condition of the suspect. Instead, it can be answered in a safer and diplomatic way by saying: “It is not yet known what prompted the suspect(s) to do this” or “He is said to have imbibed generous amounts of alcohol.”

18) Remember, any tactical moves you are planning to take should be confidential and the media should be made to appreciate this. Make sure that during the initial press briefing, the media is made to understand that there might be some information that you cannot give them in advance, or if they gain access to it by other means, ensure you have their cooperation and commitment not to release the information until it is safe for the operation to do so.

19) Remember, until after the operation is concluded, the identity of the suspects or the hostages (in a hostage situation) should be confidential information, more so their addresses. This is to preclude media conjecture on the motives and possibilities, and also creating undue panic particularly in instances of mistaken names and identities.

E.3 Additional proposals for media coverage of terrorist acts (which may also include hostage-taking or similar criminal incidences)

1.Agreement by the police to establish a “broadcast area” and a separate “news canter at the scene of the incident but “apart from a regular police line”

2.Briefings to the media by the “actual police negotiator” on the situation “if the circumstances allow”

3.Agreement by the media not to telephone a hostage-taker, immediate notification of the police by reporters of any calls from hostage-takers, no publication of such conversations “without first conferring with the police negotiator for advice.”

4.Limited use of live telecasting and close-ups of the actual windows where police officers may be stationed.

5.No identification by media of groups claiming responsibility for bombings, so speculation on what might be happening with reports confined only to the facts released by the police.

6.Limitation of details of terrorist acts so there is no provision of “how to” guide for terrorists, or a portrayal of the hostage-takers as heroes.

F. Bad News

F.1 Principles of dealing with bad news for senior officials.

a.Accept without rancor (or false hope of changing) the “adversarial relationship” which exists between the press and law enforcement agencies.

b.Institutionalize that acceptance by not permitting overreaction to “bad news.”

c.Protect the credibility of the PIO or unit’s / department’s spokesperson (and through them the organization) by alerting them to “bad news” before it appears in the press.

d.Allow the PIO / spokesperson the latitude to limit the “badness” of the news. Specifically: Authorize the PIO to reveal the “bad” along with the “good”.

e.Adopting a defensive attitude by responding to queries only, or, worse yet, simply ignoring a problem and hoping it will go away is a leadership failure. It usually doesn’t go away.

f.Bad news doesn’t smell better the older it gets.

G. Writing the news release.

1.ln doing the headline, be creative and keep it to one sentence. Capitalize the first letter of all words but do not use all caps. Exclamation (“!”) are only for advertising, not for news.

2.The first paragraph should begin with a strong introductory paragraph that capture’s the reader’s attention and contains the information most relevant to the message such as  the five W’s – who, what, when, where, and why. This paragraph should be summarize the press release and include a hook to your audience interested reading more.

3.The succeeding paragraphs should be contain more contain more detailed important information, and make up the body of the release. Pick up with the information provided in your first paragraph, including quotes from key staff, customers or subject matter experts. Make sure you use correct grammar so as not to affect your credibility negatively.

4.As for content, make sure to keep in mind that you are writing a press release to grab the attention of the media. It is very important to maintain factual accuracy, make sure you are cleared to use quotes or any necessary information, and most importantly have an angle that will appeal to journalists (often by connecting your release to current events or issues). Effective releases usually utilize a strategy known as the inverted pyramid, which is written with the most important information and quotes first.

5.Try to keep the press release to fewer than 400 words total. Remember, succinct and to the point works best.

6.The body of the press release should be more than one paragraph. The final paragraph should be restate and summarize the key points of the press release.

7.### – end press releases with these characters.

8.Make sure to check for absolute accuracy in typing and make sure all names, dates, time, and places are correct.

9.Make sure it would be possible to cut off the bottom half of the release and still provide journalists with sufficient information.

10.The news release may be written using the inverted pyramid format by starting with the summary of the event, followed by details, background information, and lesser details. The summary lead must be able to answer the five (5) Ws – Who (identifies the person or persons involved in the event). What (tells what happened); When (what day and time the event happened); Where (the place where the event occurred); Why (the reasons for its happening); and the H – How (the process and means that made the event possible).

VI. EFFECTIVITY

This circular shall take effect upon approval.

(Sgd.) OSCAR C. CALDERON

Police Director General

Chief, PNP

November 21, 2006

Republic of the Philippines

Department of the Interior and Local Government

NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION

Makati, Metro Manila

MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 93-018

SUBJECT : PRESCRIBING THE AUTHORIZED DECORATIONS, SERVICE MEDALS, RIBBONS AND BADGES OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE

TO : THE CHIEF, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE

In furtherance of Section 14 (m), and Section 69, R.A 6975 (DILG Act of 1990) mandated the National Police Commission to prescribed minimum standards for the awards and medals of honor for PNP Uniformed Personnel, the following rules and regulations are hereby issued:

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS AND CITATION BADGES

Section 1. Policy. It is hereby established as a policy in the police organization to confer awards, decorations, and citation badges to all members of the PNP and other individuals who shall qualify, in order to give due recognition to outstanding performance of police functions and activities.

Section 2. Authorized Decorations, Service Medals, Ribbons and Badges of the Philippine National Police. The authorized decorations of the Philippine National Police are the Following;

a.     Medalya ng Kagitingan (PNP Medal of Valor)

b.     Medalya ng Kabayanihan (PNP Distinguished Conduct Medal)

c.     Medalya ng Katapatan sa Paglilingkod (PNP Distinguished Service Medal)

d.     Medalya ng Katapangan (PNP Bravery Medal)

e.     Medalya ng Katangitanging Gawa (PNP Outstanding Achievement Medal)

f.      Medalya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod (PNP Special Service Medal)

g.     Medalya ng Kadakilaan (PNP Heroism Medal)

h.     Medalya ng Katangitanging Asal (PNP Outstanding Conduct Medal)

i.      Medalya ng Kagalingan (PNP Medal of Merit)

j.      Medalya ng Kasanayan (PNP Efficiency Medal)

k.     Medalya ng Papuri (PNP Commendation Medal)

l.      Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting (PNP Wounded Personnel Medal)

m.   Medalya ng Ugnayang Pampulisya ( Police Relations Medal)

n.     Medalya ng Mabuting Asal (PNP Good Conduct Medal)

o.     Medalya ng Paglilingkod (PNP Service Medal)

p.    Medalya ng Paglaban sa Manliligalig (Anti-Dissidence Medal)

q.     Medalya ng Pagtulong sa Nasalanta ( PNP Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Medal)

r.      Tsapa sa Natatanging Yunit (PNP Unit Citation Badge)

s.     Medalya sa Paglilingkod sa Luzon (Luzon Campaign Medal)

t.      Medalya sa Paglilingkod sa Visayas (Vizaya Campaign Medal)

u.     Medalya ng PAglilingkod sa Mindanao (Mindanao Campaign Medal)

v.     Mga Tsapa ng Kuwalipikasyon (PNP Qualification Badges)

Section 3. Definitions

a.     Award – anything tangible granted to an individual in recognition of acts of gallantry or heroism, meritorious service or skill and proficiency.

b.     Decoration – a piece of metal/material representing an award.

c.     Civilian Volunteer – a member of the community/civic organizations who assists the PNP in the maintenance of peace and order and/or fire prevention/fighting. Likewise, any person who renders voluntary service to the PNP for a period of time or during a specific crime or fire situation.

d.     Conspicuous – clearly distinguished above others in the performance of one’s duty.

e.     Eminently – high in merit characterized by a high degree of performance of one’s duty.

f.      Heroism – specific acts of bravery or outstanding courage or a closely related series of heroic acts performed within a short period of time.

g.     Honorable – praiseworthy accomplishment of duties of service showing sense of what is right, proper, and noble.

h.     PNP Decoration – an award conferred on a restricted individuals basis in recognition of and as a reward for heroic, extraordinary, outstanding and meritorious acts, achievements and services.

i.      PNP Personnel – Officers and Non-Officers of the Philippine National Police and cadets of the PNPA.

j.      Major Responsibility – duty of such character that is exceptionally meritorious service therein has contributed in a high degree to the success of major command, activity, agency.

k.     Medal – refers to the distinctive physical device of metal and ribbon which constitute the tangible evidence of an award.

l.      Meritorious Service – praiseworthy execution of duties over a period of time. Service differs from achievement in that service concerns a period of time while achievement concerns an enterprise having definite beginning and end but not necessarily connected with a specific period of time.

m.   Meritorious Achievement – a praiseworthy accomplishment, with easily discernible beginning and end and carried through to completion. The length of time involved is not a consideration but speed and impact of accomplishment maybe a factor in determining the worth of the enterprise.

n.     Miniatures – replica of decorations, service medals and ribbons in miniatures authorized for wear on certain occasions, one fourth of the actual prescribed medal and ribbon.

o.     Outstanding – a performance of duty standing out from the others.

p.    Quasi-Police Forces – members of civil security forces such as licensed private security guards, company guards and CHDFs.

q.     Service Medal – an award given to individuals who rendered service in a campaign operation in the PNP under certain conditions within a definite period of time. It is awarded generally in recognition of honorable performance of duty during the campaign operation or service.

r.      Service Ribbon – a ribbon in color with the suspension ribbon of the service medal it represents, attached to a bar equipped with a suitable attaching device. A service ribbon is issued with each service medal.

s.     Valuable – a performance of duty or service having an estimable performance.

Section 4. Description and Requirements of each Decoration:

a.     Medalya ng Kagitingan (PNP Medal of Valor) (Incl.1)

1.     To whom awarded – to any member of the Philippine National Police

2.     Requirement:

For action of the recipient involving conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life an limb above and beyond the call of duty. In order to justify this award, a member of the Philippine National Police must perform in action a deed of personal bravery and self-sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty so conspicuous as to distinguish himself clearly above his comrades in the performance of more than ordinary hazardous service.

3.     Description:

A golden cross with triangle at the center. Inside the triangle are three stars. Projected around the cross is a sampaguita wreath. The cross is suspended by a link from a gold bar bearing the inscription “KAGITINGAN”. On the reverse side of the bar are stamped the words “The President to” engraved the name, grade and organization of the recipient and below it is the place and date of the act for which the medal is awarded. The medal is suspended from a neckband of the red silk gold stripes at the center 1/6 inch in width and 1/6 inch apart. The service ribbon for this award shall bear three golden stars at the center bar.

b.     Medalya ng Kabayanihan (PNP Distinguished Conduct Medal)(Incl.2)

1.     To whom awarded – to any member of the Philippine National Police

2.     Requirement:

For acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry in the face of an armed enemy or act of heroism so notable and involving a risk of life so extraordinary as to set him apart from his comrades.

3.     Description:

A golden cross with a Kampilan and Spear intersecting diagonally at the space between the four arms of the cross. Superimposed at the center of the cross is the seal of the PNP. At the outer fringes of the PNP seal is a ring where seventeen stars consisting of thirteen small stars and four big stars are symmetrically arranged. At the reverse side of the medal on a molded stripe are engraved the name, grade and organization of the recipient and below it is the place and the date of the act for which the medal is awarded. The medal is suspended from a gold bar bearing the inscription ‘KABAYANIHAN”. The bar is suspended from a neck band of red silk moire 13/8 inches in width and 20 inches in length with a green line at the center and 5/16 inch wide. The service ribbon for this award shall bear the PNP seal placed at the center within the green band of the ribbon.

c.     Medalya ng Katapatan sa Paglilingkod (PNP Distinguished service Medal)(Incl.3)

1.     To whom awarded – to members of the Philippine National Police.

2.     Requirements:

a.     An Exceptional performance of major responsibility duly recognized as such by the service.

b.     The accomplishment of the duty should have been complete prior to submission of recommendation or, if the person being recommended has been transferred prior to completion, the accomplishment must have been determined to be exceptional or significant.

c.     Description:

A golden cross with the PNP seal at the center. The seal is surrounded by a sampaguita wreath. On the four arms of the cross are seventeen stars distributed as follows: on the top arm are three small stars; on the left and right arms are five stars each, one big star flanked by two small stars on each side, and at the bottom arm are four stars consisting of two big stars sandwiching two small stars. On the reverse side of the medal, the words ‘ PAGLILINGKOD SA BAYAN”, name, grade and organization of the recipient as well as the place and date of service or services for which the medal is awarded are engraved. The medal is suspended from a neckband of green silk moire 13/8 inches in width and 20 inches in length with a red line at the center. 5/16 inches in width. The service ribbon for this award shall bear the PNP seal placed at the center within the red band of the ribbon.

d. Medalya ng Katapangan (PNP Bravery Medal)

1.     To whom awarded – to members of the Philippine National Police

2.     Requirements:

For gallantry in action not warranting the award of Medalya ng Kagitingan or Medalya ng Kabayanihan.

3.     Description;

A golden spearhead pointing downward. At the center of the spearhead is a Kampilan placed vertically with the blade at the top superimposed over a sampaguita wreath. At the base of the spearhead is a space where three stars are arranged horizontally. At the back of the medal, the name, grade, and organization, as well as the place and date of the act for which the medal is awarded are engraved. The medal is suspended from a maroon silk moire ribbon 13/8 inches in width and 13/8 inches in length with three white stripe s in the center 1/16 inch wide and spaced 1/16 inch apart. The ribbon is attached to a bar with the inscription “Katapangan”.

e. Medalya ng Katangitanging Gawa (PNP Outstanding Achievement Medal) (Incl.5)

1.     To whom awarded – The Medalya ng Katangitanging Gawa is awarded to PNP members and civilian personnel of the Republic of the Philippines and of friendly foreign nations.

2. Requirement:

For distinguished or extraordinary achievement or service in the advancement of science, socio-economic, technical and/or police related to public service of the highest order.

3.     Description:

The medal shall be gold-plated bronze star two inches in diameter surrounded by a circular laurel leaves symbolizing excellence, suspended by a bronze link from a silk moire neckband two inches in width and 26 inches in length. The color of the neckband is maroon with a gold stripe at the center ½ inch wide. On the reverse side of the medal are engraved the words “ OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL” and “Awarded by the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government”.

f. Medalya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod (PNP Special Service Medal)

1.     To whom awarded – The Medalya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod is awarded to personnel of the Philippine National Police and police personnel of friendly foreign nations.

2.     Requirement:

For eminently meritorious and invaluable service in the field of police operations while in position of major responsibility. The performance of duty must be such as to merit recognition by the service as exceptional.

3.     Description:

A golden wheel with five spokes bounded by sampaguita wreaths. At the center of the wheel is the bust of Lapu-Lapu flanked by two(2) laurel leaves and six small stars at the outer left and seven small stars at the outer right. Just above the head of Lapu-Lapu are four big stars and below is the enclosed inscription of ‘DATU”. The disc is suspended by a link from a neckband of blue silk moire 13/8 inches in width and 20 inches in length with a red line at the center 5/16 in width followed by yellow stripes on both sides ¼ inch wide.

g. Medalya ng Kadakilaan (PNP Heroism Medal) (Incl.7)

1.     To whom awarded – to members of the Philippine National Police.

2.     Requirement:

For heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed enemy.

3.     Description:

A bronze kalasag in its upright position surrounded by a sampaguita wreath. At the center of the Kalasag is the bust of Lapu-Lapu encircled by laurel leaves. The three stars are engraved on the kalasag distributed as follows: at the center just above the bust of Lapu-Lapu and at the left and right corners of the kalasag below the bust of Lapu-Lapu. The medal is suspended from a red silk moire ribbon 13/8 inches in width and 13/8 inches in length. At the center of the ribbon is a blue stripe 3/8 inch wide. On both sides of the blue stripe are white stripes 1/16 inch wide; next to the white stripes are red stripes 3/16 inches in width; followed by white stripes 1/16 inch in width; and at the end, red stripes 3/16 in width. The ribbon is attached to a bar with the inscription of “kadakilaan”.

h. Medalya ng Katangitanging Asal (PNP Outstanding Conduct Medal) ( Incl. 80)

1.     To whom awarded- The Medal ng Katangitanging Asal shall be awarded to any quasi-police force member or other civilian volunteers.

2.     Requirement:

For the heroic acts by the individual while in action involving actual conflict with an enemy in a crime situation or life-saving situation, distinguishing himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.

3.     Description:

A circular disc. On the fringes of the disc is a sampaguita wreath. At the center of the disc are two kampilans crossed diagonally, superimposed over a sun with eight rays. At the center below the kampilan is the enclosed inscription “DATU”. At the back of the medal, the word “KATANGITANGING ASAL” are engraved. The medal is suspended from a neckband of red silk moire 13/8 inches in width and 20 inches in length with three blue stripes at the center ¼ inch in width spaced 3/8inch apart. The service ribbon of this award shall bear the degree of the award in a scroll placed at the center of the ribbon.

i.               Medalya ng Kagalingan (PNP Medal of Merit)(Incl.9)

1.     To whom awarded – to members of the Philippine National Police

2.     Requirements:

a.     For heroic achievement not warranting the award of Medalya ng Kadakilaan.

b.     For a single act of heroism or a series of heroic acts in a duty responsibility.

3.     Description:

A gold kalasag in its upright position surrounded by a sampaguita wreath. At the center of the kalasag is a cross. Inside the cross is a circle with the embossed figure of Lapu-Lapu. Three stars are engraved on the Kalasag distributed as follows: at the center just above the top arm of the cross and at the left and right corners of the bottom arm of the cross. The medal is suspended from a blue silk moire ribbon 13/8 inches in width and 13/8 inches in length with three red stripes at the center 1/16 inch in width and spaced 1/16 inch apart. The medal is attached to a bar with the inscription “Kagalingan”.

j. Medalya ng Kasanayan (PNP Efficiency Medal)(Incl.10)

1.     To whom awarded – to members of the Philippine National Police

2.     Requirements:

For eminently meritorious and invaluable service to merit recognition by the service as exceptional.

3.     Description:

A circular gold disc with three arrows bound together by a knot at the center and two sampaguita leis of equal length on both sides of the bundled arrows. The medal is suspended from a yellow silk moire ribbon 13/8 inches in width and 13/8 inches in length with 3 green stripes at the center 1/16 inch in width and 1/16 inch apart. The medal is attached to a bar with the inscription “Kasanayan”.

k. Medalya ng Papuri (PNP Commendation Medal)(Incl.11)

1.     To whom awarded – to members of the Philippine National Police

2.     Requirement:

For demonstrated exemplary efficiency, devotion and loyalty to their duty assignments.

3.     Description:

A bronze medal in the shape of pentagon is the figure of Lapu-Lapu. Distributed symmetrically are four big stars at the four bottom corners sandwiching two small stars each. Overhead the figure of Lapu-Lapu are seven small stars. The medal is suspended from a green silk moire ribbon 13/8 inches in width and 13/8 inches in length with three yellow bands at the center ¼ inch in width and spaced 1/16 inch apart. The ribbon is attached to a bar with the inscription “Katapatan”.

l. Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting (PNP Wounded Personnel Medal)(Incl. 12)

1.     To whom awarded – to members of the Philippine National Police actually performing their duties.

2.     Requirements:

For having been wounded in action against an enemy as a direct result of an act of the enemy provided such wounds necessitate treatment by a medical officer. For this purpose, a “wound” is defined as an injury to any part of the body from an outside force, element or agent sustained as a result of a hostile act of the enemy.

3.     Description:

A circular silver disc with the figure of Lapu-Lapu at the center. The medal is suspended from a violet silk moire ribbon 13/8 inches in width and 13/8 inches in length with a white stripe at the center 5/16 inches width. The ribbon is attached to a bar with the inscription “Sugatan”.

m. Medalya ng Ugnayang Pampulisya (Police Relations Medal)(Incl.13)

1.     To whom awarded – to members of the Philippine National police.

2.     Requirements:

For meritorious achievement in the field of police relations.

3.     Description:

A bronze kalasag with a white sampaguita cluster at the middle. It is suspended from a ribbon with a blue stripes at each side and white, yellow, red, yellow and white stripes at the center. The ribbon is attached to a gold bar.

n. Medalya ng Mabuting Asal (PNP Good Conduct Medal)(Incl.14)

1.     To whom awarded – to members of the Philippine National Police.

2.     Requirement:

For conspicuous devotion to duty extended to a period of five (5) years without record of punishment, conviction or derogatory information whatsoever.

3.     Description:

A bronze sampaguita flower bound by a sampaguita lei. It is suspended from a green silk moire ribbon 13/8 inches in width and 13/8 inches in length with white stripe at the center 5/13 inches in width, attached to a silver bar.

o. Medalya ng Paglilingkod (PNP Service Medal)(Incl. 15)

1.     To whom awarded – to members of the Philippine National Police.

2.     Requirement:

For completion of a t least twenty (20) years of faithful and honorable service. One silver star shall be added on the ribbon for every additional five (5) years of service.

3.     Description:

A bronze cross with an inner circle at the center of which is the figure of Lapu-Lapu. The medal is suspended from a green silk moire ribbon 13/8 inches in width and 13/8 inches in length. Attached to a bar with the inscription “Paglilingkod”.

p. Medalya ng Paglaban sa Manliligalig (Anti-Dissidence Medal)(Incl.16)

1.To whom awarded – to members of the Philippine National Police.

2. Requirement:

For active service for any period of six (6) months while undertaking an operation, campaign or movement against the dissidence between January 1991 and a terminal due date to be designated later.

4.     Description:

A bronze cross with a spear and kampilan crossed diagonally at the center superimposed over a sampaguita wreath. The medal is suspended from a red silk moire ribbon 13/8 inches in width and 13/8 length with two blue bands 5/16 inches in width and spaced ¼ inch apart.

q. Medalya ng Pagtulong sa Nasalanta (PNP Disater Relief and Rehabilitation Medal)(Incl.17)

1.     To whom awarded – to members of the Philippine National Police.

2.     Requirement:

For active participation in an undertaking involving rescue/relief and rehabilitation operations connected with typhoons, floods, earthquakes, conflagration, and other disasters/calamities for any period during and after disasters/calamities.

3.     Description:

A circular bronze disc with a sampaguita wreath running along the circumference of the disc. At the center of the disc are four arms with the hands holding the forearms of another forming a square. At the center of the square are three stars of equal size arranged in one horizontal line. The medal is suspended from a ribbon 11/3 inches in width and 11/3 inches in length divided equally into three bands colored maroon, green and gold.

r. Tsapa sa Natatanging Yunit (PNP Unit Citation Badge)(Incl.18)

1.     To whom awarded – to units of the Philippine National Police.

2.     Requirement:

For acts and services or exceptional devotion and fidelity.

3.     Description:

The badge shall be rectangular bar bordered with gold embossed with anahaw leaves signifying triumph and glory. The whole bar shall be of maroon, yellow and orange colors divided equally.

s. Medalya ng Paglilingkod sa Luzon (Luzon Campaign Medal)(Incl.19)

4.     To whom awarded – to members of the Philippine National Police.

5.     Requirement:

For participation in the campaign against criminality or insurgency in Luzon for at least six (6) months.

6.     Description:

A bronze medal with a shell and central pearl configuration with a crossed kris and kampilan atop and a silver bar at the base with the word “Luzon”

Inscribed thereon. It is suspended from a ribbon with blue stripes at each side and yellow, red and white stripes at the center.

t. Medalya ng Paglilingkod sa Visayas (Visayas Campaign Medal)(Incl. 20)

1.     To whom awarded – to members of the Philippine National Police.

2.     Requirement:

For participation in the campaign against criminality or insurgency in Visayas for at least six (6) months.

3.     Description:

A bronze medal with a shell and central pearl configuration with a crossed kris and kampilan atop and a silver bar at the base with the word “Visayas” inscribed thereon. It is suspended from a ribbon with a blue stripes at each side and yellow, red and white stripes at the center.

u. Medalya ng Paglilingkod sa Mindanao (Mindanao Campaign Medal) (Incl.21)

1.     To whom awarded – to members of the Philippine National Police.

2.     Requirements:

For participation in the campaign against criminality or insurgency in Mindanao for at least six (6) months.

3.     Description:

A bronze medal with a shell and central pearl configuration with a crossed kris and kampilan atop silver bar at the base with the word “Mindanao” inscribed thereon. It is suspended from a ribbon with blue stripes at each side and yellow, red and white stripes at the center.

v. Mga Tsapa ng Kuwalipikasyon (PNP Qualification Badges)(Incl. 22)

1.     To whom awarded – to members of he Philippine National Police.

2.     Requirement:

For ability in specialized fields such as water surface operations, underwater operations, airborne, navigation, marksmanship, surveillance, electronics and technical expertise, special weapons, ordinance, explosives, chemical weapons, operations such as patrol, traffic, investigation, vice control, juvenile delinquency control;, as well as administrative and auxiliary functions.

3.     Description:

Description of authorized qualification badges are prescribed in corresponding governing circulars.

Section 5. Equivalent Award for Commendation – For every five (5) letters of commendation, Medalya ng Papuri may be awarded to any PNP member.

Section 6. Bronze Sampaguita Cluster and Silver Sampaguita Cluster – Only one medal shall be conferred to any person but for each succeeding deed, act or achievement sufficient to justify any similar medal, bronze anahaw leaf (BAL) shall be awarded for the first, second, third and fourth succeeding deeds and a Silver Sampaguita Cluster (SSC) every fifth succeeding in lieu of the five (5) BAL.

Section 7. Persons Authorized to grant an Award or Decoration

a.     The Medalya ng Kagitingan shall be awarded only July by the President of the Philippines.

b.     The Medalya ng Kabayanihan and Medalya ng kataptan sa Paglilingkod shall be awarded by the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government.

c.     The Medalya ng Katapangan, Medalya ng Katangitanging Gawa, Meadalya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod and Tsapa sa Natatanging yunit shall be awarded by the Chief, Philippine National Police.

d.     The Medalya ng Kadakilaan, Medalya ng Katangitanging Asal, Medalya ng Kagalngan, Medalya ng Kasanayan, Medalya ng Papuri, Medalya ng sugatang magiting, Medalya ng Ugnayang Pampulisya, Medalya ng Mabuting Asal, Medalya ng Paglilingkod, Medalya ng Paglaban sa Manliligalig, Medlya ng Pagtulong sa Nasalanta, Medalya ng Paglilingkod sa Luzon, Medalya ng Paglilingkod sa Visayas, Medalya ng Paglilingkod sa Mindanao are awarded by the Chief, Philippine National Police, Directors of the PNP Regional Commands and Directors of National Service Support Units.

e.     Authority for the awarding of the PNP Qualification Badges shall be in accordance with the governing circulars.

Section 8. Posthumous Awards. Awards of medal(s) may be made following the death of the person being honored in the same manner they are made for a living person except that the orders and citations will indicate that the award is being made posthumously. In case an individual who is distinguished .dies before the making of an award to which he may be entitled , the award may nevertheless be made and the medal, star, bar, or other emblem or device, may be presented within three (3) years from date of the act justifying the award thereof, to such representative of the deceased as the Chief, PNP may designated. Eligible classes next of kin are, in the order of precedence, widow or widower, eldest son, eldest son, eldest daughter, father, mother, eldest brother, eldest sister, or eldest grandchild.

Section 9. Announcement/Publication of Awards

a.     Awards and decorations conferred by the President, Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, PNP Chief, Regional Directors and Directors of National Service Support units shall be announced and published in a General Order by the Command of the PNP Chief.

b.     All other awards and decorations granted by Regional Directors shall be announced and published by their respective Commands and copies of which shall be furnished the office of the PNP Chief.

Section 10. Presentations

a.     Medalya ng Kagitingan-the recipient of the Medalya ng Kagitingan will be ordered to proceed to GHQ PNP and the presentation will be made by the PNP Chief, The Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, or the President of the Philippines should it be so ordered. The ceremony held in connection with the presentation of a Medalya ng kagitingan will be directed by the PNP Chief or by the President of the Philippines.

b.     Decorations other than Medalya ng Kagitingan

1.     The presentation of the decoration to the person to whom awarded will be made in formal and impressive ceremony, including when practicable , the attendance of troops.

2.     In the absence of orders to the contrary the arrangement therefore and the presentation will be made by the Regional Director or its equivalent.

3.     In the act of presentation, a decoration may be pinned on the clothing of the awardee whether in uniform or civilian clothing or on the next of kin following the recipient’s death; however, this will not be construed as authority for any person other than the individual honored by the decoration to wear it. As an alternate to pinning the decoration especially to the next of kin, it may be handed to the recipient in an open decorative container.

4.     The presentation to an individual to an individual who is no longer in the service or to the next of kin, will as a rule, be made at the PNP post, base, camp or station nearest the home of the recipient.

5.     Whenever the Bronze Anahaw Leaf (BAL) or Silver Sampaguita Cluster (SSC) is awarded, it will be appended to the appropriate medal, and the complete decoration consisting of the medal and the BAL or SSC will be presented to the next of kin rather than the BAL or SSC alone.

6.     Ceremony of presentation. Refer to existing rules and regulations on same subject matter.

c.     In each case, the fact, date and place of presentation will be reported to the Assistant Director for Administrative Affairs of the Unit Concerned.

d.     No decoration will be awarded will be awarded or presented to any individual whose entire service subsequent to the time of the service shall have not been honorable.

Section 11. Recommendation for Awards, General.

a.     Character

1.     To be fully effective, an award should be timely. It is highly desirable the a recommendation be coursed thru PNP channels and acted upon as quickly as possible. If circumstances preclude submission of a completely documented recommendation that additional data are to be submitted later. Action by intermediate headquarters and by the final approving authority shall be expeditious and consistent with full and considered judgment.

2.     A commendation for the award of decoration based on a period of meritorious service in a given assignment shall not be made while the individual being recommended for the award is still performing and/or has not yet been relieved from such assignment. Should a person departing from an organization or installation desire to initiate a recommendation for an award in recognition of meritorious service of an individual who is remaining in the same organization or installation, he should have the recommendation in written form of the Commanding Officer, Chief or his own successor for final action when the individual recommended becomes eligible for consideration.

3.     Decorations will ordinarily be awarded on the recommendation of the Commanding Officer, Immediate Chief, or an officer of he organization, office or other similar unit whose command or cognizance, the acts or deed sought to be awarded were undertaken. Recommendations for awards may, however, be initiated by an officer having knowledge of the facts.

4.     Recommendations must be based upon the statement of a responsible person who has as eyewitness to the deed or act meriting the award claimed or recommended. In isolated cases, however, where lone survivors could not possibly present an eyewitness to the act in question, the testimonies of their Commanding Officer and/or other officers and men of their unit to whom the incident was reported can be admissible as evidence. These cases should be treated more as to before positive action is finally taken. The service or act must be described specifically and in detail, must be accompanied by the testimony of at least two (2) eyewitness present during a report made by a lone survivor to his immediate superior officer immediately after an engagement with the enemy.

5.     Written testimony will be in the form of certificates or affidavits.

6.     Each basic recommendation for an award will show the exact status based on the service of the person belong recommended at the time of rendition.

7.     Recommendation based upon service which covers an appreciable period of time, the exact period will be included in the information.

8.     Any award for meritorious service may be revoked if facts subsequently determined would have prevented original approval of the award. Commanders becoming aware of any such instance should report the circumstances and make the recommendation to the Assistant Director for Administrative Affairs of the unit having cognizance of same for review and determination of appropriate action.

9.     In a proper case, specific information should included as to each of the following:

a. Time, date and place where the act or deed was performed;

b. Character of the enemy/fire;

c. Visibility, time of day and atmospheric conditions;

d. Specific act or deed performed by the recommendee

e. Nature of resistance offered by the enemy or extent of fire or configuration

f. Casualties sustained. If injuries were sustained, description as fatal or non- fatal.

g. Whether the recommendee performed the at or deed alone or in group.

h. Effect or result of deed

10.  When a recommendation is supported by an official record, the fact will be stated, and these, and these will be included in the information such information which will enable a prompt and certain identification of the records.

11.  Report of action taken, either favorable or unfavorable, upon recommendation for awards, including copies of papers and correspondence upon which action was based, will be forwarded to the approving authority thru PNP channels.

12.  Recommendations and approval of awards shall not be made by utilizing, or the basis of an authority line.

b.     Interim Awards and Awards of Lesser Decoration

1. To insure that a deserving act, achievement or service receives recognition, the appropriate authority should promptly award a suitable lesser PNP decoration pending final action on a recommendation for a higher award.

2. The authority taking final action may;

a. Award the decoration recommended

b. Award a lesser decoration (or consider the interim award as adequate recognition or)

c. In the absence of interim award, disapprove the award or any decoration.

3. The awarding authority will take the following actions concerning each recommendation for award or decoration.

a.     Approve/Disapprove

b.     If disapprove, consider the award of a lesser but appropriate each decoration;.

c.     Retain the recommendation in the Headquarters

d.     Notify the initiator of the final action.

Section 12. Board of awards and Decorations

There shall be a Board of Awards/Decorations composed of at least five (5) members at HPNP, Regional, Provincial and NSSU Directors as the case may be.

It shall be the duty of the Board to receive, appraise and pass upon recommendation from various official and private sources, for any meritorious and commendable action, achievement or accomplishment and to give such exemplary deed or act due recognition by granting the recommendee the corresponding decoration, medal, ribbon, or commendation as the case may be. Provided, that no decoration, medal, ribbon, commendation or letter of appreciation shall be awarded to any member of the PNP by reason of his act or deed resulting in apprehension or solution of a case, until after such case has been filed by the prosecuting officer before the court or appropriate agency having jurisdiction thereon.

Section 13. Conduct of Meetings of the Board

The Board shall meet upon call by the Chairman. A majority of all members present shall constitute a quorum. All deliberations shall be passed upon by a majority vote of all members present. Any member of the Board who is related within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to the recommendations shall be submitted to the approving authority following proper command channels.

Section 14. Manner of Wearing of Decoration

Medals, Unit Decorations, Badges, Emblems and/or service ribbons may be worn on the coat or blouse of the service uniform together with their corresponding ribbons. Wearing will conform to the following:

a.     General. May be worn in uniform of the following occasions unless specifically prescribed otherwise:

1.     On state occasions at home and abroad.

2.     When receiving or calling or acting as escort or aide to the President of the Republic of the Philippines.

3.     At all official and social functions at Malacañang and when attending other ceremonies and social functions elsewhere given by or for members of the cabinet or by ranking officers of the PNP and other foreign friendly nations.

4.     As escort of the color

b.     Prescribed. Commanding Officers may prescribe the wearing of the following;

1.     Parades, reviews, inspection, and funerals.

2.     Ceremonial and social occasions.

3.     Regular duty, when the general duty uniform is worn.

c.     Optional. May be worn at the option of the wearer on the above occasions (when not prescribed and prohibited) and/or the following occasions:

1.     Holidays, when not on duty with troops.

2.     Social occasions of a private nature.

d.     Prohibited. Will not be worn on the following:

1.     On service shirt, overcoat as when equipped for combat or simulated.

2.     While suspended from either rank or command.

3.     by PNP personnel while serving sentence or confinement.

4.     When wearing civilian clothing except for civilian decorations and except as provided in under Section 14 (f) below:

e.     When decorations and service medals are worn under the provisions of sub-para a, b, and c of this section , all those to which the wearer is entitled will be worn by the person in formations; person not information, including reviewing and inspecting officers especially emphasizing or giving special notice to those which they individually consider particularly appropriate for the occasion.

f.      On Barong Filipino and on evening clothes, miniatures may be worn.

g.     Authorized badges not exceeding three(3) in number, maybe worn on the coat or blouse of the service uniform but not on the Barong Filipino nor civilian clothes. Badges of societies will not be worn with decorations, service medals. Or substitute.

h.     The wearing of miniatures on civilian clothes should be limited to ceremonial occasions only.

i.      Authorized medallion, not exceeding one (1) in number may be worn for a particular affair or occasion. Nevertheless, there is no restriction or limitation on the wearing/attaching of the medals or ribbon.

Section 15. Decoration, Service Medals, Badges and Unit Awards.

a.     Decorations and Service Medals.

1.     Decorations or ribbons are worn on the uniform above the left breast pocket in rows of the three (3) Line of medals is about four (4) inches below the middle point of the top of the shoulder. The highest award should be to the right in the upper row, the lowest in the lower row to the wearer’s left. All ribbons that are multicolored should be worn such that blue colors placed toward the wearer’s right.

2.     Decorations and service medal when worn will be in the following order of precedence:

a.     Individual decorations of the PNP order in the order of precedence.

b.     Individual decorations of the AFP in the order of precedence.

c.     Individual decorations awarded by other friendly nations arranged according to the order of their precedence.

b.     Badges

1.     There is no order of precedence of badges. Substitutes are not to be worn in lieu of badges.

2.     Aviation, parachutist and other authorized badges may be worn at all times when in uniform or when equipped for combat or simulated combat. These badges are worn above the line of medals or ribbons on the left breast pocket.

c.     Unit Awards

The Tsapa ng Natatanging Yunit and Distinguished Unit Emblems are parts of the uniforms and must always be worn on the service coat or shirt centered above the right breast pocket with the Tsapa ng Natatanging Yunit on the right of the Distinguished Unit Emblem.

Section 17. Manner of Wearing Service Ribbon, Sampaguita Clusters, Service Stars and Miniatures.

a.     Service Ribbons – The ribbon is worn in lieu of an authorized decoration and service (campaign) medal. One ribbon for each decoration or medal is authorized.

1.     Service ribbon may be worn on the coat or a blouse. They will not be worn on fatigue uniform or civilian clothes overcoat.

2.     Service ribbon may either sewn in place or attached by means of a bar. They should be worn in the same order and precedence as prescribed for service medals and decorations.

3.     The announcement in General Orders of the awards of any decorations shall be the authority for subject individual to wear the ribbon of the award pending the actual participation of the decoration itself.

b.     Sampaguita Clusters and Service Stars – Sampaguita Clusters and Ribbons to indicate the number of awards.

c. Miniatures

1.     How worn

Miniatures of decorations, service medal and ribbons attached to a chain area on the left lapel of evening clothes, PNP uniform or civilian, when worn on Barong Filipino, the upper line of medals, three (3) in a row, placed on the left breast is about four (4) inches below the middle point on the op of the shoulders in order of precedence beginning from the top.

2.     Issue

Miniatures of decorations, service medals and ribbons, except for Medalya ng Kagitingan will be procured at cost by the individual awarded at authorized sources such as Post Exchange or thru the Unit Supply on a cash and carry basis.

Section 18. Manner of Wearing AFP and INP Decorations, Service Medals.

a.     The wearing of foreign decorations and service medals and the corresponding service ribbon is optional.

b.     The wearing of AFP and INP decorations shall be worn in accordance with the order of precedence as prescribed by AFP and INP regulations but shall be displayed below the equivalent PNP awards.

Section 19. Manner of Wearing Foreign Decorations, Service Medals.

a.     The wearing of foreign decorations and service medals and the corresponding service ribbon is optional.

b.     Unauthorized wearing of foreign decorations. No person is allowed to wear any foreign decoration or any regalia so nearly resembling the same as to be calculated to deceive unless such wearing thereof be authorized by the state nation or government.

c.     Precedence of foreign decorations when authorized for wearing and service medals when worn will be in the order of the following:

1.     Individual decorations of any foreign nations.

2.     Service medals authorized by the AFP, INP and PNP.

3.     Service medals authorized by a group of friendly foreign and/or allied nations which the Republic of the Philippines is a member.

Section 20. Exhibition Purpose

Upon approval of the Chief, PNP, sample of decoration awarded by the PNP will be furnished at cost price (including the cost of engraving, packing and shipping) to museums, libraries, historical, numismatic and police service societies or institutions of such public in nature as will ensure an opportunity for the public to view the exhibits. All sample decorations furnished will be engraved with the words “For Exhibit Purposes Only”.

Section 21. Replacement.

Whenever a decoration, medal, ribbon, cross, bar rosette, or other device presented in accordance with these regulations shall been lost, destroyed, or rendered unfit for use without fault or neglect on the part of the person to whom it was awarded, it shall be replaced without charge,

Section 22. Award To Be Noted On Record

All awards shall be noted in service and other similar records, in PNP personnel files, efficiency records and in historical records of the organization.

Section 23. Other Awards.

All other existing awards and decorations not covered by these rules and regulations but are duly authorized for PNP personnel are prescribed by the granting authority shall apply to all PNP personnel. Wearing of such awards not covered by these rules and regulations shall be referred to HPNP for guidance.

Section 24. Incentives for Awards.

Aside from medals and ribbons, corresponding incentives shall be given for specific awards, subject to availability of funds as follows:

a.     Medalya ng Kagitingan (PNP Medal of Valor)

1.     Scholarship of all qualified children at PNPA

2.     P1,000.00 cash

3.     Parade Honors at GHQ PNP and HRECOMs

b.     Medalya ng Kabayanihan (PNP Distinguished Conduct Medal)

1.     Scholarship of One (1) dependent at PNPA

2.     P900.00 cash

c.     Medalya ng Katapatan sa Paglilingkod (PNP Distinguished Service Medal)

Cash P500.00

d.     Medalya ng Katapangan (PNP Bravery Medal)

Cash P400.00

e.     Medalya ng Katangitanging Gawa (PNP Outstanding Achievement Medal)

Tour for two (2) of RECOM Hq’s and Parade Honors at GHQ PNP

f.      Medalya ng Kadakilaan (PNP Heroism Meda)

Cash P400.00

g.     Medalya ng Katangitanigng Asal

One (1) week service credits

h.     Medalya ng Kagalingan (PNP Medal of Merit)

1.     Cash of P200.00

2.     Service credit of one (1) day

i.      Medalya ng Kasanayan (PNP Efficiency Medal)

Leave credit of four (4) days

j.      Medalya ng Papuri (PNP Commendation Medal)

Leave credit of three (3) days

k.     Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting (PNP Wounded Personnel Medal)

1.     P600.00 cash

2.     Leave credit of five (5) days

l.      Medalya ng Ugnayang Pampulisya (Police Relations Medal)

Leave credit of three (3) days

m.   Medalya ng Mabuting Asal (PNP Good Conduct Medal)

Leave credit of three (3) days

n.     Medalya ng Paglilingkod (PNP Service Medal)

Service credit of three (3) days

Section 25. Award Review Board

An award Review Board shall be created to act on reports/complaints about any fraudulent or erroneous conferment of an award.

Section 26. Effectivity – This memorandum Circular shall take effect upon approval. All existing rules and regulations inconsistent herewith are hereby rescinded, modified or amended accordingly.

Approved,

23 September 1993