8a - General Principles
General Principles to be considered when planning for police field operations:
As provided by the PNP Operational Procedures Manual (aka POP Manual), the 2 fundamental functions
of a police officer should always be integrated in the operational plan:
1. To Serve and Protect: The responsibility of every police officer is to serve the public and
protect life and property. No police operation shall be conducted in order to serve or protect
the illegal activity of a particular person, group or criminal syndicate.
2. To Observe Human Rights and Dignity of Person: All PNP personnel shall respect the
human.
The following should also be observed during the execution of police operational plans:
1. Agency Prescribed Uniform: A police officer shall always wear the agency prescribed uniform
which is appropriate for the kind of police operation to be undertaken.
2. Appearing Before the Public: When wearing the police uniform, a police officer shall, at all
times, appear presentable, smart and well-groomed. While on actual patrol duties, he shall
refrain from eating along the sidewalks, smoking and reading newspapers.
3. Carrying of Police Notebook, Pen and Miranda Warning Card: Every police officer on patrol,
whether on board a vehicle or on foot patrol, must always carry with him a police notebook, a
pen and the Miranda Warning Card. The notebook, which is approximately pocket-sized, will
be used to inscribe important events that transpire during his tour of duty.
4. Carrying of Non-Lethal Weapon in the Police Rig: Every police officer shall carry in his
prescribed rig a non-lethal weapon (pepper spray, baton or stun gun), which shall be
primarily used in a non-armed confrontation with an uncooperative and unruly offender during
the arrest.
What are the CATEGORIES OF POLICE OPERATIONS that are prescribed in the PNP manual?
1. Public Safety Operation: includes Search, Rescue and Retrieval Operations, Fire Drills,
Earthquake Drills and similar operations that promote public safety.
2. Law Enforcement Operation: includes Service of Warrant of Arrest, Implementation of Search
Warrant, Enforcement of Visitorial Powers of the Chief, Philippine National Police and Unit
Commanders, Anti-Illegal Drugs Operation, Anti-Illegal Gambling Operations, Anti-Illegal
Logging Operations, Anti-Illegal Fishing Operations, Anti-Carnapping Operations, Anti-
Kidnapping Operations, Anti-Cyber Crime Operations and similar operations that are
conducted to enforce laws, statutes, executive orders and ordinances.
3. Internal Security Operation: includes Counter-Insurgency Operations, Counter Terrorist
Operations and similar operations that are conducted to ensure internal security.
4. Special Police Operation – includes Checkpoint Operation, Roadblock Operation, Civil
Disturbance Management Operation, Police Assistance in the Enforcement of Demolition
Eviction Injunction and Similar Orders, Police Assistance in the Implementation of Final Court
Order and Order from Quasi-Judicial Bodies, Hostage Situation, Visit Board Search and
Seizure Onboard Marine Vessels and similar police operations that are conducted by police
units with specialized training on the peculiarity of the mission or purpose.
5. Intelligence Operation – includes Surveillance Operation, Counter Intelligence, Intelligence
Research, Intelligence Assessment and similar police intelligence operation conducted to
gather information related to security, public safety and order.
6. Investigation Operation – includes Investigation of Crime or Incident, Administrative
Investigation and similar investigative work necessary to determine facts and circumstances
for filing cases criminally or administratively.