PRISON, JAIL AND PRISONERS
1. Detention Prisoners- Inmate who is undergoing
Prison - Penitentiary, an institution for the
imprisonment (incarceration) of person convicted of
major/serious crimes. A building, usually with cells, or
other places established for the purpose of taking safe
custody or confinement of criminals. A place of
confinement for those charged with or convicted of
offenses against the law of the land.
- from Latin carcer, meaning literally "to seize,"
from Old French prisoun, meaning a place in
which people are physically confined and,
usually, deprived of a range of personal freedom.
Jail - Jail is an institution for the confinement of persons
who are awaiting final disposition of their criminal cases
and also for the service of those convicted and punished
with shorter sentences, usually up to three years. It is a
place for locking up of persons who are convicted of
minor offenses.
- Derived from the Spanish word "jaulo" which
means cage, from the Spanish term "Caula," and
from the French term 'Gaol" pronounced as
G'eole. The Spanish word "Jaulo", the French
term "Gaol" and the English term jail have the
same connotations. It only varried in spellings.
- Convicted or pending tiral
Prison distinguished from Jail
• As to term of Penalty- in Jail, 3 years and
below; in Prison, more than 3 years.
• As to Inmates- in Jail, convicted or pending
trial; in Prison all convicted.
• As to administration- in Jails, as far as
Provincial Jail is concerned, it is under the
administrator of the provincial government; in
case of Municipal and City District Jail, it is
under the supervision of the Bureau of Jail
Management and Penology; in case of prison it
is under the Bureau of Correction.
• As to head of the institution- Jail, it is headed
by a Warden; Prison and Colony and Penal
Farm, headed by the Superintendent.
NOTE: the population of jail and prison including penal
farms and penal colonies except the personnel are called
inmates, prisoners with exception of jails whose inmates
are undergoing trial of their cases are also called
detainees.
Provincial Jails- RAC Sections 1729 to 1731 provides
the Administration of the Provincial Jail. They are
managed and controlled by the Provincial LGU. The
Provincial jail system was first established in 1910 under
the American regime.
General Classification of Prisoners
investigation/trial or awaiting final judgment. Those
who are detained for the violation of law or ordinance
and not yet convicted by the court. They are under the
jurisdiction of Courts.
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6127- Fully deducts the
period of the offenders' preventive detention
from the sentence imposed by the courts.
B.P. Big. 85- Authorizes the release of a detainee
who has undergone preventive imprisonment
equivalent to the maximum imposable sentence
for the oliense he is charged with.
DOJ M.C No. 6- Directs all wardens or anyone
In-charge of local Jalls to effect the immediate
transfer of national prisoners to the Bureau of
corrections.
2. Sentenced Prisoners- Offender who are committed to
the jail or prison in order to serve their sentence
after final conviction by a competent court. Convicted by
final judgment of the crime charged against them. They
are under the jurisdiction of the penal institutions.
3. Prisoners who are on Safekeeping- Includes non-
criminal offenders who are detained in order to protect
the community against their harmful behavior.
Safekeeping is the temporary custody of a person or the
detention of a person for his own protection or care, to
secure him from liability, harm, injury or danger.
Classification of Sentenced Prisoners
1. Insular or National Prisoners- Those sentenced to
suffer a term of 3 years and 1 day to Reclusion Perpetua
or Life Imprisonment. Those sentenced to suffer a term
of imprisonment of 3 years and 1day to life imprisonment
but appealed the judgment and unable to file a bond for
their temporary liberty.
2. Provincial Prisoners- Those sentence to suffer a term
of imprisonment from 6 months and 1 day to 3 years or
fine not more than 1, 000 pesos or both; those detained
therein waiting for preliminary investigation of their
cases cognizable by the RTC.
3. City Prisoners- Those sentence to suffer a term of
imprisonment from 1 day to 3 years or a fine not more
than 1,000 pesos or both. Those detained therein whose
cases are filed with the MTC.
4. Municipal Prisoners- Those confined in municipal
jails to serve an imprisonment from 1 day to 6 months.
Those detained therein whose trial of their cases are
pending with the MTC.
Classification of Prisoners According to Degree of
Security
1. Super Maximum Security Prisoners
- special group of prisoners composed of incorrigible,
intractable, and highly dangerous persons who are the
source of constant disturbances even in a maximum
security prison.

2. Maximum Security Prisoners
- Could be dangerous to the public or to the security of
the state.
- Movements are restricted and they are allowed to work
the institution but rather assigned to industrial shops
with the prison in the compound.
- They are confined at the maximum security prison/
camp at (NBP Main building).
- They wear orange color of uniform or tangerine.
- Prisoners include those sentenced to death and those
minimum sentence of 20 years or more. Whose sentenced
are under the review of the Supreme Court. Others:
- Recidiviste, habitual delinquents and escapees.
- Those confined at the RDC
- Those under disciplinary punishment
or safekeeping
-Those who are criminally insane or with severe
personality disorders or emotional disorders
- Include highly dangerous or high security risk who
require a high degree of control.
- They occupy the maximum security camp
Maximum Security Facility- A facility with thick wall
enclosures of 18-25 ft. high constructed with catwalks,
patrol towers and patrol guards for day and night.
Occupants thereat are subjected to work in industrial
facilities within the prison compound
3. Medium Security Prisoners
- Who cannot be trusted in open condition and possess
lesser danger than the maximum.
- Maybe allowed to work outside the fence or walls of the
penal institution, but under guards or escorts.
- They occupy the Medium Security prison (Camp
Sampaguita).
- It includes prisoners whose minimum sentenced is less
than 20 years and life- sentenced prisoners who serve at
least 10 years inside the maximum security prison.
- They wear blue color of uniform.
- Generally they are employed as agricultural workers.
- Prisoners:
1. Those whose minimum sentence is less than 20
years Imprisonment
2. Remand inmates or detainees whose sentences
are below 20 years
3. Those who are 18 years of age and below,
regardless of the case and sentence.
4. Those who have 2 or more records of escapes.
They are classified as medium security if they
have served 8 years since they were
recommitted. Those with one record of escape
must serve 5 years.
5. First offenders sentenced to life imprisonment.
They can be classified as medium security if they
have served 5 years in a maximum security
prison or less, upon the recommendation of the
superintendent.
Medium Security Institution- Fences are utilized
instead of walls the structure is created for prisoners
housed in dormitories. The specifications for
construction of 2 fences with the interior fence
approximately 12 to 14 feet high and the outer fence 8 to
12 feet high and they are to be erected at least 18 feet
apart.
4. Minimum Security Prisoners
- Who can be reasonably trusted to serve sentence under
open conditions without the presence of guard.
- They occupy the Minimum Security (Camp Bukang
Liwayway)
- Brown color uniforms.
- Prisoners:
1. Those with severe physical handicap as certified
by the chief medical officer of the prison.
2. Those who are 65 years of age and above,
without pending case and whose convictions are
not on appeal
3. Those who have serve ½ of their minimum
sentence or 1/3 of their maximum sentence,
excluding GCTA.
4. Those who have 6 months more to serve before
the expiration of their maximum sentence.
Minimum Security Facility- This type of facility has
the main objective of keeping civilians away and It is not
created for purposes of preventing escape. Housed in this
facility are those who are awaiting final release and there
is little or no supervision from authorities. Prisoners are
free to move about subject to compliance to curfew hours.
BUREAU OF CORRECTION
Bureau of Prison was renamed Bureau of Correction
under Executive Order 292. The Administrative Code of
1987 passed during the Aquino Administration. This law
that governs the operation of Bureau of Correction. It
states that the head of the Bureau of Correction is the
Director of prisons who is appointed by the President of
the Philippines with the confirmation of the commission
of Appointment. The Bureau of Correction has general
supervision and control of all national prisons or
penitentiaries. It is charged with the safekeeping of all
insular prisoners confined therein or committed to the
custody of the problem.
Functions:
1. Safekeeping of prisoners convicted by courts three (3)
years and one (1) day and above to serve sentence in
prison
2. Prevent prisoners from committing crimes.
3. Provide inmates basic needs.
4. Ensure rehabilitation programs are made available to
the inmates for their physical, intellectual and spiritual
development.
5. Develop livelihood programs to assist inmates earn a
living and develop their skills while in prison.
On May 24, 2013, PRISIDENT BENIGNO SIMEON C.
AQUINO III signed into law the REPUBLIC ACT NO.
10575 otherwise known as THE BUREAU OF
CORRECTIONS ACT of 2013, which provides for the
modernization, professionalization and restructuring of
the bureau. Organizational structure (Assignment)
ASSESSMENT REHABILITATION PROGRAM
DEVELOPMENT AND MONITORING DIVISION
ARPDMD is tasked to ADMIT, SAFEKEEP, SECURE,
ASSESS, CLASSIFY, RECOMMEND and MONITOR
REHABILITATION PROGRAMS of prisoners
convicted by final judgment by the competent court and/
authorities to serve sentence at the national penitentiary.
Composition
• Psychiatrist- examine prisoners mental and emotional
make-up
• Psychologist- responsible for the character and behavior
of the prisoner
• Sociologist- study social case situation of the individual
prisoner
•Educational Counselor- conduct orientation classes in
order to change inmate attitudes toward education and
recommends educational program for the prisoner.
• Vocational Counselor- test prisoners’ special abilities and
skills
• Chaplain- encouraged the prisoners to participate in
religious activities and to bring their life close to God.
• Medical Officer- conduct physical examination and
recommends medical treatment of prisoner.
• Custodial-Correctional Officer- recommends the
transfer and type of custody inmates.
The Reception and Diagnostic Center (RDC)-Now
(Directorate for Reception and Diagnostic)
- This is a special unit of prison camp (Camp Sampaguita)
where there new prisoners undergo diagnostic
examination, study and observation for the purpose of
determining the programs of treatment and training best
to their needs and the institution to which they should be
transferred.
Functions:
▪ To examine each offender for contagious
disease and treat and immunize them against
such disease.
▪ To conduct an orientation program and
provide inmates with expiratory vocational
experience in order to deep them profitably
occupied.
▪ To collect and study the social history of each
offenders.
▪ Administer achievement, personality and
intelligent test to determine his capabilities and
potentialities.
▪ To evaluate his emotional make-up by means of
psychiatric interview and observations.
▪ To hold periodic classification meetings to
review each individuals case and final decisions.
▪ To make recommendation for the treatment,
custody and transfer to a suitable institution.
▪ To conduct follow-up work to insure that the
recommendation are carried out, and
▪ To conduct research studies which will
contribute to a better understanding of the
causes of crime, prevention of delinquency and
the rehabilitation of offenders.
Definition of Terms
Mittimus Order- A warrant issued by a court bearing
its seal and the signature of the judge, directing the
prison authorities to receive inmates for the service of
sentence.
Commitment Order- a written order of the court, or any
other agency authorized by law to issue, entrusting an
inmate to a jail for the purpose of safekeeping during the
pendency of his/her case.
Carpeta - Refers to the institutional record of an inmate
which consists of his mittimus or commitment order
issued by the Court after conviction, the prosecutor’s
information and the decisions of the trial court and the
appellate court, if any; certificate of non-appeal,
certificate of detention and other pertinent documents of
the case. Otherwise known as “inmate record or jacket”,
contains the personal and criminal records of inmates,
documents related to his/her incarceration such as but
not limited to: commitment order, subpoenas, personal
identification, orders from the court, and all other papers
necessarily connected with the detention of an inmate.
CORE/OPERATIONAL PROCESS
ADMISSION & SAFEKEEPING/SECURITY
SERVICE
a. Receiving- The new prisoner is received at the RDC.
The new prisoner usually from provincial or city jail
where he was immediately committed upon conviction
by the court, and escorted by the escort platoon during
his transfer to the National Bilibid Prison. Receives
national inmates committed by competent courts and
authorities, upon
presentation of complete pertinent documents such as:
• Mittimus/Commitment Order
• Information and Court Decision in the case
• Certification of Detention
• Certification that the case is not on appeal
• Certificate of no pending case
b. Documentation/Identification- The prisoners’
identity is established though the picture and fingerprint
appearing in the commitment order. This is to ensure
that the person being committed is the same as the
person being named in the commitment order.
c. Searching- This steps involves the frisking of the
prisoner and searching his personal things. Weapon and
other items classified as contraband are confiscated and
deposited to the property custodian. Other properties are
deposited with the trust fund officer under recording and
receipts.
d. Quarantine- This may be a unit of the prison or a
section of the ARPDMD where the prisoner is given
thorough physical examination including blood test, x-
ray, vaccination and immunity. This is for the purpose of
insuring that the prisoner is not suffering from any
contagious disease, which might be transferred to the
prison population.
e. Briefing and Orientation- The prisoner will be
briefed and oriented on the rules and regulations of the
prison before he will be assigned to the DRD of the
quarantine unit.
Orientation Procedures
- Giving prisoners booklet of rules and
regulations explaining the rules to them.
- Conducting group meeting of the center to
explain to the inmates the available treatment
programs and purpose of these treatment
program
DIAGNOSTIC/EVALUATION
Newly committed inmates were interviewed, given tests
and examination by different sections to determine their
level of aptitude, IQ, EQ, skills, socio-psycho profile,
physical and mental status to prepare them for
adjustment to prison life.
Diagnostic procedures performed by different diagnostic
sections in the ARPDMD, are as follows:
• Medical Section- Performs a through medical
history interview, neurological and mental
status examinations.
Medical Officer- conduct physical
examination and recommends medical
treatment of prisoner.
• Educational and Vocational Section- conducts
interview, prepares and submits periodic reports
on the educational profiles and work habit,
history, interest, skills and training needs of
newly admitted inmates.
Educational Counselor- conduct
orientation classes in order to change
inmate attitudes toward education and
recommends educational program for
the prisoner.
Vocational Counselor- test prisoners’
special abilities and skills
• Psychological Section- conducts interview and
administer battery of psychological exams. Test
the newly admitted inmates in the ARPDMD
and interprets, evaluates and submits
psychological reports consisting of intelligence
quotients (IQ), aptitude and personality life.
Psychiatrist- examine prisoners mental
and emotional make-up
Psychologist- responsible for the
character and behavior of the prisoner
• Sociological Section- conducts interview and
prepares the social case history of the inmate’s
version of his case for newly admitted inmates in
the ARPDMD.
Sociologist- study social case situation of
the individual prisoner
• Case Coordination Section- monitors and
coordinates with various diagnostic sections of
ARPDMD on the submission of respective
reports and prepares the case management
record of newly admitted inmates.
The Quarantine Cell or Unit- This may be a unit of the
prison or a section of the RDC where the prisoner is
given thorough physical examination including blood
test, x-ray, vaccination and immunity. This is for the
purpose of insuring that the prisoner is not suffering
from any contagious disease, which might be transferred
to the prison population.
CLASSIFICATION/ASSESSMENT SERVICES
All of the diagnostic results and evaluations are collated,
prepared and generally assessed to generate the
individual case management record which provide
reference for the Treatment/Rehabilitation Programs
and Plans designed for each inmates rehabilitation plans
of inmates during initial classification board. At the
prescribed diagnostic period, inmates are classified
according to the following security status: maximum,
medium and minimum.
Composition of Classification Board
• Chairman – Assistant Superintendent
• Vice-Chairman – Chief, ARPDMD
• Members:
✓ Medical Officer
✓ Security Officer
✓ Chaplain
✓ Guidance Counselor
✓ Chief Education Section
✓ Chief, Agro – Industries
✓ Any officer whose membership is deemed
necessary by the Superintendent
✓ Secretary – Chief Overseer
TRANSFER
• Transfer Order Documentation
• Transfer to Assigned Camps
Upon the Director General approval of the minutes of
classification meeting, the Chief Overseer of the
ARPDMD prepares Correction Order (transfer order)
for the approval of the Chief ARPDMD. Inmates for
transfer are classified as to security staus and transferred
to BuCor Operating facilities (Maximum and Medium
Security Camps), where an inmate will serve his sentence
and comply with the program designed and/or care and up keeping of the institution
recommended for him. properties.
o Agricultural and Industrial
REHABILITATION PROGRAMS Assignments
o Unassignable- prisoners who nearly
Treatment Programs to leave the institution, awaiting
The Philippine Prison System adopted two approaches in transfer, those in disciplinary status, and
treating criminal offenders. These are the institution – those who are chronologically ill with
based programs and the Community – based treatment mental disabilities.
programs. These aimed toward the improvement of
offender’s attitude and philosophy of life, the main being 3. Religious Service
the ultimate rehabilitation of offenders by changing - To inculcate religious values or belief.
inmate’s attitude. Functions of the Chaplain:
o Conduct communion and confession of
A. The Institutional Treatment Program inmates
The confinement of criminal offenders inside the jail and o Conduct religious ministry
prison to serve their sentence by the court were o Conduct private and personal
institutional programs are applied to reform and counselling in the form of inmate
rehabilitate criminals for better individuality. interview
o Other chaplaincy service
1. Prison Education Administrative Functions of the Chaplain:
- The corner stone of rehabilitation. It is the o Member of the RDC staff
process or result of formal training school or o Member of the Classification
classrooms intended to shape the mind and Committee
attitude of prisoners towards good upon their o Render evaluation
release.
- The first recognition of education to prison was 4. Recreational Program
in 1847, New York Reformatory. - The only program that is conducted during free
time schedule.
Classes of Prison Education: Objectives:
o General and Academic Education- o Mental and physical development
to eradicate illiteracy among prisoners. o Awareness of their individual
o Vocational Education- Institutional conditions and provide method of
maintenance works and industrial improvement
projects. o Development of cooperative
- To provide prisoners necessary competitions
skill after their release. o Arouse the interest of the prisoners in
- Courses may include: Radio recreational programs.
Mechanics, Auto Mechanics, Activities: - may include the following:
Horticulture, Shoemaking, o Athletic/sports
Tailoring, Carpentry, o Music and arts
Electronics, etc. o Special activities on special events, etc
o Physical Education- designed for
those who have physical abilities. 5. Medical and Health Services
a. Mental and physical examination
2. Work Programs b. Diagnosis and treatment
- These are programs conducive to change c. Immunization
behavior in morale by training prisoners for a d. Sanitary inspections
useful occupation. e. Participation in training

6. Counselling and Casework

Classification of Prison Work Programs:
o Educational Assignments- prisoners’
maybe assigned to either general
education, vocational or physical
education.
o Maintenance Assignment- this
assignment involves labor related to
Objectives of counselling:
o Immediate solution of specific personal
problem
o Help inmates to increase self-
understanding
Objectives of casework
o To obtain clear description of social
history
 o Solving immediate problems involving
family problems or other personal
relationship
o Assist inmates towards acceptable
solutions
o Support inmates who are nearly
release by giving them guidance or
information
o Professional assistance to offenders on
probation or parole.
B. The Community – Based Treatment Program - are
those programs that are intended to treat criminal
offenders with in the free community as alternative to
confinement. It includes all correctional activities
directly addressed to the offender and aimed at helping
him to become a law-abiding citizen.
1. Parole
2. Probation
BUREAU OF JAIL MANAGEMENT
AND PENOLOGY
The BJMP exercise supervision and control over all cites
and municipal jails throughout the country. The
enactment of Republic Act No. 6975 created the BJMP.
It operates as a line bureau under the Department of the
Interior and Local Government (DILG) Republic Act
No. 9263 is an act for the professionalization of the
Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail
Management and Penology (BJMP), amending certain
provisions of the Republic Act No. 6975, providing funds
therefore and for other purposes. “This Act shall be
known as the Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of
Jail Management and Penology Professionalization Act
of 2004”.
Powers
The bureau shall exercise supervision and control
over all district, city and municipal jails to ensure a
secured, clean, sanitary and adequately equipped jail for
the custody and safekeeping of city and municipal
prisoners, any fugitives from justice or person detained
awaiting investigation or trial and or transfer to the
National Penitentiary, and any violent or mentally ill
person who endangers himself or the safety of others.
Functions
In line its mission the Bureau endeavors to perform the
following;
✓ Formulate policies and guidelines on the
administration of all district, city and municipal jails
nationwide.
✓ Formulate and implement policies for the program of
correction, rehabilitation and treatment of offenders.
✓ Plan the program funds for the subsistence allowance
of offenders;
✓ Conduct researches, develop and implement plans and
programs for the improvement of jail services
throughout the country.
Organization and key position in the BJMP
It shall be respectively headed by a Chief who shall be
assisted by two deputy chief, one for administration and
one for operations, all of whom shall be appointed by the
President upon the recommendation of the Secretary of
the DILG from among the qualified officers with at least
the rank of senior superintendent in the service.
Provided, that in no case shall any officer who has retired
or is restorable within 6 months from his/her
compulsory retirement age be; provided however, that in
times of war or other natural emergency declared by the
congress, the president may extend such tour of duty.
Composition of the National Headquarters
1. Command Group
a. Chief, BJMP
b. Deputy Chief for Administration and Deputy
Chief for Operation
c. Chief of the Directorial Staff
2. Directorates
a. Directorate for Human Resource and Records
Management
b. Directorate for Operation
c. Directorate for Logistics
d. Directorate for Comptrollership
e. Directorate for Program Development
f. Directorate for Intelligence, Investigation and
Inspectorate
3. Management Support Staffs
a. Office of Legal Service
b. Office of General Service
c. Office of Accounting Service
d. Office of Finance Service
e. Office of Supply Accountable Officer
f. Office of Internal Audit Service
g. Office of Chaplaincy Service
h. Office of Media Affairs and Community Affairs
Service
i. Office of Information and Communication
Technology Service
j. Office of Health Service
Regional Office
The BJMP operates and maintain Regional Offices in
each of the Administrative regions of the country, headed
by a Regional Director for Jail Management and
Penology, assisted by Assistant Regional Directors for
Administration and for Operation, and Regional Chief of
the Directorial Staff.
Provincial Level
There shall be designated Provincial Jail Administrator - Undertake the development of a systematic
to perform the same functions as the Assistant Regional process of treatment.
Director for province. - Chairman of the Classification Board and
District Office Disciplinary Board.
In the Provincial level, where there are large cities and
municipalities, a District Jail with subordinate’s jail, C. Administrative Groups
headed by District Warden may be established as - Groups that take charge of all administrative
necessary. function of the jail bureau.
City Municipal Office 1. Personnel Management Branch
In the City and Municipal level, a city or municipal • Assignment of personnel
warden shall each jail. • Procedure of selection
• Preparation of personnel report
Rank Classification of the BJMP • Individual record file
Rank - Position/Title - Appointing Authority 2. Record and Statistic Branch
Director- Chief of BJMP - President by the • Keep and maintaining books sheets and
recommendation of DILG Sec. arrest reports
C/Supt. - Deputy Chief/BJMP - President by the • Keep an orderly record of fingerprints
recommendation of DILG Sec. and photographs
n/Administration/n • Present/prepare statistical data of
n/Operations/n inmates
n/Directorial Staff/n 3. Property and Supply Branch
Senior Supt.- Regional Director - DILG Sec. with - Take charge of the safekeeping of
recommendation of the C/BJMP equipment and supplies
Supt. - Asst. Regional - Director C/BJMP with rec. of 4. Budget and Finance Branch
immediate superior - Take charge of all financial matters.
n/Administration/n 5. Mess Service Branch
n/Operations/n - Take charge of the preparation of the
n/Directorial Staff/n daily menu, prepares and cook.
n/District Jail Warden/n 6. General Service Branch
n/Provincial Jail Admin/n - Responsible for the maintenance and
Chief Insp. - City Jail Warden- n repair of jail facilities.
Senior Ins. - Municipal Jail Warden - n 7. Mittimus Computing Branch
Ins. – Warden- - Responsible to receive court decisions
SJO 4- JO1 - Jail Guards Regional Director for the and compute the date of the full
Regional Personnel and Chief of the BJMP for the completion of the service of sentence
National HQ attested by the CSC imposed therein or for detention.

Duties and Responsibilities D. Security Group

A. Warden
- Responsible for the direction, coordination, and
control of the jail
- Security, safety, discipline and well-being of
inmates
The office of the Warden may organize the following
units:
1. Intelligence and Investigation Team
- It gather, collects and submits
intelligence information to the office of
the warden on matter regarding the jail
condition.
2. Jail Inspectorate Section
- Inspect jail facilities, personnel, and
prisoners and submit reports to the
warden.
3. Public Relation Office
- Maintain public relation to obtain
necessary and adequate public support.
- It provides system of sound custody, security and
control of inmates and their movements and also
responsible to enforce a prison or jail discipline.
1. Escort Platoon
a. Escort Section- to escort inmate upon
order of any judicial body; upon summon
of a court; or transfer to other penal
institutions.
b. Subpoena Section- receives and
distribute court summons, notices,
subpoena, etc.
2. Security Platoon
- A three working platoon shifts
responsible for over-all security of the
jail compound including gates guard
posts and towers. They are also
responsible for the admitting and
releasing unit.

B. Assistant Warden
Reception Procedures, Classification Board,
Disciplinary Board and Punishable Acts of Inmates
A well-planned and orderly reception of inmate has
direct bearing good jail management. A decent and
humane program should start with the commitment of
the inmate since it will give him first impression of the
correctional process and will greatly affect his behavior
while in the confinement and after his release.
Reception Procedures
The following procedures should be observe:
a. The Jail Desk Officer shall carefully check the
credentials of the person(s) bringing in the
inmates to determine his/her identity and
authority. Also, he or she reviews the
completeness of the following documents before
the person bringing an inmate/the committing
officer is allowed to enter the facility. The
documents mentioned earlier refer to the:
a. Commitment Order;
b. Medical Certificate – recent medical
certificate taken within 24 hours prior to
admission;
c. Complaint/Information;
d. Police Booking Sheet; and
e. Certificate of Detention from PNP
and/or NBI.
b. He shall examine carefully the arrest report and
the authenticity of the commitment order or
mittimus in due form to determine whether the
inmate has been committed under legal authority
as provided for by Sec.3 Rule XIII, Rule of Court.
c. The admitting officer or jailer shall search
carefully the inmate for weapons and other
contraband.
d. The admitting officer or jailer shall take all cash
and other personal property from the inmate o
detainee, list them down on a receipt form in
duplicate, duly signed by him and countersigned
by the inmate. The original receipt should be
kept for the record and the duplicate copy should
be given to the inmate.
e. All cash and other valuables of the inmate must
be turned over to the Trust Officer or the
Property Custodian for safekeeping covered by
official receipt.
f. The inmates shall then be fingerprinted and his
photograph taken.
g. The admitting officer or jailer shall accomplish a
jail booking report in four copies, attaching
thereto the photograph of the inmate to be
distributed as follows:
a. BJMP Central Office
b. Regional Office
c. Provincial Administrator
d. Jail File
h. The newly admitted inmate shall be thoroughly
strip-search followed by a careful examination of
his clothing for contraband. He shall be checked
for body vermin, cuts, bruises and other injuries,
and also for needle marks to determine if he is a
drug addict.
i. The Jail Physician or the Local Health Officer
shall immediately conduct a thorough medical
examination of the inmate.
j. 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
physical abnormalities or appearance of rashes or
scratches or other identifying marks of the
individual and note them down in the inmates
jail booking report. The inmate observe to be
suffering from contagious diseases shall
immediately isolated.
k. A medical record shall be accomplish by the Jail
Physician or Local Health Officer showing the
condition of the inmate at the time of admission,
and to include, if possible, his medical history.
l. As social case study shall be made by social
worker as a basis for the inmates’ classification
and proper segregation.
m. The sentenced prisoner shall be provided with
jail clothing. His personal clothing should be
receipted, cleaned and store safely until his
release. The detainee, for his own safety, may be
allowed to wear civilian clothes.
n. As soon as possible, the inmates should be
briefed or oriented on the jail rules and
regulations.
o. The Warden shall establish and maintain a
prison record of all inmates consisting of
information concerning the inmates’ name and
alias, if any, weight, height and body marks or
tattoos, if any, nationality and, if naturalized
Filipino, his previous place of residence. In the
case of a prisoner, the record shall also indicate
the crime for 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. In cases of a detainee,
the record shall indicate in 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 pending; or
status on appeal; or the reason for his detention.
The prison shall be signed by the Warden.
p. Upon completion of the reception procedures,
the inmates shall be assigned to his quarters.
q. If available, the inmate should be issued all the
materials that he will be using during his
confinement.
r. A jail maybe used for 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
 inmates, to be paid by other officer demanding
the custody of the prisoner, who shall be
reimbursed for such outlay as part of the costs of
the prosecution.
s. Detainee is presumed innocent and shall be
treated as such. If possible, he shall segregated
from convicted prisoners. Upon receipt of the
detainee who is accused of an offense before the
court, he shall be apprised, preferably in the
dialect which he understand, that under Art. 29
of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by the
Republic Act No. 6125, his preventive
imprisonment shall be credited in the service of
his sentence consisting of deprivation of liberty
the whole period he is detained if he is agrees
voluntarily in writing to abide by the same
disciplinary rules imposed upon those convicted
previously twice or more times of any crime;
when upon being summoned for the execution of
his sentence he surrendered voluntarily.
t. If the inmates agrees to abide by the same
disciplinary rules upon convicted prisoners, he
shall be asked to manifest “Agreement” in
writing. Otherwise, the Warden shall issue a
“Certification” under oath to effect that the
detainee was apprised of the provision of Art. 29
of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, and that
the detainee refused to abide by the rules
imposed upon convicted prisoners.
u. An inmate who signs “Agreement” shall be
treated as sentence prisoner in so far as work and
discipline are concerned. Any failure or neglect
to perform his assigned work shall be considered
sufficient cause for the cancellation of the
“Agreement” he shall thereafter not be treated as
a convict prisoner and cease to earn the privilege
granted.
v. An inmate who is covered by a “Certification”
shall not be required to work but he may be made
to polish his cell and perform other work as may
be necessary for hygienic or sanitary reasons. He
shall be credited with the service of his sentence
with four-fifths (4/5) of the time during which he
was detained.
w. The Warden shall submit the “Agreement’ or
“Certification”, as the case may be, shall form
part of the records of the case.
x. Full credit for the preventive imprisonment shall
commence from the date of the “Agreement”.
CLASSIFICATION BOARD
a. Composition
- Each jail shall maintain a Classification Board,
if facilities and personnel are available, to be
composed of the following:
Chairman- Assistant Warden;
Members- Chief, Security Officer
Medical Officer/Public Health
Officer
Jail Chaplain
Social Worker/Rehabilitation
Officer
b. Duties and Functions
The Classification Board is tasked to conduct
background investigation of inmates to determine the
cell assignment, the appropriate rehabilitative program,
the type of supervision and degree of custody and
restrictions applicable to the inmate/s. The investigation
shall focus on the following:
1. Facts and data of the present case, explaining
how he was involved in the case;
2. Inmate's recent criminal history and the facts
about the inmate's attitudes and behavior while
confined in other institutions, if the inmate is a
recidivist or a habitual delinquent, parentage or
life history;
3. Biography or life history;
4. Medical History;
5. Vocational, recreational, educational and
religious background/interests; and
6. Psychological characteristics as evaluated by
the psychiatrist and psychologist.
c. The inmate is required to appear before the
Classification Board for a rank discussion concerning his
assets and weakness. After which, he is informed of the
program planned for him. He asked for his willingness
and cooperation to undergo this program for his own
good.
DISCIPLINARY BOARD
- Organized and maintain by jails for the purpose of
hearing disciplinary cases involving any inmate who
violates jails rules and regulations
1. Composition
- A disciplinary board shall be organized and maintained
for the purpose of hearing disciplinary cases involving
any inmate who violates jail rules and regulations. It
shall be composed of the following:
• Chairperson - Assistant Warden
• Members - Chief, Custodial/Security Office
Medical Officer/Public Health
Officer Member
Jail Chaplain Member
Inmates Welfare and Development
Officer
Inmates’ Representative
- If the above composition is not feasible because of
personnel limitation, the warden shall perform the
board’s functions and he shall act as the summary
disciplinary officer.
2. Duties and Functions
- The Board is tasked to investigate the facts of an alleged
misconduct referred to it. It shall hold sessions as often
as necessary in a room, which may be provided for the
purpose. All cases referred to it shall be heard and
decided within forty-eight (48) hours from the date of
receipt of the case.
3. Authorized Disciplinary Punishment Imposable to
Inmates
- The Board is authorized to impose any of the following
disciplinary actions/measures:
For Detainees:
a. Admonition or verbal reprimand;
b. Restitution or reparation;
c. Temporary or permanent cancellation of all or
some recreational privileges;
d. Reduction of visiting time;
e. Close confinement in a cell for a period not
exceeding seven (7) days in any calendar month,
provided that this disciplinary action shall be
imposed only in the case of an incorrigible
inmate, and when other disciplinary measures
had been proven ineffective; and
f. Transfer to another BJMP jail in the area, in
coordination with the Court.
For Prisoners:
a. Admonition or verbal reprimand;
b. Restitution or reparation;
c. Additional job functions/community service
within the jail premises;
d. Temporary or permanent cancellation of some
or all recreational privileges;
e. Reduction of visiting time;
f. Close confinement in a cell for a period not
exceeding seven (7) days in any calendar month,
provided that this disciplinary action shall be
imposed only in the case of an incorrigible
inmate, and when other disciplinary measures
had been proven ineffective;
g. Transfer to another BJMP jail in the area in
coordination with the Court;
h. Suspension of visiting privileges for a period
not exceeding one (1) month, provided that this
sanction shall not apply to the lawyer, physician
or religious minister serving the needs of the
prisoner.
i. Permanent cancellation of visiting privileges
with respect to persons not included in the
definition of immediate family under RA 7438,
provided that this sanction shall not apply to the
lawyer, physician or religious minister serving
the needs of the prisoner.
- In addition to the above-mentioned punishment, the
disciplinary board may recommend to the warden partial
or full forfeiture of good conduct time allowance (GCTA)
to be earned for a particular month and subsequent
months depending upon the gravity of the offense.
4. Limitations
- The Disciplinary Board shall consider the following
limitations when imposing disciplinary punishment:
a. No female inmate shall be subjected to any
disciplinary punishment which might affect her
unborn or nursing child;
b. No infirm or handicapped offender shall be
meted out punishment, which might affect
his/her health or physical well-being;
c. Corporal punishment, confinement in dark or
inadequately ventilated cells and any form of
cruel, unusual, inhumane or degrading
punishment are absolutely prohibited;
d. When necessary, the jail physician shall visit
the detainee/prisoner undergoing punishment
and shall advise the warden of the need for the
termination of the punishment imposed upon the
inmate on grounds of the inmate's physical or
mental health;
e. Instruments of restraint, such as handcuffs, leg
irons and straitjackets are not to be applied as a
form of punishment. They shall only be used as
a precaution against escape and on medical
grounds to prevent an offender from injuring
himself or others;
f. Breaches of discipline shall be handled without
anger or emotionalism and decisions shall be
executed firmly and justly; and
g. As a general rule, any violation of jail rules and
regulations or misconduct committed by the
inmate shall be dealt with accordingly. In
extreme cases where the violation necessitates
immediate action, the warden or the officer of the
day may administer the necessary restraints and
report the action he or she has taken to the
disciplinary board.
5. Procedures in the Hearing of Disciplinary Cases
- The following procedures shall be followed in the
hearing of disciplinary cases:
a. The aggrieved inmate or any person (visitor,
inmate or personnel) reports the violation to the
Desk Officer;
b. The desk officer shall immediately submit a
written report to the warden and the latter shall
direct the Investigation Unit to conduct an
investigation within twenty-four (24) hours
upon receipt of the directive. The Investigation
Unit shall submit to the Warden their report
together with their recommendations;
c. The warden shall evaluate the report and if
he/she believes that there is no sufficient
evidence to support the alleged violation, he/she
shall dismiss the case. If he/she believes that
sufficient evidence exists, he/she shall decide the
case and impose the necessary penalty in case of
minor violations. If the offense is less grave or
grave, he/she shall endorse it to the disciplinary
board for hearing or decide it himself/herself as
a in his or her capacity as summary disciplinary
officer in the absence of a disciplinary board;
d. The inmate shall be confronted of the reported
violation and asked how he/she pleads to the
charge. If he/she admits the violation or pleads
guilty, the Board or the Warden, as the case may
 be, shall impose the corresponding authorized
disciplinary action;
e. If the inmate denies the charge, a summary
hearing shall be held giving the opportunity for
both parties to present their testimonies and
those of their witnesses, if any, and to present
evidence to shed light on the case;
f. After the hearing, the board shall decide with
the merits of the case as bases;
g. Whether the inmate is found guilty or not,
he/she should be advised to obey the rules and
regulations strictly and be reminded that good
behaviour is indispensable for his/her early
release and/or the granting of privileges; and
h. Decisions of the Board/Summary Disciplinary
Officer are subject to review and approval by the
warden or higher authority. The inmates may
request a review of the findings of the
Board/Summary Disciplinary Officer and
propriety of the penalty to the Central Office,
BJMP, whose decision be final.
c. Grave Offenses
PUNISHABLE ACTS OF INMATES
a. Minor Offenses
1) Selling or bartering with fellow inmate(s)
those items not classified as contraband;
2) Rendering personal service to fellow
inmate(s);
3) Untidy or dirty personal appearance;
4) Littering or failing to maintain cleanliness and
orderliness in his/her quarters and/or
surroundings;
5) Making frivolous or groundless complaints;
6) Taking the cudgels for or reporting
complaints on behalf of other inmates;
7) Reporting late for inmate formation and
inmate headcount without justifiable reasons;
and
8) Willful waste of food
b. Less Grave Offenses
1) Failure to report for work detail without
sufficient justification;
2) Failure to render assistance to an injured
personnel or inmate;
3) Failure to assist in putting out fires inside the
jail;
4) Behaving improperly or acting boisterously
during religious, social and other group
functions;
5) Swearing, cursing or using profane or
defamatory language directed at other persons;
6) Malingering or pretending to be sick to skip
work assignment;
7) Spreading rumors or malicious intrigues to
besmirch the honor of any person, particularly
BJMP personnel;
8) Failure to stand at attention and give due
respect when confronted by or reporting to any
BJMP personnel;
9) Forcing fellow inmates to render personal
service to him/her and/or to others;
10) Exchanging uniforms or wearing clothes
other than those issued to him/her for the
purpose of circumventing jail rules;
11) Loitering or being in an unauthorized place;
12) Using the telephone without authority from
the desk officer/warden;
13) Writing, defacing, or drawing on walls,
floors or any furniture or equipment;
14) Withholding information, which may be
inimical or prejudicial to the jail administration;
15) Possession of lewd or pornographic
literature and/or photographs;
16) Absence from cell, brigade, place of work
during headcount, or at any time without
justifiable reason; and
17) Failure to turn over any implement/article/s
issued after work detail.
18) Committing any act prejudicial to or which
is not necessary to good order and discipline
1) Making untruthful statements or lies in any
official communication, transaction, or
investigation;
2) Keeping or concealing keys or locks of places
in the jail which are off-limits to inmates;
3) Giving gifts, selling, or bartering items with
jail personnel;
4) Keeping in his/her possession money, jewelry,
cellular phones or other communication devices
and other items classified as contraband under
the rules;
5) Tattooing others or allowing him/her to be
tattooed on any part of the body, or keeping any
paraphernalia to be used in tattooing;
6) Forcibly taking or extorting money from
fellow inmates and visitors;
7) Punishing or inflicting injury or any harm
upon himself/herself or other inmates;
8) Receiving, keeping, taking or drinking liquor
and prohibited drugs;
9) Making, improvising or keeping any kind of
deadly weapon;
10) Concealing or withholding information on
plans of attempted escapes;
11) Unruly conduct and flagrant disregard for
discipline and instructions;
12) Escaping, attempting or planning to escape
from the institution or from any guard;
13) Helping, aiding or abetting others to escape;
14) Fighting, causing any disturbance or
participating therein and/or agitating to cause
such disturbance or riot;
15) Indecent, immoral or lascivious acts by
himself/herself or others and/or allowing
himself/herself to be the subject of such
indecent, immoral or lascivious acts;
 16) Willful disobedience to a lawful order issued
by any BJMP personnel;
17) Assaulting any BJMP personnel;
18) Damaging any government property or
equipment;
19) Participating in kangaroo court, an
unauthorized or irregular court conducted with
disregard for or perversion of legal procedures as
a mock court by the inmates in a jail/prison;
20) Affiliating with any gang or faction whose
main purpose is to foment regionalism or to
segregate themselves from others;
21) Failing to inform the authorities concerned
when afflicted with any communicable disease,
such as tuberculosis, sexually-transmitted
diseases, etc.;
22) Engaging in gambling or any game of
chance;
23) Committing any act which violates any law
or ordinance, in which case, he/she shall be
prosecuted criminally in accordance with law;
and
24) Committing any act prejudicial to good order
and discipline. Any personnel, especially warden,
found to be allowing and tolerating any violation
mentioned above will be immediately relieved
from his/her designation without prejudice to
his or her being administratively charged.
REHABILITATION PROGRAMS IN JAILS
a. Purpose
- To change inmates’ pattern of criminal behaviour and
reform them into a law abiding and productive citizens
through the implementation of rehabilitation programs
in jails.
b. Treatment Program
- The treatment of inmates shall be focused on the
provision of services designed to encourage them to
return to the fold of justice and enhance their self-
respect, dignity and sense of responsibility as follows:
1. Provision for basic needs of inmates;
2. Health services;
3. Education and skills training;
4. Religious service, guidance and counselling
services;
5. Recreation, sports and counselling services;
6. Work programs, such as livelihood projects;
7. Visitation service; and
8. Mail services;
HANDLING INMATES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
1. Female
a. The female dorm should be completely
separated from the male dorm;
b. A female personnel shall be designated to keep
the keys of the female dorms;
c. Only work suitable to their age and physical
condition should be assigned to female inmates;
d. No male inmate shall be allowed to enter the
female dorm;
e. Male personnel must provide female inmate
with utmost privacy and respect for personal
space;
f. No male jail personnel should be allowed to
enter the female dorm except in emergency cases
or when necessary;
g. Searches shall be performed by a female
personnel trained in the conduct of appropriate
searching methods, shall be made in accordance
with established rules, and shall be provided with
privacy during the procedure;
h. Medical/physical examination shall be
performed by female health personnel. In the
absence of a female health staff, the examination
shall be performed by a male health personnel in
the presence of a female staff; and
i. Female inmates shall be provided with the
opportunity to avail themselves of all programs
and activities male inmates are provided with.
2. Drug Users/Dependents/Alcoholics
a. Inmates found to be drug
users/dependents/alcoholics should be
segregated from other inmates, especially during
the withdrawal period;
b. Inmates undergoing drug/alcohol withdrawal
must be referred to the jail psychiatrist,
physician or nurse for evaluation and
management;
c. Appropriate measures should be taken to
enable inmates to follow strictly the jail
physician’s advice regarding diet and other
medical interventions/treatments during the
withdrawal period;
d. Maintain close supervision over inmates to
prevent attempts to commit suicide or self-
mutilation by designating a jail personnel
trained to manage such cases; and
e. Conducts a regular search of the inmate’s dorm
and maintain constant alertness to prevent the
smuggling of narcotics, liquors and other
dangerous drugs.
3. Mentally-ill
a. Inmates manifesting signs and symptoms of
mental illness must be referred to the jail
psychiatrist for evaluation and treatment;
b. Disturbed inmates (mentally-ill inmates)
should be transferred to mental institutions for
proper psychiatric treatment upon the issuance
of a court order;
c. Close supervision and medical management of
mentally-ill inmates should be maintained by a
jail medical personnel;
d. Place the mentally-ill inmates in separate
dorms or in a special restraint room provided for
violent cases; and
 e. Maintain close supervision over inmates to
guard against suicidal attempts or violent
attacks on others.
4. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT)
a. Segregate LGBTs to prevent their
maltreatment and abuse by other inmates and to
prevent them from maltreating and abusing
other inmates.
5. Sex Offenders
a. Inmates charged with sexually-related crimes
should be segregated to prevent them from
taking advantage of other inmates; and
b. Maintain close supervision and control.
6. Suicidal Inmates
a. Inmates manifesting signs and symptoms of
depression/suicidal tendency must be referred to
the jail psychiatrist for evaluation and
management;
b. Inmate who attempts to commit or has
attempted to commit suicide must be transferred
to a government psychiatric hospital
immediately upon issuance of court order;
c. Maintain close supervision over suicidal
inmates at all times and designate personnel
trained to handle such cases; and
d. Subject them to frequent strip/frisk searches,
and greyhound operation for tools/materials
that can be used for suicide
7. Sex Deviates
a. Homosexuals should be segregated
immediately to prevent them from influencing
other inmates or being maltreated or abused by
other inmates; and
b. Likewise, other sex deviates should be
separated from other inmates for closer
supervision and control.
8. Escape-Prone Inmates
a. Escape-prone inmates should be held in the
most secure quarters, preferably in single-inmate
cells, to minimize their contact with one another;
b. Their conduct/behavior should be closely
watched/observed during and after visiting
hours and their activities, closely monitored;
c. They should be frequently strip searched and
their quarters frequently inspected;
d. Special attention should be given to the
examination of items recovered from strip
searches; and
e. Telephone calls must be restricted and only
calls that can be monitored through an extension
line shall be allowed.
9. Inmates with Disability
a. Inmates with disability should be segregated
and closely supervised to protect them from
maltreatment and any form of abuse by other
inmates, personnel and visitors;
b. Individual case management and special
activities should be developed and conducted to
address distinct of the inmates;
c. Collaboration with other government agencies
should be done to ensure that disabled inmates
are provided with the services and benefits
contemplated under the Magna Carta for
disabled persons; and
d. Tasks related to self-care of inmates with
disability shall be supervised and assisted to
avoid potential self-harm or accidents.
10. Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL)
Pursuant to the RA 9344, CICL shall not be confined in
jails. Hence, serious efforts shall be exerted by Wardens
to immediately transfer the custody of any CICL to a
Youth Detention Home or Youth Rehabilitation Center.
a. Upon admission, CICL shall be subjected to a
thorough physical examination. The results of
such examination shall form part of the records
of the case of the CICL;
b. Provide a separate detention cell for CICL;
c. Continuously coordinate with the Public
Attorney’s Office (PAO) for the provision of
paralegal assistance to expedite CICL cases;
d. Continuous coordination and follow-up of
CICL cases should be made facilitate the
provision of appropriate intervention programs
by the DSWD;
e. The “Law on Proportionality" in the
implementation of rehabilitation programs
should be observed making said rehabilitation
programs distinct and different from those given
to adult inmates;
f. Unless absolutely necessary, a child in conflict
with law should not be handcuffed nor other
instruments of restraint applied on him/her,
when he or she attends hearings or when he or
she is brought to the hospital or is transferred to
other institutions;
g. The use of vulgar or profane words should be
avoided in dealing CICL;
h. CICL should not be required to wear prison
uniforms; and
i. Upon release from confinement, the records of
the CICL shall be sealed, and at an appropriate
time, expunged.
11. Senior Citizen Inmates
a. Senior citizen inmates should be segregated
and close supervised to protect them from
maltreatment and other forms of abuse by other
inmates;
 b. Individual case management strategies should 9) Additional data information.
be developed and adopted to respond to the
special needs of elderly inmates;
c. Collaboration with other government agencies
and community-based senior citizen
organizations should be done to ensure that the
services due the senior citizen inmates are
provided; and
d. Senior citizen inmates should be made to do
tasks deemed fit and appropriate, their age,
capability, and physical condition considered.

12. Infirm Inmates

a. Inmates with contagious diseases must be
segregated to prevent the spread of said
contagious diseases;
b. Infirm inmates should be referred to the jail
physician or nurse for evaluation and
management; and
c. Infirm inmates must be closely monitored and
provide with appropriate medication and utmost
care.

13. Pregnant Inmates/Female Inmates with Infants

a. Pregnant inmates must be referred to jail
physician or nurse for pre-natal examination;
b. They should be given tasks that are deemed fit
and proper, their physical limitations,
considered;
c. During active labor, pregnant inmates should
be transferred nearest government hospital;
d. Treatment of mother and her infant/s shall be
in accordance with the BJMP Policy (Refer to
DIWD Manual); and
e. Female inmates with infants shall be provided
with ample privacy during breastfeeding
activity.

14. Inmates of Other Nationalities

a. The Warden shall report in writing to the Bureau of
Immigration and the respective embassies of the detained
foreigners the following:
1) Name of Jail;
2) Name of Foreigner;
3) Nationality and the number of his/her Alien
Certificate of registration, if any;
4) Age/Sex;
5) Offense Charged;
6) Case Number;
7) Court/Branch;
8) Status of Case; and