Dialogue and Exchange with Book Launch
Northern Mindanao Prosecution and Law Enforcement Chiefs Foster Collaboration

On March 26, 2025, fifty officials from Northern Mindanao’s prosecution offices and law enforcement agencies gathered in a dialogue activity centered on election-related law enforcement and anti-smuggling measures.  Taking place amidst preparations for the 2025 Philippine midterm elections, it underscored the need for effective law enforcement to address electoral challenges.  The discussions highlighted the proper application of election period rules, such as weapons bans and checkpoint procedures, alongside updates on smuggling cases involving illicit cigarettes.  Through exchange of field reports and open forum discussions, participants worked to align strategies and share best practices, promoting a more coordinated and informed approach to regional security and justice administration.

DOJ

The dialogue covered key election-related laws and guidelines, including Commission on Elections Resolution No. 11067 on checkpoint operations, Resolution No. 11104 targeting vote-buying enforcement, the Comprehensive Firearms Regulation Act (Republic Act No. or R.A. 10591), and relevant Philippine National Police (PNP) memoranda on firearms handling.  Participants also reviewed provisions of the Omnibus Election Code, focusing on ensuring lawful conduct and coordinated enforcement during the election period.

After the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued Circular Nos. 20 and 20-A in 2023 on prosecutors’ proactive role in case build-up, additional legislation and circulars have expanded its scope to include various environmental crimes, covering forestry, wildlife, mining, pollution, fisheries, waste management, and related violations.

The dialogue included a review of smuggling-related laws like the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (R.A. 10863), Bureau of Customs (BOC) issuances on smuggled cigarettes, the Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act (R.A. 12022), and the Marine Hatcheries Act (R.A. 10825), emphasising protection against illegal trade.

HSF

The activity concluded with the launch and distribution of the “Handbook of Crimes (with Bail Bond Guide) 2025 Edition” to chiefs of prosecution as well as law enforcement offices. These included, aside from the police offices in the region, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit, the Bureau of Customs as well as Regional Trial Court judges and select local government offices. 

The publication was developed by the Regional Prosecution Office X and initially launched in November 2022. Hanns Seidel Foundation Institute for International Cooperation’s Head of the South and Southeast Asia Division, Mr. Stefan Burkhardt, whose visit to the Philippines coincided with the activity, praised the progress in prosecution and police dialogues.  He urged the participants to keep collaborating proactively, guided by DOJ issuances, to strengthen the justice system and tackle challenges in investigations and prosecutions.

As a result of this comprehensive activity, participants gained a clearer understanding of their respective roles and the key legal frameworks governing election laws and smuggling.  This enhanced legal knowledge fosters improved cooperation and coordination between prosecutors and police investigators, strengthening their ability to address election-related challenges and smuggling offenses effectively.  These efforts aim to promote consistent observance of the laws, facilitate thorough investigations, and increase the likelihood of successful prosecutions.

This dialogue activity was organised by the DOJ-National Prosecution Service in collaboration with the PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management, and with the support of the Hanns Seidel Foundation as part of the partnership between the Department of Justice-National Prosecution Service, the PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management, and the Hanns Seidel Foundation on the program, “Dialogue between Prosecutors and Police Investigators from the Northern Mindanao Region,” which began in the Northern Mindanao Region in 2017 and expanded to the Caraga Region in 2024.