Providing For The Creation Of The Integrated Civilian Home Defense Forces

Case Overview and Summary

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1016

Purpose and Rationale:
• To expedite the effective solution of peace and order problems throughout the country and accelerate national socio-economic development. (Preamble)
• To adopt the concept of making Provincial Governors, City/Municipal Mayors, other civil officials and concerned citizens participate more actively in the maintenance of peace and order within their respective jurisdictions, with the support of the Department of National Defense, particularly the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and all other national agencies concerned. (Preamble)
• Based on the right of citizens, singly or collectively, to self-defense and their constitutional duty pursuant to Section 1, Article V of the Constitution. (Preamble)
• To organize citizen volunteers and resources in a threatened locality into self-defense units capable of providing security to the community, helping to protect the lives and properties of the people against lawless elements and assisting in the maintenance of peace and order, in coordination with the law-enforcement agencies and the military forces operating therein. (Preamble)

Organization of Integrated Civilian Home Defense Forces:
• An Integrated Civilian Home Defense Force may be organized in provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays that are threatened by insurgency, rebellion, subversion, criminality and/or disorder, subject to the approval of the Secretary of National Defense. (Section 1)
• The Integrated Civilian Home Defense Forces shall be composed of: (Section 2)
- Civilian Home Defense Forces consisting of able-bodied civilian volunteers.
- Guards and watchmen of private and government security agencies licensed under the Private Security Agency Law, as amended.
- Special Home Defense or Regional Security Forces or any other local or special security forces such as those administered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Mindanao.
- Provincial guards.
- Civilian licensed firearm holders.
- Auxiliaries.

Training, Equipment, and Control:
• The Secretary of National Defense shall ensure that the armed components of the Integrated Civilian Home Defense Forces are properly controlled, organized, trained and equipped for the accomplishment of their mission. (Section 3)

Screening and Appointment:
• Members of the Integrated Civilian Home Defense Forces shall be screened by the Provincial Commander, in consultation with Provincial Governors, City/Municipal Mayors and Barangay Captains concerned, and recommended to the Chief of Constabulary for appointment. (Section 4)

Employment and Supervision:
• In coordination with commanders of military and Integrated National Police units in the area, the Provincial Governors and City/Municipal Mayors shall exercise general supervision in the employment, deployment or utilization of the Integrated Civilian Home Defense Forces to suppress or prevent disorder, riot, lawless violence and other criminal activities within their respective provinces, cities or municipalities. (Section 5)

Benefits:
• Duly appointed members of the Integrated Civilian Home Defense Forces shall be entitled to benefits or allowances as may be authorized by the Secretary of National Defense. (Section 6)

Rules and Regulations:
• The Secretary of National Defense shall promulgate rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Decree. (Section 7)

Effectivity:
• This Decree takes effect immediately. (Section 8)