The Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP-MG) is a National Operational Support Unit (NOSU) of the Philippine National Police mandated to perform all police functions, ensure public safety and internal security over Philippine territorial waters, rivers and coastal areas to include ports and harbors and sustain the protection of the maritime environment.[2] The unit was created along with the PNP by virtue of Republic Act RA 6975 otherwise known as Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990 (Section 35.b.1):[3]
The concept of a maritime police unit emanated during the days of Philippine Constabulary that led to the creation of a seaborne battalion called Constabulary Off-Shore Anti-Crime Battalion (COSAC) on February 1, 1971. The COSAC was tasked to suppress all criminal activities that affects the environment. After the establishment of the Philippine National Police through Republic Act 6975,[3] the Maritime Police Command (MARICOM) was created on January 16, 1991, by virtue of NHQ Philippine National Police General Orders No. 58 as one of the National Support Units of the PNP. The original members of the Maritime Command are personnel of Philippine Constabulary, Philippine Navy, Integrated National Police and Philippine Coast Guard. On September 12, 1996, the National Police Commission (Philippines) issued the Resolution No.96-058, changing the name of the Maritime Police Command (MARICOM) to Maritime Group (MG).[4]
Mission
Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group member communicates with other PNP forces during a direct action training scenario as part of the Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) West exercise Aug. 6, 2014, in Puerto Princesa, Philippines
To perform all police functions and ensure public safety and internal security over Philippine territorial waters and rivers including ports of entry and exit; and sustain the protection of the maritime environment.
Specifically, PNP-MG has the following functions:
To train, equip, mobilize, organize and manage resources for effective maritime law enforcement and internal security operations;
To enforce all laws, rules, regulations and ordinances relative to the protection of lives, properties and environment;
To arrest, investigate and assist in the prosecution of terrorists, smuggling, drug traffickers and other criminal element;
As an integral part of the PNP, Maritime Group shares PNP's mandates, albeit on a more specific territorial jurisdiction. While the PNP is mandated to perform all police functions all over the Philippines’ national territory, including but not limited to the land and water territories, Maritime Group's mandate generally applies only in the Philippine territorial waters and rivers including ports of entry and exit. These mandate and jurisdiction were anchored on the following legal bases:
1987 Philippine Constitution
The 1987 Philippine Constitution mandated the creation of one national police force that is civilian in character. Today, that national police force came out to become the Philippine National Police (PNP). The national scope of the PNP draws its definition from the Article I of this Constitution, stating that:
″The National Territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, with all the islands and waters embraced therein, and all other territories over which the Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial and aerial domains, including its territorial sea, the seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and other submarine areas.″
It shows that as the national scope of the PNP covers the national territory, the jurisdiction where its police functions would apply covers not only the land but also on aerial and sea territories of the country. Incidentally, Maritime Group is the arm of the PNP having jurisdiction in the sea territory of the country.[6]
Republic Act No. 6975 and its IRR
The passing into law of RA 6975 on December 13, 1990, merged and reorganized the PC/INP. This resulted in the dissolution of the Philippine Constabulary and the creation of the Philippine National Police. The Maritime Group was created under the same law as one of the PNP's National Operational Support Units.[3]
Creation of a Maritime Police Unit
Section 35.b (1) of RA 6975 and its IRR created the "Maritime Police Unit headed by a Director with the rank of Chief Superintendent (that) shall perform all police functions over Philippine territorial waters and rivers including ports of entry and exit". This Maritime Police Unit evolved to become the Maritime Group as it exists now. The scope of PNP covers the national territory, not only on the terrestrial but includes the maritime domain. As the sole national police of the country, the PNP has absorbed, assumed and taken-over the police function of the Coast Guard under this law.[3]
Absorption, Assumption and Take-over by PNP of the Police Function of Coast Guard
Section 24 of RA 6975 provided the various police function of PNP and the additional functions absorbed from different agencies, in an effort to comply with the constitutional requirement that there shall be one national police force. This section specified the Powers and Functions of the PNP. It also requires that “the PNP shall absorb… the police functions of the Coast Guard.”
Section 86 of the law reiterated this as it provides the Assumption by the PNP of Police Functions. This provision mandates that “the police functions of the Coast Guard shall be taken over by the PNP.” Effectively, these provisions of the law dissolved the police functions of these agencies, Coast Guard included. To date this day, no law repealed these provisions.
Specifically, the absorption and take-over of police functions are viewed as a move to comply with the constitutional mandate that there shall only be one police force in the country. Generally, it is understood that the police function of the Coast Guard that was absorbed and taken-over by the PNP, has been vested upon and assumed by the Maritime Group as it performs these functions to this day.[3]
Organization
The unit is currently headed by Police Brigadier General Jonathan A. Cabal as D,MG (Director, Maritime Group). The Command Group is composed of Police Colonel Gonzalo C. Villamor Jr. - Deputy Director for Administration, Police Colonel Rhoderick B. Campo - Deputy Director for Operations, and Police Colonel Ringo C. Zarzoso - Chief of Staff.[7]
Today, the PNP Maritime Group is organized into 17 Regional Maritime Units (RMUs) and four (4) Special Operations Units (SOUs).
Regional Maritime Unit
The PNP Maritime Group consists of 16 Regional Maritime Units and 5 Special Operations Units located in coastal areas across the country. It includes 56 Maritime Police Stations, 81 Maritime Law Enforcement Teams, and 15 Special Boat Crews.
“The Regional Maritime Units (RMUs) are the operational arms of the PNP Maritime Group, ensuring the enforcement of maritime laws across the country’s waters. Each RMU operates within designated regions, providing coverage for critical coastal areas and key waterways.
Special Operations Unit
PNP Maritime Group police conduct direct action training mission with JIATF West ODA Special Forces operators
In response to the increasing number of criminal activities committed at sea, the National Police Commission (Philippines) approved the activation of Five (5) Special Operations Units (SOUs) under the direct operational and administrative control of PNP Maritime Group. These units are envisioned to protect the territorial waters of the Philippines by providing rapid and highly mobile seaborne law enforcement response.
The operational jurisdiction of these SOUs are as follows:
Current rank structure and classification (2019–present)
PNP Maritime Group member waits to clear rooms of an abandoned hotel
As of February 8, 2019, a new rank structure and classification for the Philippine National Police was adopted, eliminating the confusion with the old ranks.[9][10] The enabling law for the ranking is Republic Act 11200 which was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte, amending the section of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990 that refers to the ranking classification of the Philippine National Police.[11]
However, the usage of this classification internally by the PNP was put on hold in March 2019 during the creation of rules and regulations (IRR) of the rank classification, which determined how each rank would be officially abbreviated.[12] The new rank abbreviations and the IRR of the new rank system officially took effect on March 25, 2019.[13][14]
Full set of ranks
Per the current (2019) rank system, the National Police has no rank holders of Second Lieutenant, Technical Sergeant, Sergeant and Patrolman First Class.
Maritime Group members prepare to move after completing a direct action training scenario as part of the Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) West exercise Aug. 6, 2014, in Puerto Princesa, Philippines
Significant Accomplishments/Activities (Period Covered: January to November 13, 2024)
For period under review, a total of 19,724 operations against Illegal Fishing were conducted which resulted in the arrest of 4,237 violators and confiscation of more or less PhP10,194,384.00 estimated value of fish catch and filing of 847 cases, 867 cases referred to BFAR, 20 abandoned and 17,940 cases referred to LGUs for violation of local fishery ordinances. Meanwhile, as a result, concerned LGUs and BFAR have collected an administrative fine with a total amount of PhP92,440,732.00. This Group seized 105,231.722 board feet of assorted lumbers with an estimated value of PhP7,812,783.47. In the campaign against illegal possession of chainsaw, this Group has conducted 95 operations that resulted in the arrest of 84 violators and confiscation of 90 units of chainsaw with an estimated value of PhP2,211,850.00.
Likewise, this Group has also conducted 1,324 operations that resulted in the arrest of 382 violators, filing of 336 cases and seizure of various endangered species for violation of RA No. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act). In connection with the campaign against loose firearms or violation of RA 10591, this Group has conducted 76 Lead operations and 214 joint operations with other Law Enforcement Agencies that resulted in the arrest of 189 person and confiscation of 206 assorted short firearms and 52 long weapon. In the campaign against Illegal Drugs, this Group has conducted Six lead operations and 464 joint operations with other Law Enforcement Agencies that resulted in the arrest of 520 individuals and seizures of 143,951.129 grams of suspected “shabu”, 94,516.6 grams of suspected Marijuana with standard drug price amounting to PhP1,250,628,825.06.
Likewise, appropriate criminal charges were filed in various courts against the arrested suspects. In the campaign against smuggling, RA 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), this Group has conducted 137 operations that resulted in the seizures of 32,135 reams, 3,964 boxes, 3,150,398 liters of petroleum product and 2,000 sacks of onions with an estimated value amounting to PhP181,216,810.00. All confiscated items were subsequently turned over to the Bureau of Customs.
In the intensified campaign against Wanted Persons, this Group has conducted 809 unit-led operations and 3,057 joint operations with other Law Enforcement Agencies that resulted in the arrest of 3,975 wanted persons.
Maritime Group Leads Humanitarian Operations in Response to Tropical Storm Kristine
The Maritime Group mobilized extensive humanitarian assistance across Regions1, 2, 3, 4A, 5, and 8, with the BicolRegion suffering the most from flash floods and landslides. The efforts included relief distribution, search and rescue (SAR), and retrieval operations, and support for affected personnel.
Over 1,040 individuals were rescued, and 21 bodies retrieved in landslide-stricken areas. Relief goods such as food and water were distributed in partnership with stakeholders, while security was ensured at evacuation centers and during transport. Despite challenges like logistical constraints, communication breakdowns, and responder fatigue, the operations underscored the Maritime Group’s commitment to saving lives and aiding recovery.
Recommendations include improved communication systems, pre-positioned relief supplies, enhanced SAR logistics, and better support for responders to strengthen future disaster responses.
On May 7, 2024, elements from Dumaguete City MARPSTA, RMU7 conducted Seaborne Patrol Operation along Seawaters of Brgy Nagbo-alao, Basay, Negros Oriental that resulted in the interception of one motorized banca (double hull) 10.44 GT, color white and blue powered by 4DR Mitsubishi Engine with defaced engine no. with estimated value: Php250,000.00 and the arrest of three individuals for Violation of Section 95 (Use of Active Gear) of RA 10654.
Cebu MARPSTA Patrol Seizes Motorized Banca, Arrests 3 for Illegal Fishing Using Explosives
On August 16, 2024, elements from Cebu City MARPSTA – Northern Cebu MLET, RMU7 conducted Seaborne Patrol Operation along Seawaters of Brgy. Hilotongan Bantayan, Cebu that resulted in the interception of one (1) motorized banca, unmarked, color white, blue and orange powered by Two (2) unit of Engine, one (1) Carera 12HP and one (1) Carera 16HP Gasoline Engine with defaced engine no. with an estimated value of PhP105,000.00 and the arrest of 3 individuals for Violation of Section 92 of RA 10654 (Fishing Through Explosives, Noxious or Poisonous Substance, or Electricity).
Palawan Joint Operation Apprehends Suspect for Illegal Wildlife Trading and Transport
On March 2, 2024, personnel from 2nd SOU-MG, in coordination with the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) and Taytay Municipal Police Station, conducted a joint operation against illegal wildlife trading in Sitio Manguao, Brgy. Poblacion, Taytay, Palawan. The operation resulted in the apprehension of an individual for violating Section 27, Paragraphs (e) and (i) of RA 9147, the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, concerning the illegal trade and transport of wildlife.
Seaborne Patrol in Tawi-Tawi Confiscates Smuggled Cigarettes in Coastal Warehouse
On July 13, 2024, personnel of 1st TTPMFC received information from a concerned citizen that a motorized boat loaded with undetermined quantity of assorted smuggled cigarettes docked and unloaded the contraband items at a warehouse located in the coastal area of Barangay Lamion, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. conducted joint seaborne patrol operation onboard PGB 006 to verify the said report. upon arrival thereat, the operating units noticed the aforesaid smuggled cigarettes in a small warehouse which resulted in the confiscation of the subject contraband items for violation of RA 10863 an Act known as “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Maritime Group Rescues Elderly and Children from Severe Flooding in Malabon
On July 24, 2024, Maritime Group personnel swiftly responded to severe flooding in Brgy. Catmon, Malabon City, where water had risen to breast-deep levels. The team quickly assembled a makeshift banca, allowing them to transport elderly residents and children safely to the evacuation center, ensuring the community’s most vulnerable were brought to safety.
Maritime Group Responds to Medical Emergency for Tourist in Puerto Princesa
On June 16, 2024, personnel from the Maritime Group responded to an emergency involving a male tourist who became unconscious due to high blood pressure while traveling from Luli Island to Cowrie Island, Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa City. The 2nd SOU-MG team provided immediate medical assistance, performing CPR before transporting him to further care with the support of a registered nurse and family members.
The PNP Maritime Group deployed one of its patrol craft, the Police Fast Boat (PFB)221 with personnel complement from its Regional Maritime Unit (RMU) 12 in General Santos City, MG-Special Operations Unit 1 from Tawi-Tawi, and RMU 10 from Cagayan de Oro City. The PNP MG personnel is part of the combined security forces composed of Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard in securing the vicinity of Lake Lanao in Marawi. Their role in securing the lake is not easy as they were in the receiving end of sniper shots.[15][16][17]
For their service in the conflict, Sixteen PNP MG personnel were meritoriously promoted for their service in the Marawi siege.[18]
On May 6, 2014, a PNP Maritime Group patrol intercepted a Chinese fishing vessel loaded with about 500 live and dead Sea turtles, of assorted species, off the coast of Western Palawan. Nine (9) Chinese fishermen were arrested and later charged for violations of Fishery and Wildlife laws of the Philippines.[19] A total of 555 Sea turtles were recovered based on the inventory of the PNP Maritime Group. Of these total, 177 were alive and were released immediately back to wild. The maritime police investigators also discovered that 207 sea turtles were slaughtered and stuffed by the Chinese fishermen.[20]
Vietnamese Fishermen arrested for poaching
Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group prepare to board during a boat inspection training scenario as part of the JIATF West exercise Aug. 5, 2014, in Palawan, Philippines.
On October 21, 2013, 13 Vietnamese fishermen were arrested for poaching and illegal entry. Upon inspection of their cargo hold, Maritime Group personnel discovered an undetermined number of Sea turtles, mostly slaughtered for meat and frozen in the onboard refrigerators. The Vietnamese poachers were detained and later charged in court for violations of Philippine Fisheries Law.[21]
On March 26, 2014, a Vietnamese vessel marked KH-96365-TS was intercepted by PNP Maritime Group operatives for poaching off the waters of Taytay, Palawan. The maritime police operatives discovered about 50 assorted dead sharks, including great white sharks, bull sharks and hammerhead sharks, all believed to be caught in Philippine waters. They were charged in court for violations of Philippine Fisheries Law.[22]
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The Philippine Constabulary was a gendarmerie-type military police force of the Philippines from 1901 to 1991, and the predecessor to the Philippine National Police. It was created by the American occupational government to replace the Spanish colonial Guardia Civil, happened on the 19th century history of the Philippines. It was the first of the four branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. On January 29, 1991, it was merged with the Integrated National Police to form the Philippine National Police.
The Philippine National Police is the national police force of the Philippines. Its national headquarters is located at Camp Crame in Bagong Lipunan ng Crame, Quezon City. Currently, it has approximately 228,000 personnel to police a population in excess of 100 million.
The orders and decorations conferred upon civilians and military personnel in the Republic of the Philippines are listed by orders of precedence. Philippine civilian orders and decorations are conferred by the President of the Philippines in his or her capacity as head of state. In certain instances, the conferment of certain orders and decorations requires the concurrence of the Congress of the Philippines, or of certain advisory bodies.
The Philippine Coast Guard is the third armed uniformed service of the country attached to the Philippines' Department of Transportation, tasked primarily with enforcing laws within Philippine waters, conducting maritime security operations, safeguarding life and property at sea, and protecting marine environment and resources; similar to coast guard units around the world. In case of a declaration of war, the Coast Guard shall also serve as an attached service of the Department of National Defense.
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The following are the ranks of officials and officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP). These men and women report to the president of the Philippines as the commander-in-chief, through the secretary of the interior and local government, who is ex officio the chair of the National Police Commission, and the undersecretary for public safety under the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
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The Chief of the Philippine National Police is the head of the Philippines' national police body, the Philippine National Police (PNP). The position is invariably held by a Police General, a four-star general police officer.
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