Republic of Eastern Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES

University Town Northern Samar, Philippines
Web: http://uep.edu.ph; Email: [email protected]

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND COMMUNICATIION

Criminology Department

INSTITUTIONAL CORRECTIONS
Correction as component of Criminal Justice System
For Criminal Justice System purposes, the term correction, corrections and correctional, are words describing a
variety of functions typically carried out by government agencies, and involving the punishments, treatment, and supervision
of persons who have been convicted of crimes, these functions commonly given through institutional and non-institutional
approaches. A correctional system, also known as penal system, thus refers to a network of agencies that functions related
to rehabilitating convicted persons through either institution-based or community-based corrections.

Correction is also the name of a field of academic study concern with the theories, policies, and programs pertaining
to the practice of corrections. Its object of study includes personnel training and management as well as the experiences of
those on the other side of the fence – the unwilling subjects of the correctional process.

The terminology changes in US academia from “penology” to “corrections” occurred in the 1950s and 1960s, and it
was driven by a new philosophy emphasizing rehabilitation. It was accompanied by concrete changes in some prisons, like
giving more privileges to inmates, and attempting to instill a more communal atmosphere. At least nominally, most prisons
became correctional institutions, and guards became correctional officers.

As a component of the criminal justice system, correction occupies a crucial role of rehabilitating convicted persons
through the development of individualized treatment programs which are responsive to the needs of their clients and within
the prescribed standards of existing laws and the United Nations.

The ultimate goal of Correction is to reform and rehabilitate convicted individuals and restore them in their prior status
before the commission of the crime, as law abiding citizen

Correction, defined
Is that branch of the administration of criminal justice charged with the responsibility for the custody, supervision and
rehabilitation of those who judicially found violated criminal law.

Correction is in view of reorientation or re-instruction of the individual with a purpose of preventing a repetition of the
unlawful activities without necessity of taking punitive actions.

TWO (2) APPROACHES OF CORRECTION

1. Institutional Correction (Institution-based Correction) – rehabilitation or correctional programs take place inside
correctional facilities or institutions such as national penitentiaries and jails.
2. Non-Institutional Correction (Community-based Correction) - rehabilitation or correctional programs take place
within the community. In this approach, the convict will not be placed or be released from correctional facility or jail.

Agencies of the government charged with the correctional responsibility

1. Bureau of Corrections (BuCor)
2. Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)
3. Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP)
4. Parole and Probation Administration (PPA)
5. Provincial and Sub-provincial Jails

Inmate Defined
Inmate is a person committed to jail/prison by a competent court or authority for any of the following reasons:
1. To serve a sentence after conviction
2. Under trial
3. Under investigation
Note:
• The court is said to be competent when it has the jurisdiction to try and decide a particular case
• Requisites for valid exercise of Criminal Jurisdiction
a. There must be a jurisdiction over the subject matter;
b. There must be a jurisdiction over the territory; and
c. There must be a jurisdiction over the person of the accused
• Aside from courts, there are other authorities that can commit a person to jail like Boards and Commission and even
police authorities within limited periods.

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 When Judgement of Conviction in Criminal Case becomes Final
• After the lapse of the period for perfecting an appeal which is fifteen (15) days;
• When the sentence has been partially or totally satisfied or served;
• When the accused expressly waives in writing his right to appeal;
• When the accused applies for probation

General Category of Inmates

1. Sentenced Prisoner (prisoner) – are persons who are convicted by final judgement of the crime charged against
them;
2. Detention Prisoner (detainee) – are persons who are detained for the violation of law or ordinance and has not yet
been convicted; and
3. Persons held for investigation or safekeeping
Note:
• Safekeeping – is the temporary custody of a persons or detention of a person for his own protection or care, to
secure from liability to harm, injury, or danger.

Classification of Sentenced Prisoners

1. Insular Prisoner – is a person who is sentenced to serve a prison term of three (3) years and one (1) day to death,
also known as National Prisoner.
2. Provincial Prisoner – one who is sentenced to a prison term of six (6) moths and one (1) day to three (3) years
3. City Prisoner – is a person who is sentenced to serve a prison term of one (1) day to three (3) years.
4. Municipal Prisoner – is a person who is sentenced serve a prison term of one (1) day to six (6) months.
Note:
• The Classification enumerated above is based on the duration of imprisonment of the convicted person

Inmates Security Classification

The inmate’s security classification utilized by the BJMP is different from what is being used by the BuCor.
BJMP CLASSIFICATION BUCOR CLASSIFICATION
1. High Risk Inmates 1. Super
2. High Profile Inmates 2. Maximum
3. Ordinary Inmates 3. Medium
4. Minimum
Suggested Alternatives for Detention and Imprisonments
1. Wider use of bail and other approved methods of released from custody
2. Elimination from the jail and prison of those who should be elsewhere like those mentally-ill and juveniles
3. Payment of fines instead of imprisonment if penal law permits
4. Extensive use of Community-based Correction approaches like Probation, Parole and Conditional Pardon
5. Use of the delayed sentenced. This is a procedure which permits an incarcerated inmate to pursue his normal job
during the week and return to the jail or prison facility to serve sentence during non-working hours. In the Philippines,
delayed sentenced is not being applied
The Jail
Jail Defined
Are institutions for the confinement of persons who are awaiting final disposition of their criminal cases and also the
service of those convicted and punished with shorter sentences, usually up to three (3) years.

Origin of Jail
The jail is said to have originated in Medieval England. When Henry II ordered that the sheriff in each of the institutions
spread through England in 1166 originally conceived as a place for detaining suspected offenders until they could be tried,
jails eventually came to serve the dual purposes of detention and punishment.
The concept of the English jail was brought to the colonies soon after the settlers arrived from the Old World, the jail
was used to detain those awaiting trial and those awaiting punishment; the stocks and pillory and the whipping post being
located nearby.

Types of Jails in general

1. Lock-up – is a security facility for the temporary detention of persons held for investigation or waiting for preliminary
hearing.
2. Ordinary Jail – houses both offenders awaiting court action and those serving short sentences usually up to three
(3) years.
3. Work Houses – jail farm or camp – houses minimum custody offenders serving short sentences with constructive
work programs.

Types of Jail based on inmate population

1. Type A – with population of 100 inmates or more
2. Type B – with population of 21-90 inmates
3. Type C – with population of 20 inmates or less

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The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)
(The Jail Bureau)
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology also referred to as the Jail Bureau was created pursuant to Section
60, RA 6975, and initially consisting of uniformed officers and members of the Jail Management and Penology Services as
constituted under PD 765.

Brief Origin of BJMP

On January 2, 1991, the Bureau of Jail management and Penology was created thru Republic Act 6975 as a line
Bureau under the Department of Interior and Local Government. The Jail Bureau is the upgraded version of its forerunner,
the Office of Jail Management and Penology of the defunct Philippine Constabulary-Integrated National Police (PC-INP)
As mandated by RA 6975, the BJMP shall operate under the reorganized Department of the Interior and Local
Government (DILG).
Starting from scratch with 500 personnel in 1991 the BJMP weaned from its mother PC-INP as a mere component to
become a full-fledge bureau. Director Charles S. Mondejar took his oath of office on July 1, 1991 as the first Chief of the BJMP

Mission of the Bureau

The Jail Bureau shall direct, supervise and control the administration and operation of all district, city and municipal
jails to affect a better system of jail management nationwide.

Powers of the Jail Bureau

The Jail Bureau shall exercise supervision and control overall district, city and municipal jails to ensure: a secured,
clean, sanitary, and equipped jail for the custody and safekeeping of city and municipal prisoners, any fugitive from justice or
persons detained awaiting investigation or trial and/or transfer to the National Penitentiary, and any violent, mentally-ill person
who endangers himself or the safety of others.
Functions of the Jail Bureau
• Formulate policies and guidelines on the administration of all district and municipal jails nationwide.
• Formulate and implement policies for the programs of corrections, rehabilitation and treatment of offenders.
• Plan and program funds for the subsistence allowances of offenders; and conduct researches, develop and implement
plans and programs for the improvement of jail services throughout the country.
Organization of BJMP under RA 6975
The Jail Bureau shall be headed by a Chief who shall be assisted by a Deputy Chief.
The Jail Bureau shall be composed of city and municipal jails, each headed by a city or municipal jail warden: provided
that in case of large cities municipalities, a district jail with subordinate jails headed by a District Jail warden may be established
as necessary.
Organization and Key positions of the BJMP under RA 9263
The BJMP shall be headed by a Chief who shall be assisted by two (2) deputy chiefs, one (1) for administration and
one (1) for operation, all of whom shall be appointed by the president upon the recommendation of the Secretary of DILG
from among the qualified officers with at least the rank of senior jail superintendent.

Note:
• In no case shall any officer who has retired or to be retired with six (6) months from his/her retirement age be appointed
as Chief of Jail Bureau.
• The chief of Jail Bureau shall serve a tour of duty not exceed four (4) years.
• BJMP is under the Department of Interior and Local Government

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF JAIL MANAGEMENT

1. It is the obligation of jail authorities to confine inmates safely and provide rehabilitative programs that will negate
criminal tendencies, and restore their positive values to make them productive and law-abiding citizen.
2. No procedure or system of correction shall deprive any inmate of hope for his ultimate return to the fold of the law
and full membership in society.
3. Unless provided, otherwise, any person accused of criminal offense shall be presumed innocent and his rights as a
free citizen shall be respected, except for indispensable restraints during his confinement in the interest of justice and
public safety.
4. Inmates are human beings entitled to the same basic rights and privileges enjoyed by citizens in a free society, except
that the exercise of these rights are limited or controlled for security reasons.
Note:
• Under the recent ruling of the COMELEC, detainees are allowed to exercise their right to vote.
5. Health preservation and prompt treatment of illness or injury are basic rights of every person confined in jail. It is the
duty of the jail authorities to arrange for their treatment subject to security measures.
6. Members of the custodian force shall set themselves as example by performing their duties in accordance with the
rules and shall respect the laws duly constituted authorities.
7. No jail personnel shall use abusive, insulting, and indecent language on inmates.
8. No jail personnel shall use unnecessary force on inmates, except legitimate self-defense or in cases of attempted
active passive physical resistance to lawful order.
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 9. No penalty shall be imposed upon any inmate for violation of rules/regulation unless in accordance with the duly
approved disciplinary procedures.
10. Penalties to be imposed shall not be cruel, inhuman or degrading. No physical punishment shall be employed as a
correctional measure.
11. Members of the custodial force must understand that inmates need treatment and counseling and the primary purpose
of confinement is for safekeeping and rehabilitation.
12. When conducting routine custodial (in dormitory compound) guarding ratio of 1:7 or one (1) guard for every seven (7)
inmates shall be observed.
13. When an inmate is in transit the ratio of 1:1+1 every inmate shall be observed. In case of high-risk inmate that demand
extra precaution, additional guards shall be employed. The manning level shall be national in scope for effective jail
administration in all regional, provincial, district, city and municipal jails.

JAIL OFFICES AND OPERATING UNITS FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

OFFICE OF THE WARDEN – the warden is responsible for direction, coordination and control of the personnel, the inmates
and the programs of the institution.

Under the Office of the Warden are the following:

1. Intelligence and Investigation Team – collates and submits intelligence information to the warden on the matters
pertaining to jail conditions.
2. Jail Inspectorate Section – inspect jail facilities, the personnel and prisoners/detainees and submits reports of
deficiencies noted.
1. Public relation Office – task with the maintenance of good public relations to obtain the necessary and adequate
support of the public.
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT WARDEN – he undertakes the development of a systematic process of the treatment for each
individual inmate and determines the degree of custody for such individual in his capacity as chairman of the Classification
Board. He also automatically serves as chair of the Disciplinary Board
1. Classification Board – is tasked with the gathering and collating of information and other data of every prisoner into
a case study to determine the work assignment, type of supervision and degree of custody and restriction under
which an offender must live in jail. Conduct background investigation of inmates to determine the work assignment,
type of supervision and degree of custody and restrictions under which an inmate must live in jail.
• Chairman: Deputy Warden
• Members:
o Chief, Custodian/Security Office
o Medical Officer/Public Health officer
o Jail Chaplain
o Inmates Welfare and Development
2. Disciplinary Board – This shall be organized and maintained by jails for the purpose of hearing disciplinary cases
involving any inmate who violate jail rules and regulations.
• Chairman: Deputy Warden
• Members:
o Chief, Custodian/Security Office
o Medical Officer/Public Health officer
o Jail Chaplain
o Inmates Welfare and Development
o Inmates’ representative
ADMINISTRATIVE GROUP – charge of all administrative functions of the jail.
1. Personnel Management Branch – task for the assignment of personnel, procedures of selection, preparation of
personnel reports and individual record files.
2. Records and Statistics Branch – Keep and maintain booking sheets and arrest reports, keep an orderly record of
fingerprints and photographs, prepare and presents data of inmates.
3. Property and Supply Branch – take charge of the safe keeping of equipment and supplies and materials needed
for operation of the jail.
4. Budget and Finance Branch – take charge of all financial matter such as budgeting, financing, accounting and
auditing.
5. Mess Services Branch – prepare the daily menu, prepares and cook the food and serve it to the inmates.
6. General Services Branch – maintain and repair of jail facilities and equipment. It is also task with cleanliness and
beautification of the jail compound.
7. Mittimus Computing Branch – receive court decisions and compute the date of the full completion of the service
sentence of inmates.
Note:
MITTIMUS – is a warrant issued by a court bearing its seal and signature of the judge, directing the jail or prison
authorities to receive the convicted offender for the service of imposed sentence therein.

SECURITY GROUP – provides a system of sound custody, security and control of inmates and their movements and also
responsible to enforce prison or jail discipline.
1. Escort/Subpoena Platoon
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 • Escort Section – produce inmates under proper guard, to Prosecutor’s authority upon proper summons. Transfer
the prisoner to penal institution on the proper order of the court or authority.
• Subpoena Section – receives, distributes, and/or serve subpoenas, notices, orders, summons and other court
processes directed to inmates confined in jail.
2. Security Platoon – responsible for proper system of security and control procedures of inmates in confinement, and
searching of all personnel and visitors entering the jail compound to check and prevent the smuggling of contraband.
Note:
• Contraband was commonly described in the past as any material that night be used for an escape or used to take
advantage of other inmates. Such items as matches, money, pornographic pictures, guns, drugs and tools are
generally considered as contraband. Any item can be placed on the list of contraband if it is perceived as a threat to
orderly operation of jail or prison.
• At present, contraband is described as any item found on the inmate or in his possession or in his dorm that is not
specifically authorized by the rules.
3. Custodian Section – conduct regular custodial functions over inmates
4. Admitting and Releasing Section – part of the security platoon. It is tasked with receiving of person committed to
the jail and the proper release of prisoners who have served prison sentence or are released on orders of competent
courts or authority.
Process of Admitting Person in Jail:
1. Booking
2. Identification
3. Property Receiving and safekeeping
4. Briefing
REHABILITATION GROUP – provides services and assistance to prisoners and their families to enable them to solve their
individual needs and problems arising from the prisoner’s confinement. Correction and rehabilitation are the primary interest
of this group.
1. Medical and Health Services – provides medical and physical examination of inmates upon confinement, treatment
of sick inmates. Also conducts psychiatric and psychological examination.
2. Work and Education and Therapy Services – in charge of the job and educational programs needed for
rehabilitation of inmates by providing them job incentives so they can earn and provide support for their families while
in jail.
3. Socio-Cultural Services – it takes acre of the social care of the social casework study of the individual prisoners by
keeping interviews, home visits, and referral to community resources, free legal service, and liaison works for inmates.
4. Chaplaincy Services – it takes charge of the religious and moral upliftment of the inmates through religious services.
This branch caters to all religious sects.
5. Guidance Counseling Services – responsible for the individual and group counseling activities to help lead a
wholesome constructive life.
Commitment, Reception and Treatment of Inmate in Jail
Commitment
The means the entrusting for confinement of an offender to a jail by competent court or authority for investigation,
trial and/or service of sentence is known as commitment.

Courts and Institution Authorized to Commit a Person to Jail

1. Supreme Court
2. Court of Appeals
3. Court of First Instance (CFI) or Regional Trial Courts (RTC)
4. Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC)
5. Municipal Trial Court (MTC)
6. National Prosecution Service
7. Police Authorities
8. Court of Agrarian Relations (CAR)
9. Board of Transportation (BOT)
10. Military Tribunal
11. Deportation Board
12. Commission on Elections
13. Secretary of National Defense
14. All other administrative bodies as may be authorized by law
Reception Procedures in Jail
1. The Jail Desk Officer shall carefully check the credentials of the person(s) bringing in the incoming inmate to
determine his/her identity and authority.
2. He shall examine carefully the arrest report and the authenticity of the inmate has been committed under legal
authority as provided for by Section 3 Rule XIII, Rules of Court.
3. The admitting jail officer or jailer shall search carefully the incoming inmates for weapons and other contraband.
4. The admitting officer or jailer shall take all cash and other personal property from the inmate, list down on a receipt
form in duplicate, duly signed by him and countersigned by the inmate. The original receipt should keep for the record
and the duplicate copy should be given to the inmate.
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5. All cash and other valuables of the inmates must be turned over to the Trust Officer or Property Custodian for keeping
covered by official receipts.
6. The inmate shall then be fingerprinted and his photograph taken.
7. The admitting officer of jailer shall accomplish a jail booking report in four copies, attaching thereto the photographs
of the inmate to be distributed as follows:
• BJMP Central Office
• Regional Office
• Provincial Administrator’s Office
• Jail Files
8. The newly admitted inmate shall be thoroughly strip-searched followed by a careful examination of his clothing for
contraband. He shall be checked for body vermin, cuts, bruises and other injuries.
9. The Jail Physician or Local Health Officer shall immediately conduct a thorough medical examination of the inmate.
10. When it is not possible for the Jail Physician to be in attendance during the admission of the inmate, the receiving
officer shall observe the mental alertness, overall appearance and any abnormalities or appearance of rashes or
scratches or other identifying marks of the individual and note them down in the inmate’s jail booking report. The
inmate observed to be suffering from any contagious disease shall immediately be isolated.
11. A medical record shall be accomplished by the Jail Physician or Local Health Officer showing the condition of the
inmate or detainee at the time of admission and to include, if possible, his medical history.
12. A social case study shall be accomplished by a social worker as basis for the inmate’s classification and proper
segregation.
13. The sentenced prisoner shall be provided with jail clothing. His personal clothing should be receipted, cleaned and
stored safely until his release. The detainee, for his own safety, may be allowed to wear civilian clothes.
14. As soon as possible, the inmate should be briefed or oriented on the jail rules and regulations.
15. The Warden shall establish and maintain a jail record of all inmate’s consisting of information concerning the inmate’s
name and alias, if any; weight, height and body marks or tattoos, if any; nationality and, if naturalized Filipino, his
previous nationality; previous occupation/profession; prior criminal conviction; and previous place of residence. In the
case of a prisoner, the record shall also indicate the crime which he was convicted; the sentencing court, his sentence
and the commencement date thereof; institutional behavior and conduct and the date he was received for
confinement.
16. In the case of the detainee, the record shall indicate the Investigation Slip number of his case, if pending with the
prosecutor’s office; or the criminal case number in the trial court where the case is on appeal and the status of the
appeal; or the reason for his detention. The jail record shall be signed by the Warden.
17. Upon completion of the reception procedures, the inmate shall be assigned to his confinement.
18. If available the inmate should be issued all the materials that he will be using during his confinement.
19. A jail may be used for the safekeeping of any fugitive from justice from any province, and the Warden shall in such
case be entitled to receive the same compensation for the support and custody of such fugitive from justice as is
provided for other offenders, to paid by the officer demanding the custody of the prisoner, who shall be reimbursed
for such outlay as part of the costs of the prosecution.
20. Detainee is presumed innocent and shall be treated as such. If possible, he shall be segregated from convicted
prisoners.
21. Upon receipt of a detainee who is accused of an offense before a court, he shall be appraised, preferably in the
dialect which he understands, that under Article 29 of the Revised Penal Code as amended by Republic Act No.
10592, his preventive imprisonment shall be credited in full in the service of his sentence consisting of deprivation of
liberty with the whole period he is detained if he agrees voluntarily in writing to abide by the same disciplinary rules
imposed upon convicted offenders; provided: The, he is not a recidivist, or has not been convicted preciously twice
or more times of any crime; and when, upon being summoned for the execution of his sentence, he failed to surrender
voluntarily.
22. If the detainee agrees to abide by the same disciplinary rules imposed upon convicted prisoners, he shall be asked
to manifest his “Agreement” in writing. Otherwise, the Warden shall issue a “certification” under oath to the effect that
detainee was appraise of the provisions of Article 29 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, and that the detainee
refused to abide by the rules imposed upon convicted offenders.
23. A detainee who signs an “Agreement” shall be treated as a sentenced prisoner in so far as work and discipline are
concerned. Any failure or neglect to perform his assigned work shall be considered sufficient to cause for the
cancellation of the “Agreement”
24. A detainee who is not covered by a “Certification” shall not be required to wok but he may be made to polish his dorm
and perform such other work as may be necessary for hygienic or sanitary reason he shall be credited with the service
of his sentence with four-fifths (4/5) of the time during he was detained.
25. The Warden shall submit the “Agreement” or “Cancellation”, as the case may be, to the proper court before the dates
set for the arraignment of the detainee and the same shall form part of the records of the case.
26. The same procedure shall be followed with respect to all accused persons who have been convicted but whose cases
pending appeal before a higher court the “Agreement” or “Cancelation”, as the case may be, shall form part of the
records of the case.
27. Full credit for the preventive imprisonment shall commence from the date of the “Agreement”

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TREATMENT OF INMATES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
As the general rule, inmates with special needs should not be held in jails with other regular inmates. However, given
the reality of budget constraints, increasing inmate population, insufficient facilities and inadequately-equipped detention
homes, Wardens and Jails Officers shall
endeavor to provide the best arrangement they can for such inmates, in keeping with the rule. It is assumed that inmates have
been properly evaluated and classified for this purpose.
Female
• The women’s quarters should be fully separated from the male quarters
• All handling and supervision of female offenders/detainees must be done by female jail staff
• In larger jails, services may be provided by a resident matron who shall keep the keys to women’s quarters and should
be available at anytime
• No male offender shall be allowed to enter the women’s quarters
• Only work suitable for their age and physical condition should be assigned to female inmate
Notes:
• There shall be a special accommodation for all pre-natal care and treatment. Arrangement shall be made whenever
practicable for child to be born in jail; this fact shall not be mentioned/stated in the birth certificate
• Where nursing infants are allowed to remain in the institution with their mothers, provisions shall be made for nursery
staffed by qualified persons, where the infants shall be placed when they are not in the care of their mothers
• The inmate-mother has the right to be with her child in the institution until the child’s first year birthday.
Drug Users/Dependents
• Inmate found to be drug dependents should be segregated from other offenders, especially during the withdrawal
period
• Close supervision of inmates should be maintained to prevent attempts to commit suicide or self-mutilation
• Only a qualified physician shall prescribe sedatives/stimulants deemed necessary for inmate’s treatment
• Appropriate measures should be taken to enable inmates to follow strictly the jail physician’s advice regarding diet
and other medical intervention/treatments during the withdrawal period; and
• Conduct a regular search of inmate’s quarter and maintain constant alertness to prevent the smuggling of narcotics
and other dangerous drugs.
Alcoholics
• Alcoholics should be placed in a comfortable quarter separate from other offenders and maintain close supervision
to guard against suicide attempts
• Any symptoms of abnormal behavior among offenders should be reported to jail physician
• Close supervision should be maintained to guard against the smuggling of liquor and other intoxicating drinks or
products containing alcohol
Mentally-ill
• The mentally-ill should be under the close supervision of a jail physician
• The mentally-ill should be placed in the individual cells and special restraint rooms provided for violent cases
• Close supervision should be maintained to guard against suicide attempts or violent attacks on others
• The mentally-ill should be transferred to mental institutions for proper psychiatric treatment
Sex Deviates
• The homosexual should be segregated immediately to prevent them from influencing other offenders or being
maltreated or abused by other inmates; and
• The other sex deviates, likewise, should be separated from other inmates for closer supervision and control
Escape-prone Inmates
• The escape-prone inmates should be held in the most secured, preferably in single cells
• Their conduct should be closely supervised and their actuations observed during and after visiting hours
• Their quarters should be searched frequently and subject to frequent strip search
• Their telephone calls should be restricted and its use should be allowed only if monitored on an extension
Suicidal Inmates
• The suicide prone prisoner/detainees should be given close and constant supervision;
• Search their quarters and premises for tools/material that can be used for suicide; and
• They should be subjected to frequent strip searches
The Handicapped, Aged and Infirm
• The handicapped should be housed separately and closely supervised to protect them from maltreatment or abuse
by other offenders
• Special treatment should be given to these prisoners who shall be required to work only in accordance with their
physical capabilities for their own upkeep to maintain sanitation of their quarters and surroundings

Non-Philippine Citizen Inmates

The warden shall report in writing to the Bureau of Immigration and the respective embassies of the detained
foreigners with the following information:
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 • The name of jail
• The name of the foreigner
• His nationality and the number of his/her Alien Certification of Registration if any;
• Age and sex
• The offense charged;
• Case Number
• Court/Branch
• Status of the case
Concept of Jail Security
The overall concept of jail security operation encompasses both prevention and rehabilitation. These two efforts are
inseparable as neither can be accomplished without the other. Jail security is necessary to safeguard the lives of the people
residing within the vicinity, those managing the jails; and inmates whose lives are to be rehabilitated to become constructive
members of society.
Security and Control
The following guidelines should be strictly observed in jail, security and control:
1. Maintain strict control of firearms. Never permit any firearms inside the jail except in some areas where firearms are
authorized
2. Maintain 24-hour supervision of inmates
3. Maintain a system of key control which shall include an accurate listing of all keys and receipting them. Never permit
any inmates to handle keys or study them.
4. Secure firearms and anti-riot equipment in the armory where they shall be within easy reach of the jail guard and yet
afford maximum security against access by inmates.
5. Supervise the proper use of tools and other potentially dangerous articles such as bottles, acids, kitchen knives, etc.,
and keep them out of inmates’ reach when not in use.
6. Conduct regular inmate’s count at least (4) times within the 24-hour day period. Establish procedures which will
ensure beyond doubt, that every inmate is physically present or accounted for, at every count.
7. Conduct frequent surprise searches of inmates and their quarters to detect contraband.
Note:
• Operation Greyhound is the term used by the BJMP in relation to this surprise searches. The BuCor on the other
hand using the term Operation Galugad but with the same meaning of Operation Greyhound
8. Conduct frequent inspections of security facilities to detect tampering or defects.
9. Guard against escape, assault on jail personnel and inmates’ disturbances.
10. Develop plans dealing with emergencies like escapes, fire, assaults and riots. Make plans known and understood by
jail personnel.
11. Never allow a jail guard to open the inmates’ quarters alone. At least another guard should be present.
12. Select carefully the inmates to be assigned as orderly or aide and maintaining rigid control over their activities. No
inmate should be allowed to assume any of the authority which belongs to the jail staff or shall any inmate be allowed
to exercise authority, supervision and control over the inmate.
Inmates’ Count
It is a part of instructional procedure that at specified times during each 24-hour period, all inmates are physically counted,
for this type of count, the general procedures are as follows:
1. Each inmate is counted physically at specified times;
2. During the count, all movements of inmates shall cease until the count is completed;
3. Th count must be accurate. A positive verification must be made to ensure that the inmates are physically present.
Counting a man on the basis of seeing any part of his clothing, hair, shoes is not a good counting procedure;
4. Report of each count of a group of inmates is submitted to the Warden and/or Deputy Warden; and
5. It the total jail inmates’ count does not tally with the total jail population at any given time, another count shall be
made. An immediate report shall be rendered to the Warden and/or Deputy warden for any unaccounted inmates.
Security Procedures during Meal Service
Security must be considered in the serving of food inside the cell’s quarters. A jail officer should not enter the quarters
of the inmates to distribute food unless another officer is available to handle the keys and control the entrance door. The
feeding is to be accomplished with only one officer on duty, it is essential that food shall be served without unlocking the door
if there is danger of being overpowered by the inmates. If not, the door may be opened but he must be in the alert always.
Dining Room Security
1. As a general precaution, individual mess utensils of inmates shall be made of plastics.
2. When dining rooms are provided, the inmates should be marched in column of two’s along designated routes
under the supervision of one or two jail personnel. Other officials may be stationed along the route to direct the
orderly movement of inmates to and from the mess hall.
3. There must be a roving supervisor to handle occasional disturbances or settle complaints
4. After meals, all utensils used by inmates should be collected. This should be strictly supervised by jail personnel
to be sure that no utensils are brought out of the dining room.
5. Forks, spoon and other kitchen utensils should be checked and accounted for after every meal.
Mail Censorship

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 To give the inmate a respite from the restrain of prison life, he should be encouraged to maintain wholesome contact
with friends and relatives through correspondence. A mere personal source of knowledge about happenings in the outside
world will tone down the depressive mood that develops when someone is shut off from the outside world. However, the
privilege of sending and receiving mail extended to inmates should be properly supervised and handled to obviate the
possibility of smuggling contraband and using this as a means of illicit communication.
Procedures When Censoring Mails
1. Mail shall be secured until such time that the censors are ready to examine them;
2. The inmate’s mail shall open and searched only by qualified, trained and authorized jail personnel;
3. Letter containing currency, checks or money should be marked with the amount enclosed and deposited with the
Trust Officer/Property Custodian. The receiving officer should list down the amount received on a receipt form
induplicate. The original receipt signed by the receiving officer should be kept for the record and the duplicate
copy should be given to the inmate for his information;
4. All greeting cards should be carefully examined and fillers of any kind found therein should be collected for
laboratory examination;
5. Photographs clearly within the scope of the jail regulations should be marked on the reversed side and placed in
the envelop;
6. Any item or correspondence or enclosure that does not conforming with the regulations or are detrimental to
security, order and discipline of the jail should be brought to the attention of the jail warden;
7. In the censoring of mail, prison slang, unusual nicknames and sentences with double meaning should be carefully
studied and analyzed to determine their real meanings;
8. All letters containing statements concerning the security or reputation of the jail, like attempts pf escape,
smuggling/trafficking of contraband and statement that may affect the rule and policies, etc., shall be forwarded
to the Office-in-Charge of mail censorship;
9. All letters passed by censors should be the censors stamp at the top of each page and on the envelope. The
letters should be placed back in the same envelope and released;
10. A listing of mails for inmates should be properly posted in a conspicuous place this will also form part of the
records of the jail;
11. If the inmates fail to claim his letter within 24 hours after it has been posted, the mail should be delivered to him;
12. Contents of the offender’s mail should not be discussed with other jail personnel, except for the official purposes;
and
13. All outgoing mails shall pass through the normal mail facility of the jail subject to the usual censorship.
Fire Prevention Rules
Fire does not only cause financial losses but also loss of lives and property. To prevent occurrences of fire in jails
and minimize its effect if such occur, the following rules should be allowed:
1. Inmates should be kept aware of the hazards caused by the careless handling of cigarettes, inflammable materials,
fuel, welding equipment, etc.;
2. Fire extinguishers should be placed in close proximity to all housing units and should be located in strategic places
in buildings and work areas;
3. Empty drums and cans should be filled with water and some with sand and placed in strategic places for ready use;
4. Keys to all emergency exits, cells, brigades, and storage places of firefighting equipment should be made available.
Such keys should have tags, marked strictly to avoid confusion during emergencies;
5. Portable floodlights should be available in the control center for night fire; and
6. Government equipment should be marked priority tags or symbols to determine which should be first for evacuation
during an emergency.
Emergency Plans
Emergency plans for fire or conflagration, riots or violence disturbance, jail breaks and ither such occurrences should
be formulated to suit the physical structure and other peculiar to the individual jail. Hence herewith are suggested steps or
activities, which may be considered for warden’s planning. Fire plan and like should become a part of the operational plans
which every jail is expected to maintain in the office files. It is important that each participant know his particular rule.

Plan in Case of Fire or Conflagration

1. Fire crew, consisting of jail personnel and inmates chosen according to the degree of the custody, intelligence, interest
and training should be formed and trained to man the fire fighting truck and then be made available at all times;
2. The inmates who are selected should be separately housed in close proximity to the fire truck and other equipment.
They should be issued special uniforms different from those ordinary inmates so that they may be checked and
identified easily when outside the main compound;
3. At the first sign of fire, the Control Center shall immediately sound a pre-arranged alarm either by a siren bell, pr any
means available. At the same time, it shall notify the Fire Department, Police Headquarters and other units that may
help in putting out the fire and/or evacuation of inmates;
4. The Desk Officer or the person-in-charge of the keys to the storage for firefighting equipment, emergency gates and
gates of different cells/brigades, should distribute the keys to the responsible personnel concerned;
5. All inmates in the affected area shall be required to help in putting out the fire, using the water and sand in the drums
and cans, the firefighting equipment, fire extinguishers and such other things available to put out the fire;
6. The fire crew shall immediately respond to the scene to put out the fire while the other jail personnel shall station
themselves according to priority and under proper guard;
7. If there is a necessity to evacuate government records, supplies and equipment, they should be evacuated in a safe;
place according to priority and under proper guard;
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 8. If it is necessary to evacuate the jail population, they should be evacuated in an orderly manner, using the closed
vans and other vehicles, or by any other means, to pre-arranged buildings or detention centers for their safe and
temporary confinement under strict security;
9. When the all-clear alarm is sounded, first aid shall be administered to the injured, an institution-wide count of inmates
should be made and immediately followed by a security check;
10. If the inmates were evacuated and the jail is still intact, they should be returned to the institution and continue normal
jail activities; and
11. Through investigation relative thereto should thereafter be conducted and report thereon be submitted to the
Provincial Jail Administrator and copy furnished the Assistant Regional Director, the Chief, Jail Bureau, and the
Stationed or Sub-station Commander.
Plans for Riots and Violent Disturbances
No matter how efficient the jail administration is, there will always be occasional riots or disturbances that require
immediate emergency action. While it is not possible to foresee the exact nature of the disturbance and when it may occur,
there should be pe-determined and well-defined plans of action to cope with such emergencies, like the following:
1. At the sound of the first pre-arranged alarm, all inmates must be locked up inside their respective cells/quarters.
Inmate’s work crew should be brought immediately into designated areas by custodian for accounting and
subsequently locked after the inmates’ count;
2. If the disturbances occur during visiting period, all visitors should be immediately ushered out of the visiting premises
to the most secured portion of the jail previously pre-determined for this purpose. They should not be permitted to get
out of the premises until proper counting of inmates shall have been made;
3. Simultaneously, all members of security group out on post shall immediately report to the Desk Officer and shall make
themselves available for emergency deployment. All critical posts shall be covered according to the PLAN to prevent
escapes. Do not rush into the scene. The senior officer present automatically take command of the force and make
assessment of the situation;
4. The Control Center shall take into consideration the readiness of all communication lines emergency calls to the
outside. At the moment, the operator should not entertain incoming calls except purely official calls;
5. The Desk Officer or the Armorer should make an immediate preparation for the issuance of the necessary anti-riot
equipment and firearms;
6. On his judgement and proper assessment of the prevailing condition, the Officer in command may cause the division
of the available force into three (3) groups as follows:
• 1st group – to compose the initial anti-riot assault contingent whose main objectives is to disperse the rioters and get
their leaders and shall be armed with wicker shields, protective headgears, gas masks and night sticks or batons,
when these are available.
• 2nd group – to serve as back-up force to support the first group and for this purpose shall be equipped with tear gas
and gas grenades.
• 3rd group – to compose of guards trained on proper handling and use of firearms who shall be ready to fire when the
lives of the guards are in peril on orders of the Officer-in-Command.
7. When everything is ready, the Officer-in-Command shall, with the use of a megaphone or microphone or any public
address system, direct the inmate to cease and desist, return to their respective cells or face the consequences of
their acts, the known leaders should be called by their names and asked to stop the rioting or disturbance.
8. The second alarm shall be sounded when all efforts of the Officer-in Command had failed. By this time, all guards shall
be prepared for the assault. The first group shall now enter the compound followed by the second group at a discreet
distance the third group shall be in strategic position, ready to fire when and if the guards are in danger.
9. The first group shall be tasked with quelling the riot and getting the leaders of the rioting group and, if meet with stiff
resistance, should withdraw on orders of their leaders;
10. The second group shall not use riot control gases, except in orders of the Officer-in-Command. Gas should be used
and, in such quantity, to have the desired effects. When the area is saturated with gas, the first group with gas masks
shall attack using the batons to force the rioters back into their cells and get the leader. Used of pressurized water
from the fire truck may be resorted to.
11. On instruction of Officer-in-Command, initial alarm shall be relayed to the Superintendent, Station or Sub-station
Commander and/or the nearest police station or unit giving assistance to quell such disturbance in the jail;
12. When conditions become critical and the disturbance has reached full scale, the Officer-in-Command shall cause the
sounding of the third alarm. At this instance, Control Center shall notify all nearby police agencies for assistance and
then all other plans in connection with jail uprisings shall be executed. Nearby hospitals shall also be notified if the
situation demands;
13. As the last resort to prevent mass jailbreak or serious assault upon members of the custodian forces, the selected
marksman of the third group may be ordered to fire, by the Officer-in-Charge, only after due warning shots. Here again,
reasonable caution, to ensure the safety of individuals, is imperative. The order to fire should be given only as a last
resort, not necessarily to kill but only to aim at designated targets, not at innocent by-standers, fellow officer or some
other employees; and
14. Finally, after any such incident, the following steps should be undertaken:
• Administer first aid to the injured;
• Conduct inmates’ count;
• Segregate ring leaders and agitators;
• Check security of the institution;
• Conduct a thorough investigation of the incident. Prosecute those who have violated the laws, rules and regulations;
• Repair damages;
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 • Adopt effective measures to prevent repetition of similar incidents; and
• Submit reports to the Provincial Jail Administrator and copy furnished the Central Office of the Jail Bureau, and the
Station and Sub-station Commander.
Plans for Escapes or Jail Breaks
Since escape basically occurs without warning, it is essential that the jail shall have well-developed plans or
procedures that may be placed into effect quickly. Time is of the essence in blocking off the movements of escapees and
effecting recapture.
Basic Guidelines in Dealing with Jail Breaks in Progress
1. The Control Center shall immediately sound the alarm and the Warden or Desk Officer shall be notified;
2. At the first sound of the alarm, all inmates shall be locked in their respective cells while those in work detail should
be marched in on orderly manner to their cells;
3. All jail personnel, custodial or non-custodial shall make themselves available for emergency development with the
exception of those previously. The Desk Officer or the Armorer shall issue firearms to members of the custodial force
who shall be immediately dispatched to strategic posts according to the PLAN;
4. Personnel who have inmates under their supervision, assigned to essential maintenance posts such as powerhouse,
kitchen, hospital, fire station, etc., must remain on duty take their accounting at the time of the emergency alarm and
report thereon submitted to the Control Center;
5. A simultaneous institution-wide count shall be made to determine the number of inmates who escaped and their
identities established;
6. As soon as the identities of the escapees have been established, their names and other personal circumstances shall
be immediately flashed to all units of the province, district, station or sub-station, and all nearby station shall be
notified;
7. Radio and television stations and other news media shall be notified and, if possible, furnished with the escapees’
photographs for possible publication and flashing over the television screen;
8. Recovery team shall be ordered to proceed to all known liars, hangouts, residences, and houses of immediate
relatives and friends for the immediate recapture of the escapees;
9. In case of mass jail break all members of the custodial force shall be immediately issued firearms and assigned to
critical posts to block the escapes routes while the pursuing team should get out of the jail premises to recapture the
escapees. The rest of the jail personnel and the custodial force who are off-duty be contacted by cellular phone or
through the fastest means available to require them to report for duty immediately;
10. If an officer or any member is held hostage, reasonable cautions should be taken to ensure his/her safety;
11. If the warden is held hostage, for all intents and purposes, he ceases to exercise authority and the next in command
or the most senior officer present shall take over;
12. If there are no hostages and the inmates are still inside the jail compound and continue to defy orders given by the
Warden or the Officer-in-Charge, procedures shall be activated immediately according to plan;
13. Maximum force shall be deployed for escapees found holding on an area to pressure them to surrender and overt
their movements; and
14. An investigation shall be conducted to determine any flaws in the Security Plan for possible correction to be submitted
to Assistant Regional Director, copy furnished the Central Office of the Jail Bureau, the Station or the Sub-station
Commander.
Movements/Transfer of Prisoner/Detainees
Instances when inmates may be brought out from Jail:
1. To appear as witness or as accused, before any court of justice or prosecutor’s office during preliminary investigation,
arraignment or hearing of a criminal case;
2. To appear as witness with leave of court in any investigation or formal inquiry being conducted by a government
agency;
3. To view with leave of court the remains of the deceased relative within the second degree of affinity or consanguinity;
and
4. To undergo with leave of court medical examination or treatment in an outside hospital or clinic.
Transfer to the Another Institution
• An inmate may be transferred to another institution only upon specific order of the Court having jurisdiction over him,
except in cases of serious illness where hospitalization is necessary and the detainee immediately taken to the
nearest hospital with the court subsequently notified.
• In any emergency and other compelling situation/necessities, when the transfer to other jails of inmates involved is
necessary to ensure safety and security of the inmates and the personnel, the warden can recommend to the Regional
Director verbally or in writing, immediate transfer to another jail within the region provided that, on the first hour of the
following working day, the court concerned must be informed of the said transfer.

Viewing of the Remains of a Deceased Relative

For those inmates who wish to view the remains of a deceased relative, leave of court shall first be obtained. However,
the warden may request for reconsideration from the court to recall and disapprove said order under any of the following
grounds:
1. The deceased relative is lying-in-state in a place beyond 30 kilometers radius from the place of confinement of the
inmate or, in any case, where the inmate cannot return to said place during daylight hours;
2. The detainee has a record of escape; and
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 3. The detainee is classified as high risk/high profile and the jail has inadequate resources to ensure his/her safety and
security.
Before leaving the jail for authorized destination, the inmate shall turn over to the Warden such amount that may be
necessary to pay for his transportation and meal expenses and those of the jail officers escorting him.
Notes:
• Documents necessary for the request of an inmate to view the remains of a relative:
1. Death certificate of the deceased relative duly signed by the attending physician of Local Civil Registry
2. Burial permit; and
3. The appropriate certificate as indicated after the name of each deceased relative:
i. Spouse – marriage contract
ii. Child – Birth Certificate of the deceased child and Marriage Certificate of the inmate
iii. Brother or Sister – Birth Certificates of the inmate and his deceased brother or sister
iv. Father or Mother – Birth Certificate of the inmate
v. Grandparent – Birth Certificate of the inmate and his parent who is the son or daughter of the deceased
vi. Grandchild – Birth Certificate of the deceased and the inmate’s son or daughter who is the father or mother
of the deceased
Rules to be followed during movement/transfer of inmates:
1. The responsibility of the security of the inmate being moved/transferred shall remain with the custodian until received
by another custodian. Whenever possible, transfer shall be made during the day. Any movement or transfer of inmates
shall be treated confidentially
2. Prior to the movement/transfer, all jail officers shall be given detailed instructions on their duties and responsibilities,
to include specific instructions that the most direct route to the destination must be followed
3. An inmate being moved/transferred shall be handcuffed. When two or more inmates are transported, each must be
secured to the other. In no case shall an inmate be handcuffed and secured to any part of vehicle during the transit
to avoid being trapped in case of accident.
4. Before any movement/transfer, all inmates shall be inspected and searched for dangerous weapon or objects which
may be used for escape or self-destruction
5. As a general rule, inmates under escort shall always be under the watchful eye of the jail officer. The jail officer shall
always be close enough to the inmate being escorted to be able respond effectively in case of emergency.
Basic security precautions that shall be observed during the transfer/movement of inmates:
1. Do not allow inmates to tinker with the handcuffs;
2. Always ascertain that the inmate does not have crippled, deformed or very small hands that will allow him/her to “slip”
the handcuffs;
3. Regard all inmates being moved/transferred as extremely notorious, to avoid being careless;
4. Adjust cuffs properly for tightness to avoid the need of adjustment while on route;
5. Do not allow an inmate to go a toilet or washroom alone;
6. A jail officer shall always walk one step behind and never in front of an inmate. The inmate shall always precede the
jail officer into an automobile;
7. A jail officer shall be extra careful not to sit, stand or walk next to an inmate while carrying a gun, as it can be easily
grabbed from him;
8. Stopping along the highway while in transit is highly discouraged, especially when moving/transporting inmates by
vehicle hired solely for the purpose; and
9. Personal vehicle of the inmates shall not be used for their movement/transfer.
Note:
• In case an inmate is moved/transferred from one jail to another facility or correctional institution, his/her carpeta must
be forwarded to the jail where he/she is to be confined and duly received by the designated Records Custodian.

PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD

• Community-Based Justice: Before colonization, the Filipino communities had their own systems of justice that were
often community-based. Local leaders, such as chieftains or elders, played important roles in resolving conflicts and
addressing wrongdoing.

• Restorative Practices: The focus was more on restoring harmony within the community rather than strictly punishing
offenders. Offenders might have to make amends through reparations, such as returning stolen goods or
compensating victims.

• Social Sanctions: Rather than formal jails, social sanctions were common. This could include temporary exclusion
from community activities or public shaming. These methods aimed to encourage the offender to reflect on their
actions and reintegrate peacefully.

• Customary Laws: Each community had its own set of customary laws, which were unwritten rules governing
behavior. These laws varied among different tribes and regions, but they were respected and upheld by local leaders.

• Spiritual Practices: There were also spiritual elements involved in the correctional process. Offenders might undergo
rituals to cleanse themselves of wrongdoing, seeking forgiveness from the community and their ancestors.

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 • Negotiation and Mediation: Disputes were often settled through negotiation and mediation. Elders or respected
figures would help the parties come to an agreement, which emphasized conflict resolution rather than punishment.
Overall, the pre-colonial corrections system in the Philippines emphasized community involvement, restoration of
relationships, and prevention of conflict, rather than the punitive measures that would later be introduced by colonial powers.

History of Corrections in the Philippines:

1. Colonial Period: During the Spanish rule, the corrections system was very harsh. Punishments were severe and
often involved physical pain. The goal was to scare people away from committing crimes rather than helping offenders
change their behavior.

2. American Influence: When the Americans took over in the early 1900s, they started to improve the prison system.
They introduced new ideas about allowing rehabilitation. Prisons began to offer programs like education and job
training to help inmates learn skills they could use when they were released.

3. Post-World War II Era: After World War II, more people realized that helping offenders change was important. The
goal became not just to punish, but to understand what caused the crime. Programs were created to help with issues
like drug addiction and lack of education.

4. Recent Reforms: In recent years, the Philippines has focused more on rehabilitation. This includes community
programs where offenders can get help instead of just being locked up. The government is also working to respect
human rights and provide better mental health support.

5. Current Challenges: Even with these positive changes, there are still challenges. Prisons often have too many
inmates, and there are not enough resources for good rehabilitation programs. The system is trying to find a balance
between keeping the public safe and helping offenders change.
THE BUREAU OF CORRECTION
Origin of Bureau of Correction

• Pre-Colonial and Spanish Regimes

Origin of the Bureau of Correction may be traced from pre-colonial times, the informal prison system was
community-based, as there were no national penitentiaries to speak of. Natives who defied or violated the local laws were
meted appropriate penalties by the local chieftains. Incarceration in the community was only meant to prevent the culprit
from further harming the local residents.
The formal prison system in the Philippines started only during the Spanish regime, where an organized
corrective service was made operational. Established in 1847 pursuant to Section 1708 of the Revised Administrator
Code and formally opened by Royal Decree in 1865, the Old Bilibid Prison was constructed as the main penitentiary on
Oroquita Street, Manila and designed to house the prison population of the country.
On August 21, 1869, the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City was established to confine
Muslim rebels and recalcitrant political offenders opposed to the Spanish rule. The facility, which faced the Jolo sea had
Spanish-inspired dormitories and was originally set on a 1,414-hectare sprawling estate.

• The American and Commonwealth Government

When the American took over in the 1900s, the Bureau of Prisons was created under the Reorganization Act
of 1905 (Act No. 1407 dated November 1, 1905) as an agency under the Department of Commerce and Police.
It also paved the way for the re-establishment of San Ramon Prison in 1907 which was destroyed during the
Spanish-American War. On January 1, 1915, the San Ramon Prison was placed under the auspices of the Bureau of
Prisons and started receiving prisoners from Mindanao.
Before the reconstruction of San Ramon Prison, the American established the Iuhit Penal Settlement (now
Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm) on a vast reservation of 28,072 hectares. It would reach a total land area of 40,000
hectares in the late 1950s. Located on the westernmost part of the archipelago far from the main town to confine
incorrigibles with little hope of rehabilitation, the area was expanded to 41,007 hectares by virtue of Executive Order No.
67 issued by Governor Newton Gilbert on October 15, 1912.
Other penal colonies were established during the American regime. On November 27, 1929, the Correctional
Institution for Women (CIW) was created under Act No. 3579 to provide separate facilities for women offenders while the
Davao Penal Colony in Southern Mindanao was opened in1932 under Act No. 3732.

1. National Penitentiary (New Bilibid Prison):

o Location: Muntinlupa City.
o Purpose: It is the largest prison in the Philippines and holds inmates sentenced to long terms.
o Programs: Offers education and work programs to help inmates learn new skills.

2. Correctional Institution for Women (CIW):

o Location: Mandaluyong City.
o Purpose: A facility specifically for women offenders.
o Programs: Provides rehabilitation programs that include education, livelihood training, and counseling.

3. San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm:

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 o Location: Zamboanga City.
o Purpose: Holds male inmates and focuses on rehabilitation through agricultural work.
o Programs: Inmates work on the farm, which helps them learn farming skills.

4. Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm:

o Location: Palawan.
o Purpose: Known for its open-air prison system where inmates can live outside their cells.
o Programs: Emphasizes rehabilitation through farming and other productive work. Inmates have more
freedom compared to traditional prisons.

5. Leyte Regional Prison:

o Location: Abuyog, Leyte.
o Purpose: Houses male inmates and offers working opportunities like farming and fishing.
o Programs: Inmates can participate in education and skills development programs.

6. Davao Prison and Penal Farm:

o Location: Davao del Norte.
o Purpose: Inmates work on agricultural projects as part of their rehabilitation.
o Programs: Offers training in various skills to help inmates reintegrate into society after release.
7. Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm
o Location: Occidental Mindoro, part of the MIMOROPA Region of the Philippines
o Purpose: houses prisoners for rehabilitation purposes through education, religious, livelihood, and health
programs
o Programs: Offers training in various skills to help inmates reintegrate into society after release.

City Jail (Various Locations):

o Purpose: Local jails found in cities, these hold inmates awaiting trial or serving short sentences.
o Programs: Some city jails offer basic rehabilitation programs, but conditions can vary widely.

These facilities aim to provide different types of rehabilitation and programs to help inmates reintegrate into society. The focus
is generally on education, skills training, and work opportunities.

SEVEN CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES (UNDER THE BUCOR)

1. New Bilibid Prison
• Location: Muntinlupa City
• Land Area: 551 hectares
• Capacity: 9,007
• Year Established: November 15, 1940
2. San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm
• Location: Zamboanga City
• Land Area: 1,414 hectares
• Capacity: 1,550
• Year Established: August 21, 1870 through a royal decree promulgated in 1869
3. Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm
• Location: Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
• Land Area: 41,007 hectares
• Capacity: 911
• Year Established: 1904
Sub Colonies:
i. Central with an area of 14,700 hectares
ii. Sta. Lucia with 9,685 hectares
iii. Montible with 8,000 hectares
iv. Inagawan with 13,000 hectares
4. Correctional Institution for Women
• Location: Mandaluyong City
• Land Area: 18 hectares
• Capacity: 1,000
• Year Established: November 27, 1929 by Republic Act No. 3579
5. Leyte Regional Prison
• Location: Abuyog Leyte
• Capacity: 486
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 • Year Established: 1972 by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 28
6. Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm
• Location: Occidental Mindoro
• Land Area: approximately 16,190 hectares
• Capacity: 1,065
• Year Established: September 26, 1954 by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 72
7. Davao Prison and Penal Farm
• Location: Panabo Davao
• Land Area: approximately 30,000 hectares
• Capacity: 3,500
• Year Established: January 21, 1932
7.1 Correctional Institution for Women-Davao – The CIWM is a satellite prison facility under the supervision
and direction of Davao Prison and Penal Farm administration pursuant to an administrative order issued by BuCor central
office
CIWM is a new kid in town. It is the most recent facility organized in the Bureau of Corrections. It was only
inaugurated in September 18, 2007, the second institution which branched out from the first and only penal establishment
dedicated in rehabilitating female offenders.

Purposes of Corrections and Sentencing

Deterrence – is the preventive effect which actual or threatened punishment of offenders has upon potential offenders. The
doctrine of deterrence shows the aim of the state to prevent crime in order to have a peaceful society.
Rehabilitation – in the process to help the criminals to adjust to society and to avoid deviant behavior several measures were
undertaken to rehabilitate them. To cite a few, these are vocational training, counseling and therapeutic treatment.
Reintegration – this process submits that the criminal behavior was due to the gap between the criminal and the community.
For this reason, the offender must be assisted to strive harder to face the forces in the community which he will join upon his
release from jail/prison.
Isolation of prisoners – criminals are ferreted from the community so as to protect law-abiding citizens.
Punishment – a penalty inflicted on an offender through judicial procedure.

PENOLOGY
- is derived from the Greek word “poine” which means punishment and “logus” which means discourse.
- it is the science of the application of knowledge of the causation of crimes to the treatment and reformation
of criminals and the prevention of crimes.
- it is the study of crime prevention, prison and reformatory management and the correction of criminals.

DEFINITION OF PUNISHMENT – is the infliction of some sort of pain as redress that the state takes against the offender for
violating the law.

FORMS OF PUNISHMENT
The forms of punishment in primitive society were employed:
Death Penalty – carried out by hanging, burning, immersing in boiling oil or water, feeding to wild animals and in many
other barbaric ways.
Corporal Punishment - inflicted on the offender by flogging, mutilation and maiming.
Public Humiliation - effected by the use of stocks and pillory, docking steel, branding, shaving off the hair, etc
Banishment- sending person away as punishment.
Imprisonment- the more recent form of punishment.

JUSTIFICATION OF PUNISHMENT
• Retribution - as a justification of punishment of criminals, is an exaction of the offense committed and is known as
“eye for an eye” or “a tooth for a tooth”
• Atonement or expiation - is a justification of punishing an offender done by the public for the satisfaction of their
anger or for the reparation of the damaged caused.
• Deterrence - is a justification of punishing the offender to give him a lesson and to show to others what would
become of them if they will do the same.
• Protection- is the purpose and justification of placing an offender inside jail to immobilize him and secure society
from the continuous commission of crimes.
• Reformation- is the purpose of punishing an offender in order to change him from being a bad element in society to
a law-abiding citizen.

CRIMINOLOGICAL AND PENOLOGICAL THEORIES

1. Pre-Classical Theories:
• The Secular Theory of Punishment – This theory believes that punishment is means of restoring the balance
between pleasure and pain (“Nicomedean Ethics” by Aristotle).
• The Judean-Christian Theory – This theory of expiation believes that punishment has a redemptive purpose of
repealing sin advocated by the devil
• Rise of Canonical Courts – The theory under this church court was mainly reformatory in purpose.

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 • The Individualization of Punishment – This theory gave the judges wide discretion to add to the punishment
additional penalties in view of the circumstances.
2. Classical Theory of Penology (Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham)
This theory came about as a protest against the abuses and discriminatory power of judges exponent of this theory
holds that:
• Justice consists of equal treatment of all criminals for like offenses, whereas the courts of the day were dealing
unequally with criminals according to their rank and influence;
• The legislature, not the courts, should determine the exact punishment appropriate to each crime. No discretion would
be left to the judge.
3. Neo-Classical Theory (19th Century)
The theory argues that punishment should be imposed on some lawbreakers but not to others by recognition of
exempting and justifying circumstances like minority of the offender and insanity.
4. The Italian or Positivist Theory (Cesare Lombroso, Enrico Ferri, Rafaele Garofalo)
The adherents of this theory maintains that crime cannot be treated and checked by the imposition of punishment
fixed and determined, but thru the enforcement of individual measures in such particular case after a prior investigation
conducted by a competent body of psychiatrists and social scientists.
5. Theory of The Modern Clinical School (Lombroso, Ferri, Garofalo)
The criminal is the product of his biological inheritance conditioned in his development by the experiences of life to
which he has been exposed from early infancy up to the time of the commission of the crime.

Prison/Penitentiary, Jail Distinguished

In the Philippines, there is a distinction between a “jail” and “prison”. A “jail” is defined as a place of confinement for
inmates under investigation or undergoing trial, or serving short-term sentences. It is differentiated from the term “prison”
which refers to the national prisons or penitentiaries managed and supervised by the Bureau of Corrections, an agency under
the Department of Justice. Jails include provincial, district, city and municipal jails managed and supervised by the Provincial
Government and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), respectively, which are both under the Department
of the Interior and Local Government.
Municipal and city prisoners are committed to municipal, city or district jails managed by the BJMP. A district jail is a
cluster of small jails, each having a monthly average population of ten or less inmates, and is located in the vicinity of the
court.6 Where the imposable penalty for the crime committed is more than six months and the same was committed within
the municipality, the offender must serve his or her sentence in the provincial jail which is under the Office of the Governor.
Where the penalty imposed exceeds three years, the offender shall serve his or her sentence in the penal institutions of the
BuCor.

Is An Inmate Required to Appear Before the Classification Board?

- Yes, the inmate is required to appear the classification board for a frank discussion concerning his assets and
weakness and is informed of the program planned for him. He is also asked to cooperate with program for his own
good.

What Is Good Conduct Time Allowance?

- A good time allowance is a privilege granted to the prisoner that shall entitle him to a deduction of his term of
imprisonment.

GOOD CONDUCT TIME ALLOWANCE

(GCTA) RA 10592
Section 1. Who are Entitled. - The good conduct for the following shall entitle them to the deductions describe in Section 2
hereunder from their sentence as good conduct time allowance (GCTA) pursuant to Artticle 29 of the Revised Penal Code,
as amended, and to Sections 2 to 8 hereof;
1. A detention prisoner qualified for credit for prevention imprisonment for his good conduct and exemplary behavior; and
2. A prisoner convicted by the final judgment in any other local jail for his good conduct and exemplary behavior.
Section 2. Deductible Good Conduct Time Allowance. - A qualified prisoner, whether detained or convicted by
final judgment, shall be entitled to the following deductions from his sentence for good conduct;
a. During the first two years of imprisonment, he shall be allowed a deduction of twenty days for each month of good
behavior during detention;
b. During the third to the fifth year, inclusive, of his imprisonment, he shall be allowed a reduction of twenty-three days for
each month of good behavior during detention;
c. During the following years until the tenth years, inclusive of his imprisonment he shall be allowed a reduction of twenty-
three days for each month of good behavior during detention; and
d. During the eleventh and successive years of his imprisonment, he shall be allowed a deduction of thirty days for each
month of good behavior during detention.
Number of Years of Number of Days of GCTA for every Month of Good
Imprisonment Behavior
1 two years
st 20 days
3rd to 5th year 23 days
6 to 10 year
th th 23 days
11th year onwards 30 days

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When Can a Prisoner Be Released?
- After service of sentence
- Upon order of the court
- When on Parole
- When pardoned
- After an Amnesty is granted

Can A Prisoner Be Released by Mere Verbal Order or By Telegram?

- No. Prisoner shall not be released on a mere verbal order or by telegram or telephone. Prisoner to be release by
reason of acquittal or dismissal of a case, payment of fines or indemnity or after filling of a bond shall only be released
upon receipt of a release order duly signed by the judge or the clerk of court.
- The court order shall bear the full name of the prisoner, the crime charged, the criminal cases number, and such other
details that will enable the officer in charge to identify properly the prisoner to be released

How Shall Criminal Liability Is Totally Extinguished?

- By death of convict
- By service of the sentence
- By Amnesty
- By Absolute Pardon
- By prescription of the crime
- By prescription of the penalty
- By the marriage with the offended woman in a rape case.

What Is Prescription of Crime?

- Prescription of crime is the forfeiture or loss of the right of the state to prosecute the offender after the lapse of the
certain time.

CRIME WITH PRESCRIPTION PERIOD ARE THE FOLLOWING:

CRIMES PRESCIPTION PERIOD
Reclusion Perpetua 20 Years
Correctional Penalty 10 Years
Libel or Similar Offense 1 Year
Oral Defamation and Slander by Deed 6 Months
Light Offenses 2 Months

When Does Partial Extinction of Criminal Liability Happen?

- By Conditional Pardon
- By Commutation of the Sentence
- For Good Conduct Allowance

Who Grants Time Allowance for Good Conduct?

- The Director of prison shall grant time allowance for good conduct.

Distinguished The Pardon by The Offended Party and The Pardon Extended by The Chief Executive or The
President
- Pardon by the Chief Executive extinguished the criminal liability of the offender, not on the pardon granted by the
offended party.

- Pardon granted by the chief executive cannot include civil liability that the offender must pay, but the offended party
can waive the civil liability that the offender must pay.

- Pardon granted by the offended party should be given before the prosecution of the criminal action, whereas pardon
by the chief executive may be extended to any of the offenders, after conviction.

Discuss Criminalization and Decriminalization

Criminalization – refers to the process of making a legal act, illegal by enacting new law under criminal law.
Decriminalization – is a process of removing offenses embodied under the existing criminal court.

What is Diversification?
- Is an administrative device of a correctional institution in providing varied and flexible types of physical plants for the
effective control of the treatment programs of its diversified population.

What are the Factors to be Considered in Diversification?

• Age
• Sex
• Medical or Mental Condition
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• Degree of custody

Thank you!
Notes Compiled and Edited By: Crmgst. Daiselyn A. Dasig

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