MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard now has a comprehensive guide to proper procedures and jurisprudence in criminal investigation following the launch of a manual on Friday.

Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, PCG Commandant, declared the manual — meant to be a guide for its law enforcement officers — effective starting Friday.

He said that the PCG's mandate is not limited to enforcing maritime safety regulations since the agency is also tasked with helping enforce all laws.

"Kailangan natin ng manual para magiging guide ng bawat isa kung papaano natin i-eenforce yung mga batas," he added.

(We needed a manual to be a guide for all personnel on how to enforce these laws)

The Coast Guard Investigation and Detection Management Service (CGIDMS) crafted the manual in collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) "to ensure investigations are done systematically, ethically and in full compliance with the law."

The PCG also said "it assumes responsibility of filing of cases in court and managing criminal cases within its jurisdiction."

"The criminal investigation manual that we have signed today actually symbolizes the birth of the Philippine Coast Guard as a full-fledged law enforcement agency," Gavan said.

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"With the signing of the manual, the Philippine Coast Guard now contributes to the Department of Transportation a full suite of capability to enable the department to support the government in defense and humanitarian services and most significantly law enforcement," he explained.

The manual will be issued to all PCG operating units "to ensure uniformity, consistency, and strict adherence to established protocols."

The PCG commandant said the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) volunteered to provide custodial centers, among the requirements to fully implement the manual.

"Hanggang sa limits ng territorial sea natin, the laws of the land apply. So meron na po tayong guide how to enforce the laws of the land... Kasama na po yan [maritime baselines] dahil sa loob po ng territorial sea papasok hanggang sa territorial waters, the laws of the land apply," Gavan said.

"Kailangan po natin ng for example itong maritime crimes investigation manual, para ma-guide po natin ang tauhan natin papaano yung pag-imbestiga at pagpapatupad ng batas," he added.

Commodore Oliver Tanseco, CGIDMS commander, said the first-ever manual for criminal investigation incorporates laws, tactics and protocols from various agencies.

The manual was signed and promulgated in a ceremony attended by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, Department of Justice Assistant Secretary Eliseo Cruz and CBSA Operations Liaison Assistant April Rose Dela Cruz.

"This milestone signifies just the launch of a publication. It marks a new era in the law enforcement professionalism within our maritime domain," Cruz said.

"I fully recognize the vital role that the PCG plays not only in maritime safety and security, but increasingly in the preservation of justice and the rule of law across our nation's sea ports and coastal communities," he added.

The DOJ official said the agency supports the PCG as it expands its role in criminal investigation.

"The manual will serve as the cornerstone of the PCG’s criminal investigation efforts. Ensuring that clarity in procedure, consistency in execution and above all, integrity in the pursuit of justice," Cruz said.

"It institutionalizes best practices and legal standards that every PCG law enforcer must adhere to as they represent the law at the frontlines of maritime operations," he added.

The DOJ official said the agency has allotted funds for more trainings and educational programs including PCG law enforcement officers, following the training of almost 200 PCG personnel.

Dizon meanwhile reaffirmed the agency's commitment to supporting the PCG, while recognizing their active role in law enforcement like apprehension in the EDSA Busway.