What is now known as Camp Olivas dates back  to 1917 when it started serving as police station and relief center, evacuation based and hospital site, as well as cadre and mobilization area, in 1936. Camp Olivas was established as the First Pampanga Cadre Camp utilized by the then Insular Police known as “Philippine Constabulary. The camp is known to have been named in honor of Captain Julian Olivas in 1939 who died in the line of duty on July 12, 1939 when the heroic PC Inspector (equivalent to Provincial Director) was shot from behind by four men identified with the labor group while mediating a labor dispute at the Pampanga Sugar Development Company (PASUDECO). President Manuel L. Quezon immediately awarded him posthumously the Distinguished Contact Star medal. It was until 1957 when it became the seat of peace-keeping regional force in the guise of the First Philippine Constabulary Zone.

Early Military Activities of the Camp 1917 — 1936  - as police station and relief center, evacuation base and hospital site, as well as cadre and mobilization area.

1936 — 1940 – Camp Olivas was established in 1936 as the First Pampanga Cadre Camp utilized by then Insular Police known as “Philippine Constabulary”. It was mainly used as the headquarters of the Constabulary Inspector of Pampanga in its Police/Law enforcement activities.

1940 — 1946 – At the outbreak of the Second World War (WWII), the Camp was used as the mobilization center for men folk in Central Luzon. These men bravely fought in Bataan and Corregidor. The Camp was converted into a Red Cross Hospital until fall of Bataan and the Japanese were driven out in the early months of 1945.

1946 — 1957 – Barely two years after our independence, Camp Olivas was made the headquarters of the First Military Area (1MA). Camp Olivas became the center of our Anti-Huk campaign in Central Luzon where the loodiest encounters took place between the government forces and “HUKBALAHAP”  (Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon) under renegade guerilla, Luis Taruc.

On November 15, 1957, the first Military Area transferred its headquarters to Camp Servillano Aquino in San Miguel, Tarlac, Tarlac. Camp Olivas, on the other hand, was officially made the headquarters of the newly established First Philippine Constabulary Zone (1PCZ). From the date of its activation, 1PCZ became the hub of the government’s armed machineries in combating the remnants of the HUKBALAHAP, which adopted the name “HMB” (HUKBONG MAGPALAYA NG BAYAN).

The 1PCZ then has jurisdiction over the provinces of Regions 1, 2 and 3, namely: Abra; La Union; Mt Province; Batanes; Nueva Ecija; Cagayan; Ilocos Norte; Ilocos Sur; Pangasinan; Isabela; Bataan; Bulacan; Nueva Ecija; Pampanga; Tarlac and Zambales. In 1969, the area of responsibility of the 1PCZ further expanded when Congress Legistate the division Mountain Province, namely; Benguet, Kalinga Apayao, Ifugao, and retaining Mt Province. So intricate was the peace and order job of the 1PCZ that in a period of two decades, it saw the assignment of fourteen Zone Commanders from 1957 up to 1978 as follows:

COL NICANOR O GARCICOL GARCIA took over in action capacity on June 18, 1973 during the absence of the Zone Commander BG TOMAS DIAZ.

BRIG GEN ROMEO G GATAN was the last Zone Commander of 1PCZ and the first Regional Commander as a result of the activation of the Regional Command 3.

The National Leadership in 1978, in a move to further enhance the effectiveness of the anti-dissident campaign, approved the activation of 13 Regional Commands that corresponded to the 13 political regions, thereby rendering partnership between the local political leaders and the PC/INP more cohesive. Thus in August 1, 1978, 1^st Philippine Constabulary Zone (1PCZ) was deactivated and the Regional Command 3 (RECOM 3) was activated with the following provinces under its operational jurisdiction: (1) Aurora, (2) Bataan, (3) Bulacan, (4) Nueva Ecija, (5) Pampanga (Angeles City), (6) Tarlac and (7) Zambales (Olongapo City). Aurora, although belonging to the political jurisdiction of Region 4, was placed under the police and military AOR of RECOM3 which has better access to it.

          From 1978 up to 1991, Regional Commander 3 was lucky to have the following gallant officers as its Regional Commanders’ to wit:

          On December 13, 1990, Republic Act Number 6975, otherwise known as the “Department of Interior and Local Government Act of 1990” was signed into law which paved way for the creation of a police force that is national in scope and civilian in character that is now the Philippine National Police. This was created to promote peace and order, ensure public safety and further strengthen local government capability aimed towards the effective delivery of a highly efficient and competent police force. Towards this end, the State shall bolster a system of coordination and cooperation among the citizenry, local executives and the integrated law enforcement and public agencies created under RA 6975.

          Thus, in January 2, 1991, the Philippine Constabulary and Integrated National Police were abolished and saw the birth of the Philippine National Police and subsequently all the Regional Commands were renamed to Police Regional Office (PRO). Since the formative years of the PRO3, it has had the following commanders:

          PDIR ENRIQUE B. GALANG, then The Chief Directional Staff (TCDS) of the Philippine National Police was named Officer-in-Charge of PRO3 from November  17, 2004 until his retirement on December 23, 2004 while PSSUPT AMADO AGULAR PANEDA SR was designated as Officer-In-Charge of PRO3 from December 23-28, 2004 while waiting for the designation of new Regional Director. From the years when it was known as 1PCZ to the time when it became PC/INP RECOM 3 to PNP RECOM 3 and subsequently to PRO3, the Office has shown that it is possessed of the capabilities necessary to maintain itself as the premier regional security force, the peace builder of Central Luzon, and the guardian of the gateway to Metro Manila from the North.

          In retrospect, Camp Olivas, where the Headquarters of the Police Regional Office 3 is located, was born out of the necessities of the time. From 1917 up to 1936, Camp Olivas then was used as police station and the base of relief and evacuation center hospital site, as well as cadre and mobilization area. It was the seat of the first Pampanga Cadre Camp law enforcement activities from 1936 to 1940. During the outbreak of the Second World War (WWII), the Camp was used as the mobilization center for men-folks in Central Luzon who bravely fought in Bataan and Corregidor.

          The Camp was converted into a Red Cross Hospital until the fall of Bataan. The Japanese occupied the Camp until they were driven out in the early month of 1945. After the war, Camp Olivas was made the headquarters of the First Military Area in 1947 and became the center of the anti-Huk campaign in Central Luzon where bloodiest encounters took placed between the government forces and the HUKBALAHAP of Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon, which was later became HMB of Hukbong Mapagpalaya ng  Bayan after the war.

          During its time as 1PC Zone, Camp Olivas became the focal point of the fight against the lawlessness in Northern and Central Luzon. Camp Olivas was boasts of several task forces created to carry out increasing responsibilities in the maintenance of peace and order and other law enforcement undertakings, to wit:

                From its fight against lawlessness in the thirties, the HUKBALAHAP in the late forties, HMB in the fifties and the CPP/NPA in the sixties and early seventies, 1^st PC Zone really has a distinguished history in its fight against insurgency and communism. The several coup d’état in the late eighties wherein during the December 1989 coup d’état, Regional Command 3 (RECOM3) was the first to send troops to support and defend the constitution and the government of then President Corazon Aquino which paved way for GENERAL CESAR P NAZARENO, who was then the Regional Commander of RECOM3, to be named by President Aquino as the Chief of the Philippine Constabulary/Integrated National Police (PC/INP) after the retirement of GENERAL RAMON E MONTAÑO in April 1, 1990 and subsequently the first Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in 1991.

PNP Awards and Incentives

AUTHORITY AND REFERENCES

a. Section 69 of Republic Act 6975 (DILG Act of 1990);

b. NAPOLCOM MC No. 2010-004 dated Oct 27, 2010

c. NAPOLCOM MC No. 2006-003 dated November 30, 2006; and

d. PNP Circular No. 2006-014 dated July 10, 2006

OPERATIONAL AWARDS

MEDALYA NG KAGITINGAN (PNP Medal of Valor)

Approving Authority: PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

REQUIREMENTS

1. For action of the recipient involving conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the   risk of life and limb above and beyond the call of duty. In order to justify this award, a member of the PNP must perform in action a deed of personal bravery and self sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty so conspicuous as to distinguish himself clearly above his comrades in the performance of more than ordinary hazardous service.

2. In case of actual combat with armed enemies, this award may be given only if the enemy force is so overwhelming as compared to the government troops.

MEDALYA NG KABAYANIHAN  (PNP Distinguished Conduct Medal)

Approving Authority: SECRETARY, DILG

1. For acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry in the face of an armed enemy in a combat situation wherein the enemy force is greater than the government troops. To qualify for the award, the enemy force is superior than the government troops by at least twenty one (21) combatants.

2. Act or acts of heroism so notable and involving risk of life so extraordinary as to set him apart from his comrades.

3. Operational accomplishment not warranting the Medalya ng Kagitingan.

MEDALYA NG KATAPANGAN (PNP Bravery Medal)

Approving Authority: Chief, PNP

1.  For gallantry in action not warranting the Medalya ng Kagitingan or Medalya ng Kabayanihan. To qualify for the award, the enemy force must be superior than the police personnel; or

2. The enemy must be superior that the government troops during the actual combat by at least eight (8) but not more than twenty (20) combatants.

MEDALYA NG KADAKILAAN (PNP Heroism Medal)

Approving Authorities: C, PNP/ RDs PROs/ D, NSUs

1. For heroism not involving conflict with an armed enemy.

2. Acts of heroism not warranting the Medalya ng Katapangan.

MEDALYA NG KATANGITANGING ASAL (PNP Outstanding Conduct Medal)

Approving Authorities: C, PNP/ RDs PROs/ D, NSUs

1. For heroic acts by the individual while in action involving actual conflict with an enemy in a crime situation wherein the enemy force is greater than the government forces by one (1) to seven (7) combatants.

2. Life saving situation, distinguishing himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.

MEDALYA NG KAGALINGAN (PNP Merit Medal)

Approving Authorities: C, PNP/ RDs PROs/ D, NSUs

1. For heroic achievements not warranting the award of Medalya ng Kadakilaan.

2. For single act of heroism or series of heroic acts in a duty responsibility:
a) Neutralization of criminal elements
b) Arrest of Most Wanted Person
c) Recovery of firearms/ illegal drugs

MEDALYA NG PAPURI (PNP Commendation Medal)

Approving Authorities:C, PNP/ RDs PROs/ D, NSUs

1. For participation in a successful police operation in a supporting capacity

2.  For other operational accomplishments not warranting the Medalya ng Kagalingan”

MEDALYA NG SUGATANG MAGITING (PNP Wounded Personnel Medal)

Approving Authorities:C, PNP/ RDs PROs/ D, NSUs

For having been wounded in action against an enemy as a direct result of an act of the enemy provided such wounds necessitate treatment by a medical officer. For this purpose, a “Wound” is defined as an injury to any part of the body from an outside force, element or agent sustained as a result of a hostile act of the enemy.

ADMINISTRATIVE AWARDS

MEDALYA NG KATAPATAN SA PAGLILINGKOD  (PNP Distinguished Service Medal)

Approving Authority: SECRETARY, DILG

1. An exceptional performance of major responsibility duly recognized as such by the service.

2. An officer holding the position of TDCA, TDCO, TCDS, D-Staff, RD, PRO and D, NSU for at least 1 year and is retiring from the service or due for relief but slated for an equivalent or higher position.

MEDALYA NG KATANGITANGING GAWA (PNP Outstanding Achievement Medal)

Approving Authority: Chief, PNP

1. For distinguished or extraordinary achievement or service in the advancement of science, socio-economic, technical and/or police related to public service of the highest order.

2. For excelling in the field of sport, schooling and other competitions held abroad besting participants from other country by occupying the topmost slot or position.

3. For excelling in the performance of the highest position in any international body or organization.

MEDALYA NG PAMBIHIRANG PAGLILINGKOD (PNP Special Service Medal)

Approving Authority: Chief, PNP

1. For eminently meritorious and invaluable service in the field of police operations while in position of major responsibility.  The performance of duty must be such as to merit recognition by the service as exceptional.

2. An officer holding the position of TDCA, TDCO, TCDS, D-Staff, RD, PRO and D, NSU for at least 6 months and is retiring from the service or due for relief but slated for an equivalent or higher position.

3. The position of Deputy D-Staff, D-PRO and D-NSU, Ex-O D-Staff, PD and CD for at least 1 year in position.

MEDALYA NG KASANAYAN (PNP Efficiency Medal)

Approving Authorities: C, PNP/ RDs PROs/ D, NSUs

1. For eminently meritorious and invaluable service to merit recognition by the service as exceptional.

2. An officer holding the position of TDCA, TDCO,TCDS, D-Staff, RD, PRO and D, NSU for less than 6 months and is retiring from the service or due for relief but slated for an equivalent or higher position.

3. The position of Deputy D-Staff, PRO and NSU, Ex-O D-Staff, PD and CD for at least 6 months.

4. Other administrative accomplishments:

a) Completion of major project/study;

b) Formulation of major policy, drafting of LOI, etc;

c) Conceptualization of a major innovation in the field of PNP Operation and administration;

d) Solution of major/ sensational crime

e) Garnering first place in the graduation merit roll of any PNP career course;

f)  Selected as outstanding police officer in Directorate/ PRO/NSU level;

g) Garnering 1st place by himself or as member of the team in any major sport, literary and other competition;

h) Members of any PNP Technical Working Group, Committee and Board;

i)  Given to key personnel of the PRO/NSU/Directorate on the relief of RD/Dir provided the said Commander has served for at least 6 months on the position

MEDALYA NG PAPURI (PNP Commendation Medal)

Approving Authorities: C, PNP/ RDs PROs/ D, NSUs

1. For demonstrating exemplary efficiency, devotion  and loyalty to their duty assignments .

2. Participation in any operation or administrative undertaking in supporting capacity.

3. Other minor administrative  accomplishments

4. Garnering 2nd or 3rd place in graduation merit of any PNP career course.

5. Given to other personnel of the RD/NSU/PRO on the relief of RD/Director.

6. Commendation from and covered by a resolution of the Senate, House of Representative, SB/SP and any foreign legislative body.

C. MISCELLANEOUS AWARDS

MEDALYA NG UGNAYANG PAMPULISYA (PNP Relations Medal)

Approving Authorities: C, PNP/ RDs PROs/ D, NSUs

For meritorious achievement in the field of police relations

MEDALYA NG MABUTING ASAL (PNP Good Conduct Medal)

Approving Authorities: C, PNP/ RDs PROs/ D, NSUs

For conspicuous devotion to duty extended to a period of five (5) years without record of punishment, conviction or derogatory information whatsoever.

MEDALYA NG PAGLILINGKOD (PNP Service Medal)

Approving Authorities: C, PNP/ RDs PROs/ D, NSUs

For completion of at least 20 years and more of faithful and honorable service

MEDALYA SA PAGLABAN SA MANLILIGALIG (Anti-Dissidence Medal)

Approving Authorities: C, PNP/ RDs PROs/ D, NSUs

For active service for any period of six (6) months while undertaking an operation, campaign or movement, against the dissidents between 1 January 1991 and a terminal date to be designated later.

MEDALYA NG PAGTULONG SA NASALANTA (PNP Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Medal)

Approving Authorities: C, PNP/ RDs PROs/ D, NSUs

For active participation in an undertaking involving rescue/relief and rehabilitation operations connected with typhoons, floods, earthquakes, conflagrations and other disaster/calamities for any period during and after disasters/calamities

TSAPA NG NATATANGING UNIT  (PNP Unit Citation Badge)

Approving Authorities: C, PNP/ RDs PROs/ D, NSUs

For acts and services or exceptional devotion and fidelity

MEDALYA NG PAGLILINGKOD SA LUZON (Luzon Campaign Medal)

Approving Authorities: C, PNP/ RDs PROs/ D, NSUs

For participation in the campaign against criminality or insurgency in Luzon for at least six (6) months.

MEDALYA NG PAGLILINGKOD SA VISAYAS (Visayas Campaign Medal)

Approving Authorities: C, PNP/ RDs PROs/ D, NSUs

For participation in the campaign against criminality or insurgency in Visayas, for at least six (6) months.

MEDALYA NG PAGLILINGKOD SA MINDANAO (Mindanao Campaign Medal)

Approving Authorities: C, PNP/ RDs PROs/ D, NSUs

For participation in the campaign against criminality or insurgency in Mindanao for at least six (6) months.

MGA TSAPA NG KUWALIPIKASYON (PNP Qualification Badges)

Approving Authorities: C, PNP/ RDs PROs/ D, NSUs

For ability and efficiency in specialized fields such as water surface operations, underwater operations, airborne operations, navigation, marksmanship, surveillance, electronics & technical expertise special weapons, ordnance, explosives, chemical weapons, heavy weapons, unconventional operations and other which are in line with routine police operations, such as patrol, traffic, investigation, vice control, juvenile delinquency control, as well as administrative and auxiliary functions

PNP Medals Conversion to Leave

NAPOLCOM MC No. 2010-004 dated Oct 27, 2010

A maximum limit of fifteen (15) days leave credits shall be allowed every calendar year.

Leave credits earned from the conferment of medals must be enjoyed by the concerned PNP personnel from the date of conferment onwards but not later than the last day of the next calendar year.