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Similar to other organizations, the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) evolves through the years taking into account the complexities in policing and in response to the expectations of the community it upholds to serve.

It will be recalled that the police organization then is localized and independently organized wherein its organization, appointment of personnel, operational deployment, training and logistical support were almost exclusively the concern of local government.

Thus, taking into account the peace and order condition prevailing then, the so-called “Walton Report” concluded that “In all law enforcement agencies, performance is sub-standard, training is inadequate; political interference is common; facilities, budget and logistical support is deficient; inspection procedures are unsatisfactory, morale is low.”

This prompted then Rep. Teodulo C. Natividad to author and introduce House Bill No. 6951 which eventually became R.A. No. 4864 or the “Police Act of 1966.”  The said law has the following objectives:

The said law likewise provides for the powers and functions of the Police Commission (POLCOM), its initial organization, among others.

Subsequently, several laws (R.A. No. 6040, R.A. 6141) were enacted and presidential directives (Executive Orders, Presidential Decrees, Letters of Implementation) were issued relating to the organization and exercise of its powers and functions.

In 1978, in line with the thrust of the government to bring its services closer to the people, Regional Office XI was established in Davao City as one of the first regional offices of NAPOLCOM to include Regions I and VII.

Thereafter, under the new fundamental law, specifically Section 6, Article XVI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that “The State shall establish and maintain one police force, which shall be national in scope and civilian in character, to be administered and controlled by a national police commission.  The authority of local executives over the police units in their jurisdiction shall be provided by law."  This was fleshed-out under the following laws and its subsequent amendments:

1. R.A No. 6975 (An Act Establishing the Philippine National Police Under a Reorganized Department of the Interior and Local Government, And For Other Purposes);


2. R.A. No. 8551 (An Act Providing for the Reform and Reorganization of the Philippine National Police And For Other Purposes, Amending Certain Provisions of Republic Act Numbered Sixty-Nine Hundred and Seventy-Five Entitled, "An Act Establishing the Philippine National Police Under a Re-Organized Department of the Interior and Local Government, And For Other Purposes");


3. R.A. No. 9708 (An Act Extending for Five (5) Years the Reglementary Period for Complying with the Minimum Educational Qualification for Appointment to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Adjusting the Promotion System Thereof, Amending For The Purpose Pertinent Provisions of Republic Act No. 6975 and Republic Act No. 8551 And For Other Purposes);


4. R.A. No. 11200 (An Act Providing for the Rank Classification in the Philippine National Police, Amending for the Purpose Section 28 of Republic Act No. 6975, As Amended, Otherwise Known as the "Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990" and,


5. R.A. No. 11279 (An Act Transferring the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) and the National Police Training Institute (NPTI) from the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) to the Philippine National Police (PNP), Amending for the Purpose Sections 24, 35, 66, 67 and 68 of Republic Act No. 6975, Otherwise Known as the “Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990”, As Amended, Appropriating Funds Therefor And For Other Purposes)

To date, the NAPOLCOM, guided by the principles of good governance, transparency and commitment, continuously provide efficient and effective services to its clientele.

PROVINCES COVERED

• Davao City
• Davao del Sur (including Digos City)
• Davao del Norte (including Panabo City, Tagum City, Island Garden City of Samal)
• Davao Oriental (including Mati City)
• Davao de Oro (formerly Compostela Valley)
• Davao Occidental