The Philippine Constabulary and Public Order During the last thirty years of Spanish rule in the Philippines evil-doers were pursued and apprehended and public order was maintained chiefly by the _guardia civil_.

At the time of its organization in 1868 this body had a single division.

By 1880 the number had been increased to three, two for Luzon and one for the Visayan Islands.
The _guardia civil_ was organized upon a military basis, its officers and soldiers being drawn from the regular army of Spain by selection or upon recommendation.

Detachments were distributed throughout the provinces and were commanded according to their size by commissioned or non-commissioned officers.

Central offices were located in district capitals; company headquarters were stationed in provincial capitals, and detachments were sent to places where they were deemed to be necessary.
Under ordinary conditions they rendered service as patrols of two men each, but for the purpose of attacking large bands of outlaws one or several companies were employed as occasion required.
The _guardia civil_ had jurisdiction over all sorts of violations of laws and municipal ordinances.