According to Section 455 of the Philippine Local Government Code of 1991, Republic Act No. 7160, a mayor, as the "deputized representative of the National Police Commission, formulates the peace order plan of the city [and] exercises general and operational control and supervision over the local police forces in the city" (Philippines 1991).

In an 18 February 2003 press release, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) states that mayors are authorized to choose the chief of police, recommend new appointments in the police service and transfer or reassign members of the Philippine National Police (ibid.18 Feb. 2003).

In an article titled "Mayors Getting Back Control Over Police?" on the Website of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, Ray Roquero writes, "[b]efore when neighborhood policing was the name of the game, mayors hired and fired members of the police force" (ibid.n.d.). However the author further states that "[a]lthough local officials have been automatically deputized as Napolcom agents, the police has continued to act like an independent unit, away from the operational supervision and control of mayors" and that appointees to the police are "imposed upon the mayors who are left with no other recourse but to accept the designation of his chief of police by force" (ibid.).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Philippines. 18 February 2003. National Police Commission. "Napolcom Kicks Off Capability Program for Mayors." http://www.napolcom.gov.ph/napolcom_feb_kicks_capability._mayor.htm [Accessed 10 Mar. 2003]

_____. 1991. Local Government Code of 1991, Republic Act No.7160. (The Philippines Commission on Elections Official Website) http://www.comelac.gov.ph/laws/lgc_b3t3ch3.html [Accessed 27 Feb. 2003]

_____. n.d. League of Municipalities of the Philippines. Ray Roquero."Mayors Getting Back Control Over Police?" http://www.lmp.org.ph/News1.htm [Accessed 27 Feb. 2003]

IRB Databases

WNC

Internet sites including:

Chan Robles Virtual Law Library

Philippine Journalism Review

Republic Acts

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