DIRECTING THE IMMEDIATE ARREST AND VIGOROUS PROTECTION OF PERSONS PILLAGING, LOOTING OR COMMITTING OTHER ACTS OF LAWLESSNESS AGAINST THE CIVILIAN POPULATION.
WHEREAS, it has been brought to my attention that since the outbreak of war, certain vicious and misguided individuals, taking advantage of the present emergency, have indulged in pillaging, looting and other acts of lawlessness against civilian and enemy population;
WHEREAS, under martial law, persons guilty of such wanton acts are punishable with the severest penalties;
WHEREAS, in areas under the civil authority where the courts are still functioning, such acts of violence and vandalism should be dealt with promptly and vigorously;
AND WHEREAS, even in peace times, such infractions of the law have no place in a civilized society;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MANUEL L. QUEZON, President of the Philippines, do hereby order all police officers to arrest on sight persons pillaging, looting or committing other acts of lawlessness against any person, be he a citizen, alien or enemy resident, and all prosecuting attorneys are further instructed to deal swiftly and severely with such offenders.
Done at the City of Manila, this 22nd day of December, in the year of our Lord, nineteen hundred and forty-one, and of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, the seventh.
(Sgd.) MANUEL L. QUEZON
President of the Philippines
By the President:
(Sgd.) JORGE B. VARGAS
Secretary to the President
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