SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC)
OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session )

HOUSE
H. B. NO. 4758

Introduced by Representative Henry S. Oaminal

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It has been commonly observed that in instances where the police fail to
forthwith solve a crime, they promptly and facetiously tag the suspects with
appellations or monikers which dovetail with the manner of the commission
of the crime.

Thus, when a popular jewelry shop was robbed by breaking the glass
enclosure with hammers the perpetrators were quickly named the Martilyo
Gang. When another gem robbery wrenches were used to crush the glass
container, they were swiftly appended the Wrench Gang.

But even worse and far more unwarranted is the police predilection to
identify criminals and gangsters from their suspected places of origin. Thus,
we have the Ozamiz Gang, the Ilonggo Gang and the Waray Waray Gang, to
name a few. Simply because the suspects have that regional diction or are
friends with one or two from the area, they are dabbed as such.

This police predisposition does not only smear and besmirch the name of
the town or city but also the innocent people therein. Imagine being tagged
as the town mate or barangay mate of a certain criminal. Certainly, there
can be far more congruous and congruent ways for the authorities to label
felons and criminals.

This bill therefore seeks to prevent police authorities and other law
enforcement agencies from using the names of places of origin of suspects
in describing in crime suspects, felons, wrongdoers, offenders and other
malefactors.

In view of the foregoing, early pagsa Bill is earnestly requested.

HENRY $-O
Representative
24 District, Misamis Occidental


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC}
OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B.NO. __ 4758

Introduced by Representative Henry S. Oaminal

AN ACT
PROHIBITING THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE (PNP) OR ANY LAW
ENFORCEMENT AGENCY FROM DESIGNATING NAMES OF GANGS OR
CRIMINAL GROUPS TO THEIR HOMETOWN, REGION OR ETHNIC
COMMUNITIES, PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy
of the State to promote the general welfare of the citizens, value their
dignity and guarantee full respect for their rights by protecting them from
being cast out due to the notoriety of the gangs attributed to their place of
residence.

SEC. 2. Prohibition on Designating Places as Names of Gangs or
Criminal Groups. The Philippine National Police (PNP) or any law enforcing
agency are hereby prohibited from designating names of gangs or criminal
groups using the name of the place where they are found.

SEC. 3. Penalty. Any person or members of any law enforcing

agency who violates the provisions of Section 2 hereof shall suffer the

penalty of prison correccional.


SEC. 4. Separability Clause. If any part, section or provision of this
‘Act shall be held invalid or unconstitutional, no other part, section or
provisions thereof shall be affected thereby.

SEC. 5. Repealing Clause. All laws, rules and regulations or parts
thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.

SEC. 6. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days
following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two
(2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,