To enhance maritime security and law enforcement capabilities, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officially launched its first Criminal Investigation Manual on May 2 at its National Headquarters in Port Area, Manila.
The newly promulgated manual serves as a comprehensive guide for PCG law enforcers, equipping them with standardized procedures in handling criminal investigations across Philippine waters.
The manual, developed in collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), is designed to ensure that investigations are conducted systematically, ethically, and in full compliance with the law. It provides detailed instructions on criminal investigation processes, court procedures, arrest protocols, filing of cases, and other legal practices vital to the PCG’s expanding role as a maritime law enforcement agency.
Amid persistent threats in Philippine waters, such as the smuggling of illegal firearms and drugs, the manual will serve as a vital tool for Coast Guard personnel. It offers clear guidance on the application of Philippine laws across maritime zones, as defined by the country’s Maritime Baselines Law, and identifies where and how legal authority may be exercised during offshore operations.
Philippine Coast Guard law enforcers pose during the May 2 ceremony at PCG Headquarters in Manila, marking the launch of the agency’s first Criminal Investigation Manual aimed at ensuring ethical and law-compliant maritime investigations.
“The Criminal Investigation Manual that we have signed today symbolizes the birth of the Philippine Coast Guard as a full-fledged law enforcement agency. With the signing of this manual, the PCG now contributes to the Department of Transportation a full suite of capability to enable the Department to support the government in defense, humanitarian services, and, most significantly, law enforcement,” said PCG’s commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.
“Since the laws of the land apply even within our territorial seas, we now have a guide on how to enforce them,” Gavan told reporters in a mix of English and Filipino.
The manual will soon be distributed to all PCG districts, stations, and substations. The Coast Guard Investigation and Detection Management Service, which led the drafting of the manual, said amendments will be made to maintain its relevance. Aligned with evolving legal standards, future versions will reflect legal revisions, updates to standard operating procedures, and advancements in criminal investigation techniques.
The launch was attended by key government officials, including Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Department of Justice (DOJ)’s assistant secretary Eliseo DC Cruz, and CBSA representative April Rose Dela Cruz. Their presence underscored the strong collaboration between the Philippines and international partners in addressing maritime crime and strengthening maritime security.
Dizon lauded the PCG’s evolving role in national defense and law enforcement.
“The Coast Guard is probably the single most important maritime agency of the country, simply because of its enormous responsibility to not only protect our sovereign waters, especially now given the threats and risks in our seas,” he said adding that PCG’s role has evolved significantly in recent years, and “it really requires the utmost support, not only from the DOTr but from the entire Filipino nation.” DOTr is the Department of Transportation.
Cruz, the assistant secretary of DOJ, also voiced his strong support.
“Let me assure you that the DOJ stands firmly behind the PCG as it expands its role in criminal investigation. We are committed to working hand in hand in the pursuit of effective prosecution, protection of due process, and the overall strengthening of our justice system,” he said.
“This manual is your shield and your guide. Let it remind you of the gravity of your hope and the nobility of the service you render to your family. 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,” Cruz added.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, through the Presidential Communications Office, commended the PCG for its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country. He highlighted its crucial role in rescue operations, environmental protection, and law enforcement — an innovation reflected in the launch of the investigation manual.
According to Gavan, the manual marks the PCG’s first fully developed guide for criminal investigation. It will serve as a practical reference for officers responsible for filing cases in court and managing investigations within the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction.
“This Manual will be issued to PCG operating units to be a ready reference, ensuring uniformity, consistency, and strict adherence to established protocols. It is a vital tool that guarantees the proper conduct of investigations and enhances the effectiveness of our enforcement efforts,” Gavan said in a statement prior to the launch.
The PCG also affirmed that its personnel continue to receive training with the support of the DOJ to strengthen the cases they build against violators of maritime laws.
All photos credit: Philippine Coast Guard
Top photo: Launch ceremony of the Philippine Coast Guard’s first-ever Criminal Investigation Manual at the National Headquarters in Manila on May 2, 2025. From left to right: PCG’s commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Justice Assistant Secretary Eliseo Cruz, and Canada Border Services Agency’s operations liaison assistant April Rose Dela Cruz.
