PNP, NBI, BIR, Customs must now inform mayor first about anticrime action in Manila

A recently passed ordinance in Manila is requiring all law enforcement agencies to coordinate with the Office of the Mayor and barangay officials before launching any anticrime operation in the city.

The local government explained that such a measure was necessary to deter “fake law enforcement agents” or those with spurious missions from victimizing Manila residents.

“[F]ailure on the part of the law enforcement authorities to coordinate with the city government, the local police and/or barangay officials, the latter may refuse to honor the service of the search warrant, warrant of arrest, summons or mission order, which shall be considered a legal defiance,’’ according to Ordinance No. 8437.

Offices and agencies covered by the ordinance are Manila Police District, National Bureau of Investigation, and the Special Action Force and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippine National Police.

Officials of the Department of Justice and its attached agencies like the Bureau of Immigration are also included in the ordinance. Also covered are the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs.

“The ordinance was passed as a shield against fake law enforcement agents serving search warrants, warrants of arrest, summons or mission orders and entering private property without legitimate orders, thus creating tension, chaos and confusion and sowing fear among innocent victims,” the city government said in a statement.

Ordinance No. 8437 amended certain provisions in Ordinance No. 8163 by tightening the procedures followed by law enforcement units before and after an operation.

The measure was authored by Councilors Bernardito Ang, Marlon Lacson, John Marvin Nieto (also known as as the actor Yul Servo), Ernesto Dionisio Jr. and Edward Maceda.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada signed it into law on Nov. 9.

Violators will be punished with a prison term of not less than eight months but not more than one year, or a fine of P5,000 or both.

On Friday, the MPD director, Chief Supt. Rolando Nana, begged off when sought for comment on the ordinance, saying he has yet to see a copy.