Chapter 18 Ensuring Security, Public Order, and Safety (PDF)

18 Ensuring Security, Public Order, and Safety CHAPTER 18 Ensuring Security, Public Order, and Safety The realization of the Filipino people’s long-term vision of a matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay para sa lahat rests upon an environment that is safe, secure, and order...

18 Ensuring Security, Public Order, and Safety CHAPTER 18 Ensuring Security, Public Order, and Safety The realization of the Filipino people’s long-term vision of a matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay para sa lahat rests upon an environment that is safe, secure, and orderly. It is the government’s duty to ensure that all Filipinos feel secure to walk and travel around all places in the country, without fear of harm to themselves and their property, and are able to go about their business, economic, and social pursuits. Moreover, as the country pursues greater economic development, it is imperative that the government safeguards national interests, territory, and sovereignty. In the first three years of the Duterte Administration, efforts towards building a safe, secure, and orderly Philippines were intensified. While significant strides have been made in terms of putting in place structural reforms and various mechanisms in the security sector, recurring challenges persist and new threats to public safety have emerged. The protection of our country’s entitlements, not only in the West Philippine Sea, has been one of the most pressing security concerns facing the country. Criminality and illegal drugs remain a prevalent threat to public safety, along with the increased frequency of natural disasters, isolated occurrences of human-induced disasters, and outbreak of diseases. For the remainder of the Plan implementation, the government will maintain its independent and principled foreign policy. The government will strengthen the capabilities of its security forces to ensure that Philippine territories and sovereignty is defended. It will also remain committed in its campaign against all forms of criminality, illegal drugs, transnational crimes, trafficking-in-persons, and violent extremism. During times of health emergencies, the whole security sector will be mobilized to adequately respond to the needs of the people, including the provision of support to sectors that bring food, basic necessities, and essential services to them. Furthermore, the government will upgrade its systems and operations to conform to the new normal in keeping public order and safety. The protection of human rights, as enshrined in the Constitution, will be ensured, especially during the implementation of policies and measures in times of crisis and emergencies. Chapter 18 Ensuring Security, Public Order, and Safety | 309 Assessment and Challenges Assessment: Successful negotiations for the Challenges: Managing conflict and reducing formulation of the “Association of Southeast Asian tensions among claimant states of the SCS, continue Nations (ASEAN) - China Code of Conduct in to be the main challenge to external security. the South China Sea” have been pursued to ensure Various emerging and non-traditional threats such security and stability in the region. Various efforts as radicalization, violent extremism, and increasing have been exerted to engage claimant states and risks to disasters and health hazards continue to to promote a rules-based regime in the “South threaten the safety of Filipinos. China Sea (SCS),” including the Single Draft Code of Conduct (COC) Negotiating Text, which will The outbreak of COVID-19 has posed another inform the formulation of the COC. The crime challenge to ensuring security and safety of the situation has generally improved with the reduction people. Despite the continued reduction in reports of of average monthly index crime rate and the criminal incidents even during the implementation improvement of index crime solution efficiency of the community quarantine, law enforcement rate from 2016 to 2018. A holistic approach, operations are stifled by the need to observe strict involving community and civil society groups, to health protocols amidst limited supply of personal the campaign against illegal drugs was introduced protective equipment (PPE), exposing enforcers to through the issuance of Executive Order (EO) 66, risk. On the other hand, incidence of cybercrimes s. 2018, which institutionalized the Philippine Anti- is on the rise with the increased digital dependency illegal Drugs Strategy. of the public for financial and government transactions. The imposition of quarantine protocols also demands greater accountability from the government to ensure that human rights are protected and upheld. 310 | Updated Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 Strategic Framework Ensuring security, safety, and public order is one pursuing the following strategic outcomes taking of the foundational strategies in the Philippine into consideration the new normal situation Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, hence brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, as it is accorded high priority by the current shown in Figure 18.1 below. administration. Achieving this goal will entail Figure 18.1 Strategic Framework to Ensure Security, Public Order, and Safety Note: Refer to Migration on Chapter 21 for strategies relating to overseas Filipinos (OFs). Chapter 18 Ensuring Security, Public Order, and Safety | 311 Strategies Ensuring public safety The Philippine Public Safety College and PNP will continue to institutionalize a highly efficient, competent, credible, and professionalized corps The government will continue to exert efforts in of peace and order and public safety personnel building the capabilities of public safety institutions through the conduct of mandatory courses, to respond to all hazards, including pandemics, specialized and in-service training, and continuing that pose risks to the safety of the people. This will quality education and training to PNP uniformed include interventions in preventing the spread of personnel. Online training programs and digital radicalization resulting in violent extremism. The platforms will form integral parts of the learning following strategies will be implemented to raise the process during this pandemic situation. standards for public safety. Being at the frontline of the pandemic and other Increase police presence, professionalize the crisis situations, the police force will be equipped police ranks, and conduct internal cleansing in with adequate logistical support for its operations law enforcement. Efforts to enhance police presence and be provided with sufficient PPE. This is to to maintain peace and order is primordial. As such, ensure the safety and protection of the police forces the Philippine National Police (PNP) will strive to while performing their duty of upholding the rule meet the standard police-to-population ratio of of law to maintain peace and order and public safety 1:500 to greatly improve public safety. In addition, in the middle of a public health crisis. the government will pursue the construction of additional police stations in every community to Strengthen the partnership between law further strengthen and expand their presence. To enforcement agencies, local peace and order enhance police presence in communities, various institutions, and communities. LGUs will programs and activities, such as Pulis Nyo Po sa continuously strengthen local peace and order Barangay, Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams, institutions to effectively address criminality and and Barangay Information Networks, will be illegal drugs within communities. Maintaining organized and empowered as force multipliers peace and order and discipline in communities is for the PNP. Moreover, the Community and of utmost importance, as quarantine restrictions Service-Oriented Policing (CSOP) System will be adversely affect the economy and people’s livelihood strengthened to help build ties between the PNP and and income. To this end, the government will communities and to strengthen the involvement of capacitate local government unit (LGU) officials, the latter in addressing public safety issues such as especially those at the barangay level, as force crime, social disorder, and fear of crime. multipliers and frontliners in the fight against COVID-19. Capacity-building interventions will The PNP will continue its efforts in sustaining include developing protocols on checkpoints and internal discipline within their ranks through enforcement of community quarantine guidelines. the implementation of the Revitalized Internal The PNP will support other sectors, particularly Cleansing Strategy, with particular focus on getting those involved in supply chains, to ensure rid of incompetent and corrupt police personnel. unhampered distribution of food and other essential Reporting platforms such as the Integrity Monitoring goods, including medical supplies and equipment. and Enforcement Group (IMEG) Hotline aimed Together with the Department of Interior and Local at receiving complaints and information from Government (DILG), the PNP will also develop the public about erring police officers will also be a concise rules of engagement with their civilian sustained. Disciplinary actions and sanctions will counterparts. be strictly imposed on those involved in corruption and other unlawful activities. 312 | Updated Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 Sustain and expand systems for responding to provide support in the implementation of social crime and emergencies. The implementation of the support programs, especially during public health 911 Emergency Hotline Service, which serves as the emergencies. Duty bearers in the security sector direct access of the people to the government, will will be capacitated on providing medical/paramedic be sustained. The DILG will expand its coverage services to enable and intensify the conduct of to better serve and respond to emergencies in contact tracing and early detection. the countryside. Moreover, training programs for telecommunicators and responders will be In line with the implementation of the National provided. Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAP-WPS) 2017-2022, which acknowledges the In response to challenges arising from the new vulnerability of women in emergency situations, normal, the DILG, the Department of Health the government will strengthen the coordination (DOH), and other relevant security sector and harmonization of protection and rehabilitation agencies will expand the utilization of internet and initiatives for women and girls in various mobile-based reporting channels. This will enable emergencies. It will also develop comprehensive frontliners to respond in a timely manner to the gender- and culturally- sensitive disaster risk information and security needs of the public under reduction and management programs that the new normal. specifically highlight the context and vulnerabilities of women during emergencies, including women in Enhance the capability of the security sector frontline agencies. for humanitarian assistance and disaster response. To enable security sector agencies to Furthermore, the passage of the bill to establish the effectively respond to natural and human-induced Department of Disaster Resilience will be actively disasters, the National Disaster Risk Reduction pursued in the Congress. The bill will strengthen and Management Council (NDRRMC) through the coordination among agencies in providing the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), will continue response during emergencies and disasters. The to provide capacity-building programs for disaster bill should also be revisited to explicitly specify responders such as the National Urban Search and public health emergencies such as pandemics as Rescue (USAR) Capacity Building. In support of disaster events, and identify measures that will this, by the fourth quarter of 2020, the DILG is enable the government to mitigate the impacts expected to implement the Safe Philippines Project of such emergencies and to respond effectively. Phase I which will provide police, public safety Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction institutions, and emergency response units with the and Management Plan (NDRRMP) will be revisited latest technologies and equipment on surveillance to reflect the aforementioned aspects, among others. and monitoring, with its own integrated operations and command center, and a remote back-up center. Improve capability of the fire protection This will allow them to predict, detect, prepare for services to respond to fire and other related and quickly respond to incidents, and mitigate and emergencies. To safeguard life and property, as well respond to disasters promptly. The security sector as the country’s vital and critical infrastructure, the shall also continue to build its capacities to qualify capability of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for International Search and Rescue Advisory will be strengthened. This includes fast-tracking Group’s (INSARAG) external classification, to be the modernization of fire protection services and recognized for international response support. the implementation of the BFP service upgrade and capability upgrade programs. This will include the In view of the new normal, the OCD will augment hiring of additional personnel and procurement of the Human Resources for Health through the firefighting and communication equipment and fire establishment and mobilization of a pool of medical trucks to service communities. The modernization and allied health professionals and volunteers programs of the BFP will likewise cover the from the security sector. These personnel will procurement of PPE and other safety equipment for Chapter 18 Ensuring Security, Public Order, and Safety | 313 firefighters during operations, especially those at with non-government organizations (NGO) and the frontline providing assistance during pandemic other stakeholders, and employing social media, as response and other emergency situations. Strict means for disseminating information. compliance with health protocols and standards will be observed during operations to ensure not only the safety of the public, but also of the firefighters. Significantly reducing all forms The capacity of the BFP to enforce the Fire Code of criminality and illegal drugs and respond to fire and other related emergencies will be further strengthened. Priority will be The government remains committed to its campaign given to urban areas with low firefighter-to- against all forms of criminality and illegal drugs. population ratio and to LGUs with inadequate fire Likewise, the government recognizes the need to protection services. Moreover, pursuant to DILG address the spread of radicalization and violent Memorandum Circular 2019-121, roads will be extremism that leads to terrorism, transnational cleared of obstructions to ensure the smooth and crimes, and other non-traditional threats that quick access of responders. pose risks to public safety. The conduct of law enforcement operations will need to consider new Establish a secure and resilient Philippine challenges brought about by the current pandemic. cyberspace. The Department of Information and The following strategies will be pursued. Communications Technology (DICT) will ensure the successful implementation of the National Sustain the intensified law enforcement Cybersecurity Plan (NCSP) 2022, which aims to operations, including military support, to fight protect the critical information infrastructure, criminality, trafficking, and terrorism. The government networks, supply chains, and PNP will sustain its efforts in reducing all forms individuals and establish programs and platforms of criminality and intensified crime prevention for local and international cooperation in measures even amidst the pandemic. This will cybersecurity. The strategic initiatives of the NCSP involve updating of existing and/or developing will include enhancing security resilience of critical new policies, manuals, and procedures to ensure information infrastructure, government, public, compliance with pertinent laws and human rights and military networks, to deal with sophisticated standards, particularly on crime investigations attacks, promoting the adoption of cybersecurity including those for missing persons, case measures among individuals and businesses, documentation and filing, and harmonization of and enhancing and expanding the pool of local inter-agency procedures. Coordination between law cybersecurity experts. enforcers and military, especially during conduct of operations, will also be enhanced. To better address the challenges to cybersecurity arising from the new normal, a strategic defensive To address the challenges under the new normal, posture within the Office of the President (OP) will standard procedures for law enforcement and anti- be established. This will be complemented by the illegal drug operations will be revised and updated. strengthening of the country’s capability to protect Health protocols and measures will be incorporated the National Critical Information Infrastructures in the procedures to ensure that both law enforcers and improve its cyber resiliency through and criminal personalities are protected from cybersecurity assessment and compliance and getting infected by the virus. The PNP will also national drill exercises. The government will build consider using non-lethal weapons and other police the skills and capabilities of local cybersecurity equipment in the conduct of police operations, experts, strengthen cooperation between law delivery of public safety services, and other law enforcement, cybersecurity experts, academe, enforcement functions while strictly adhering to and the private sector, and improve cybersecurity the minimum health standards provided by the awareness through the conduct of National Department of Health (DOH). Cybersecurity Awareness Month, engagements 314 | Updated Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 The rollout of the Core Competency-Based Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Training Program for investigators will strengthen (BFAR), and other law enforcement agencies are the PNP’s investigative capability and contribute critical in addressing threats posed by local and to the success of law enforcement operations. transnational terrorists and criminal groups, and Capabilities of police personnel, in case of recording emerging security threats, such as cybercrimes. and tracking, case filing and arrest, operational Information and communications capabilities of readiness, and disaster and emergency response law enforcement agencies will be strengthened to will also be enhanced. Moreover, the current ensure that they are responsive in addressing such pandemic brought the need to utilize advanced threats. Online trainings may be utilized as the information and communications technology primary mode in implementing capacity-building (ICT) in the performance of PNP's mandate, programs for personnel. such as the adoption of secured, mobile, artificial intelligence-driven, and real-time policing. This Protection of our porous borders will be will harmonize information systems and improve ensured through the enhanced interdiction and data sharing and coordination within the criminal strengthened presence and capability of the Bureau justice system. of Immigration (BI), the Bureau of Customs (BOC), and other agencies mandated to enforce Law enforcement capability on cybercrime border security. The PCG and BFAR will intensify detection and investigation will be improved and the conduct of maritime security law enforcement modernized. This also calls for efforts to increase patrols within Philippine territory. The PCG the general public’s awareness on the detection of will also pursue the development of maritime cybercrimes to protect themselves and avoid being detection systems and operationalize the Vessel a victim, especially at the height of a pandemic and Traffic Management System to secure the country’s other crisis situations. Moreover, the DILG will lay maritime jurisdiction. down policies to protect and rehabilitate children at risk and children in conflict with the law. This The threat of global pandemics calls for intensified will include developing a manual on handling and air and maritime border security and strict treatment of children at risk, as well as preventing imposition of health protocols and quarantine trafficking of persons, especially women and procedures for arriving passengers and visitors. children. This will be carried out through the installation of modern e-gates and other border control systems, The PNP will ensure timely and accurate crime which will also efficiently prevent human trafficking monitoring and reporting through information and entry of terrorists, especially in major ports of technology solutions and initiatives. The conduct of entry. a periodic nationwide Crime Victimization Survey will be pursued to augment administrative-based Strengthen commitment to a holistic campaign data. In addition, a survey on the perception of against the use of illegal drugs and the abuse of criminality and law enforcement will be carried out. dangerous drugs. The government will continue to strengthen the conduct of its intensive and Enhance the capability of police, coast guard, unrelenting campaign against the trafficking military, and other law enforcers to address and use of dangerous drugs1 and other similar internal security threats. Development and full substances through an integrated system of implementation of the modernization programs planning, implementation, and enforcement of of the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines anti-drug abuse policies, programs, and projects. (AFP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the In doing so, the government will aim to achieve a 1 Dangerous drugs include those listed in the schedules annexed to the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, as amended by the 1972 Protocol, and in the schedules annexed to the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances as enumerated in the annex, which is an integral part of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165). Chapter 18 Ensuring Security, Public Order, and Safety | 315 balance in its national drug control program, so that all government agencies through the Inter-Agency people with legitimate medical needs will still have Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs, as created access to dangerous but licit drugs, subject to the through EO 15, s. 2017, to ensure that the anti-illegal prescription of appropriate medication. drugs campaign is implemented in an integrated and synchronized manner. Central to the government’s campaign is to address the country’s illegal drug use problem through the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS). Prevent and counter terrorism and the rise of The PADS recognizes the need for a holistic, radicalization leading to violent extremism. To human rights-based approach in addressing the address communist terrorist groups, the National problem on illegal drugs production, trafficking, Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and use. The strategy entails a comprehensive and (NTF-ELCAC) will intensify the implementation of balanced approach to drug demand and drug supply the whole-of-nation approach at the regional and reduction. This involves the suppression of the local levels. This will require strong coordination flow of illegal drugs supply through sustained law between regional and local development and peace enforcement operations and reduction of consumer and order councils, as well as the commitment demand for drugs and other illegal substances and support of local chief executives and the through drug rehabilitation and massive preventive communities. education and awareness programs. Following the adoption of the National Action Plan In support of the implementation of the PADS on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism pursuant to EO 66, s. 2018, all government (NAP-PCVE),2 various national government agencies, including government-owned and agencies (NGA) will be capacitated, particularly controlled corporations and state universities and on the formulation of their respective agency’s colleges, are mandated to formulate their respective PCVE plans that are aligned with the NAP. In the implementing and operational plans. This will same manner, the LGUs will be capacitated on the include programs and activities to ensure a drug- preparation of their local plans that will adopt and free workplace, including those in the private translate national strategies into concrete action at sector. The strategy also calls for the support of the grassroots level, taking into consideration the LGUs through the strengthening of Anti-Drug current health crisis and other emerging threats Abuse Councils (ADAC), conducting barangay to peace and order and public safety. These plans drug clearing operations, and appropriating funds will include programs aimed at addressing the for anti-illegal drugs programs and projects. The political, economic, cultural, psychosocial, and EO also prescribes the conduct of a nationwide religious factors of radicalization that lead to survey to determine the extent and magnitude of violent extremism. The government will pursue drug abuse prevalence in the country. In addition, a comprehensive and people-centered approach the establishment of an age- and sex- disaggregated in addressing drivers of radicalization and database and secure database for dangerous drugs ensure that such plans are conflict-, culture-, and operations will ensure transparency and enable an gender- sensitive, uphold the rule of law, and are effective monitoring of the implementation of the compliant with international human rights law and government’s fight against dangerous drugs. international humanitarian law. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) The government’s efforts to prevent violent will also intensify the random drug testing in the extremism and terrorism will be further intensified transportation sector as a preventive effort against to maintain community resilience, especially during drug-related road traffic accidents. It will enjoin pandemics and other public health emergencies. 2 Adoption of the NAP-PCVE is pursuant to the Anti-Terrorism Council’s Resolution No. 38, s. 2019. 316 | Updated Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 The cooperation of the citizens, private sector, and and protected, and that violators will be treated NGOs with the government’s efforts on PCVE humanely in the enforcement of community will build a strong and solid front against violent quarantine procedures and protocols amidst extremists, which may lead to their possible the pandemic situation. Updating of standard containment and neutralization. procedures for law enforcement operations must adhere to human rights standards while ensuring The government will continue to deepen health protocols to protect both the suspects and partnerships with the international community the law enforcers from getting infected by the virus. through multilateral and bilateral mechanisms such as mutual legal assistance agreements, global cooperation, and international law enforcement arrangements (e.g., International Criminal Police Upholding and protecting and joint law enforcement operations). This will also territorial integrity and include intensified government and multisectoral sovereignty efforts against domestic and transnational trafficking in persons through international partnerships and Deescalating tension and resolving disputes in the the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking. SCS continue to be the main challenges in sustaining stability and security in the region. To uphold and Intensify investigation and resolution of human protect territorial integrity and sovereignty, the rights violations cases. Investigation strategies following strategies will be implemented: and approaches to strengthen case build-up will be further strengthened to ensure successful Promote respect for a rules-based regime in prosecution of human rights violation cases. Philippine seas and territories. The government The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will will sustain efforts that promote respect for legal pursue efforts to empower the poor, marginalized, and diplomatic processes in clarifying issues and vulnerable, and disadvantaged to seek response and resolving disputes on maritime jurisdictions, in remedies for injustice through the development of accordance with international law, particularly the client-based education and training programs. These 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of will include developing learning modules, teaching the Sea (UNCLOS). Central to this is the push for aids, and education materials and organizing and an effective and substantive ASEAN-China COC mobilizing a network of public support for the that will guide actions of claimant-states to avoid conduct of human rights events, utilizing primarily activities that raise tension or threaten security digital platforms and mechanisms during the and stability in the SCS. On the other hand, the pandemic. Partnerships with state and non-state Philippines remains committed to taking necessary duty bearers in addressing human rights violations diplomatic interventions against actions that cases will also be pursued. Furthermore, the NAP- run counter to international laws and principles, WPS will pursue the protection of human rights of including the UN Charter, the 1982 UNCLOS, women and girls at all times and the prevention of and the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the gender-based violence. Conduct of Parties in the SCS, to preserve national security and maintain peace and stability in the In line with the international human rights law, region. The government will continue to enhance which mandates that duty-bearers not derogate its relations with other claimant countries such as from their obligation to respect, protect, and fulfill China, but with the consciousness of the need to human rights even in times of emergencies, a protect the country’s rights and interests in the West human-rights based approach will be followed in the Philippine Sea, as recognized under the foregoing implementation of relevant laws, policies, protocols, international instruments and the 2016 Award of and guidelines. The government will ensure that the Arbitral Tribunal on the SCs arbitration case. constitutionally-enshrined human rights are upheld Chapter 18 Ensuring Security, Public Order, and Safety | 317 In addition, the government will pursue negotiations patrols and operations in Philippine maritime of maritime boundary delimitation agreements jurisdiction, as well as the establishment of domain with countries the Philippines shares borders with. awareness platforms. Various structures that can Further, dispute settlement mechanisms consistent be used for territorial defense operations, marine with international law will be pursued for the resource protection, information gathering, and settlement of maritime border delineation and civilian purposes will be established to strengthen outstanding territorial claims. the AFP’s presence in Philippine-owned islands and features. Moreover, the AFP will strengthen the Promote greater amity and cooperation with Reserved Forces and the Reserved Officers Training all nations. The country will continue to enhance Corps (ROTC) Program to augment its numbers, and strengthen existing bilateral relations, especially during crisis situations. alliances, strategic partnerships, and defense cooperation, while expanding bilateral diplomatic Pursue declaration of some parts of the West engagements. The government will maximize Philippine Sea as marine protected areas (MPAs). existing platforms and pursue alternative platforms The government will pursue this strategy to to maintain diplomatic engagements with its address environmental degradation and to ensure bilateral and multilateral partners and strengthen food security and the livelihood of fisherfolk who cooperation towards addressing the impact of depend on the area. Pursuant to existing domestic public health emergencies such as pandemics. laws, specifically the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018 (RA 11038), Expand and enhance diplomatic engagements the management and enforcement of MPAs will be and cooperation in regional and international the mandate of the military and relevant civilian fora. The country will strengthen relationships NGAs, local communities, and NGOs. Towards at the regional level. Aside from the existing this end, the government will acquire sea vessels Trilateral Cooperative Agreement with Indonesia to aid navigation, construct and maintain bases, and Malaysia, which contributed to the enhanced support organization and operations of bantay- stability in the Sulu-Celebes Seas, the Philippines dagat, and conduct marine scientific research in will continue to engage ASEAN through its these areas. While MPAs are considered national various platforms towards promoting joint patrols, initiatives, the Philippines will also pursue cross- maritime exercises, intelligence cooperation, border and multilateral or regional cooperation regional security, and stability. It will also strengthen with neighboring countries for more effective cooperation to effectively manage the current and administration and management of the oceans. avoid future pandemic situations. Pursue and sustain modernization programs for Ensuring security and safety of a credible and self-reliant defense posture. The overseas Filipinos establishment of a credible and self-reliant defense posture is critical to the protection and preservation Armed conflicts, economic instabilities, and of the country’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and social tensions in other countries continue to put sovereign rights. Thus, the government will fully the welfare and safety of all Filipinos overseas at implement the AFP Modernization Program and risk. Strategies to ensure the security and safety the AFP Capability Upgrade Program by ensuring of overseas Filipinos are discussed thoroughly in continued budgetary support to these programs. Chapter 21. Air and maritime domain awareness will likewise be intensified through the conduct of law enforcement 318 | Updated Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 Legislative Agenda To support the implementation and effectiveness of the strategies, legislative action is needed on the following: Table 18.1 Legislative Agenda to Ensure Security, Public Order, and Safety LEGISLATIVE AGENDA RATIONALE Territorial integrity and sovereignty upheld and protected National Defense This will update and define key national defense policies, principles, and concepts. It will codify the Act various issuances concerning national defense, the AFP, and the civilian bureaus in the DND with the aim of streamlining and professionalizing the defense bureaucracy through the institutionalization of reforms. It will prohibit the sale of defense real properties; redefine the minimum and maximum tenure in key positions to provide stability in the AFP leadership, implement mandatory military service for all natural- born or naturalized Filipino citizens for a minimum of two years, and transform the National Defense College of the Philippines into the National Defense University of the Philippines, among others. Defense This proposed legislation will exempt all acquisition of defense equipment, materiel, ordinance, and Acquisition Act integrated military systems of the Department of National Defense (DND) and its attached bureaus from the regular procurement process bounded by the Government Procurement and Reform Act (GPRA). National Security This measure seeks to institutionalize the national security planning process. This aims to address the Code required regular preparation of a National Security Policy and a National Security Strategy and identify how the government will implement the policy and strategy. Philippine This bill will promote and stimulate the local defense industry, as in-country enterprises will be entitled Defense Industry to avail incentives under the Omnibus Investments Code (EO 226, s. 1987). The proposed law places Development Act premium in encouraging local industry players to invest in developing in-country defense capabilities. The industry players may avail of credit and other financial products extended by government financial institutions and enjoy exemption from customs duties and national internal revenue taxes that are payable on the importation of raw materials and critical components. The government will promote the export of locally made defense materiel and the in-country enterprises to other countries. Philippine Maritime This will serve as a general declaration of the maritime zones under the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the Zones Act Philippines. It will also provide the necessary foundation and framework for the enactment of subsequent laws pertinent to the rights and obligations of the Philippines over its maritime zones. Philippine The proposed law will establish archipelagic sea lanes in Philippine archipelagic waters and the adjacent Archipelagic Sea territorial sea. It will likewise prescribe the rights and obligations of foreign ships and aircraft that exercise Lanes Act the right of passage through the established archipelagic sea lanes. The bill will also determine and put in place appropriate measures for the protection of areas along said sea lanes, in accordance with international conventions and agreements to which the Philippines is a party. All forms of criminality and illegal drugs reduced PNP Revitalization This will enhance the capabilities of the PNP through infrastructure and facilities development, as well as and Capability equipment acquisition and upgrading. Enhancement Act Chapter 18 Ensuring Security, Public Order, and Safety | 319  LEGISLATIVE AGENDA RATIONALE Forensic The bill will give way for the establishment of a DNA database system for the collection, storage, and Deoxyribonucleic maintenance of genetic identification information for law enforcement purposes. acid (DNA) Database Act Anti-Drug Abuse This will institutionalize the creation of Anti-Drug Abuse Councils in every local government unit. It Council Law provides for the corresponding budget allocation for the operations of the Councils and the conduct of other anti-illegal drug activities, among others. Amendment of the This will allow for the mandatory drug testing of students in the secondary and tertiary levels and the Comprehensive forfeiture of properties involved in drug cases in favor of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). Dangerous Drugs The amendment will also prescribe stronger penalties to those found guilty of trafficking dangerous drugs, Act of 2002 provide for the destruction of seized dangerous drugs and controlled precursors and essential chemicals, and restore plea bargaining and probation laws. It will also strengthen the PDEA as an organization, including the provision of benefits for personnel, among others. Public safety ensured BFP Modernization This intends to modernize the BFP and enable it to become a fire and emergency medical and rescue Act services agency capable of responding to hazards, such as destructive fires, accidents, and other natural and human-induced disasters. It will strengthen the ongoing modernization of the BFP and give them the power to investigate all causes of fire, and if necessary, file proper complaints. Amendment of the This aims to amend certain provisions of the Revised Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008 (RA 9514) and Fire Code clarify the respective authorities and jurisdictions of the BFP, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), and other similar entities on the enforcement of the law within economic zones. It will give the BFP the sole responsibility to administer and enforce the Fire Code. It also expands the utilization of the Fire Code Fees collections for the acquisition of properties of fire stations. It also provides more stringent penalties for every act that compromises fire safety and endangers the lives and limbs of Filipinos. Disaster Resilience This proposed measure seeks to establish a Department of Disaster Resilience with sufficiently high level Bill of authority to lead the coordination, monitoring, oversight, and implementation of disaster risk reduction and management efforts. The proposed Department will be equipped with the necessary competency and resources to engage new actors, particularly in the field of risk transfer and insurance and build the necessary structure to manage broader governance programs. The current version of the bill should also be revisited to explicitly specify public health emergencies, such as pandemics as disaster events and to identify measures that will enable the government to mitigate the impact of such emergencies and respond effectively. Mandatory ROTC This will address the decline in the number of students taking up ROTC, which resulted in the insufficient Program number of reserve officers and personnel for the AFP that may be tapped in times of need. The proposed law seeks to revive the mandatory nature of the ROTC. The re-establishment of mandatory basic ROTC Program will form part of the basic curricula for Senior High School (Grades 11 and 12) in public and private schools and a requisite for graduation. The program aims to enhance the students’ consciousness in the ethics of service, patriotism, and nationalism, military training for national defense preparedness and civil military operations, and civic training for disaster risk reduction and management, human and civil rights awareness, and law enforcement. 320 | Updated Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022