ARTICLE XI

NATIONAL DEFENSE AND SECURITY, PUBLIC ORDER AND
SAFETY, AND COAST GUARD SERVICES

Section 1. National Defense and Security. – The defense and security of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall be the National Government.

Section 2. Public Order and Safety. – The Philippine National Police shall create a Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region which shall be organized, maintained, supervised, and utilized for the primary purpose of law enforcement and maintenance of peace and order in the Bangsamoro in accordance with Republic Act No. 6975, otherwise known as the ” Department of Interior and Local Government Act of 1990” as amended by Republic Act No. 8551, otherwise known as the ” Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998.” The Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall be under the direct operational control and supervision of the Philippine National Police.

The Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall be headed by a Regional Director who shall, upon consultation with the Chief Minister, be appointed in accordance with Republic Act No. 6975, as amended.

To facilitate entry into the Philippine National Police of Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front members from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, the age, height and educational attainment requirements may be waived by the National Police Commission, subject to existing rules and regulations: Provided, That such shall be availed of within a period of five (5) years from ratification of this Organic Law: Provided, further, That the requirement of educational attainment shall be complied within fifteen(15) years from their entry: Provided, finally, That their ranks and grades shall be subject to existing laws, rules and regulations governing the Philippine National Police.

Section 3. Regional Office of the National Police Commission. – The National Police Commission shall establish the National Police Commission Bangsamoro Regional Office under its direct control, supervision, and administration, in accordance with Republic Act No. 6975, as amended. The Secretary of the Interior and Local Government shall appoint Regional Director who shall head the National Police Commission Bangsamoro Regional Office.

The National Police Commission Bangsamoro Regional Office shall have the power to investigate complaints against members of the Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. Appeals from the decisions of the National Police Commission Bangsamoro Regional Office shall be filed with the National Police Commission. Pending resolution of the appeal, the decision of the National Police Commission Bangsamoro Regional Office may be executed.

Section 4. Consultation with the Chief Minister on Police Matters Affecting the Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. – The National Police Commission shall consult the Chief Minister on police matters affecting the Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

Section 5. Jail Management and Penology. – The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology shall establish a regional office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region under its direct operational and administrative control and supervision, in accordance with Republic Act No. 6975, as amended, and Republic Act No. 9263, otherwise known as the ” Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Professionalization Act of 2004.” The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology shall support the regional office in the establishment, maintenance, and improvement and procurement of jail facilities, the appropriation for the subsistence of detainees and prisoners, the establishment, maintenance, operation, and management of separate detention homes, and the designation of jail wardens.

Section 6. Fire Protection. – The Bureau of Fire Protection shall establish a regional office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region under its direct operational and administrative control and supervision, in accordance with Republic Act No. 6975, as amended and Republic Act No. 9263. The Bureau of Fire Protection shall support the regional office in the establishment maintenance, and improvement and procurement of fire protection and prevention facilities, the enforcement of Republic Act No. 9514, otherwise known as the ” Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008,” other existing laws on fire safety enforcement, protection and prevention.

Section 7. Coast Guard Services. – The Philippine Coast Guard shall establish a regional office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region which shall be organized, maintained, supervised, and utilized for the primary purpose of law enforcement over coast guard matters. It shall be under the direct operational and administrative control and supervision of the Philippine Coast Guard.