PHILIPPINE PRISON HISTORY • On January 22, 1941 it was

transferred to Muntinlupa City

1. BILIBID PRISON
• 587 ha, part of which was suitable
• Spanish Penal Code, 1847 on
for farming
Oroquieta Street
• Lt. George Wolfe was its 1st director
• Opened on April 10, 1986 by a
of Prison
Royal Decree
• Surrounded by three layers of
• “Mayhaligue Estate”
barbed wire
• For boys town
• Walls
• Manila City Jail
o 8-12ft for minimum
2. San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm
o 12-14ft for medium
• Southern Tip of Zamboanga Del Sur
o 18-25 ft for maximum
• August 21, 1869/1870 – Established o Two parallel with sight
to confine Muslim rebels and
• Pres. Fidel V. Ramos signed in to
intractable political prisoners
law the imposition of Death Penalty
opposed to the Spanish rule.
on Heinous Crime –RA 7659, Dec.
• 1414-1524.6 ha sprawling estate 13, 1993
• Copra • Lethal Injection – RA 8177, March
• Named after its founder Capt. 20, 1996
Ramon Blanco • Feb. 5, 1999, Leo Echegaray, 1st
3. Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm death executed thru Lethal Injection
• Americans established it on • Sodium Thlopental – put convict to
November 4, 1904 sleep
• Luhit Penal Settlement • Panouronium Bromide – paralyze
• Located at Puerto Princesa, the muscle
Palawan • Potassium Chloride – stop the heart
• Institution for incorrigibles with little beat
hope MINIMUM SECURITY
• 40,000ha in 1950’s o Bukang Liwayway
• “Prison without Walls” Camp
• Suggested by Gov. Luke Wright o Half-way house and
• Order of Gov. Forbes Juvenile Training
• By virtue of Reorganization Act of Center
1407 created by Bureau of Prison MEDIUM SECURITY
on Nov 1, 1905 (well-behaved) o 2.5 km from main
• Administered TAGUMPAY building
SETTLEMENT (6ha homestead lots o Camp Sampaguita
distributed to inmates who live there o Reception and
• Lt. George Wolfe became its 1st Diagnostic Center
Superintendent o Youth Detention
• Was expanded to 41,007 ha by Center
virtue of E.O. 67 issued by Gov. MAXIMUM SECURITY
Newton Gilbert on October 15, 1912 o Death convicts
• Divided into 4 Colonies o Inmates sentenced to
o Sta. Lucia Sub-Colony life term
o Inagawan Sub-Colony o Numerous pending
o Montible Sub-Colony cases,
o Central Sub-Colony o Multiple convictions,
4. New Bilibid Prison and
• 1936 started the construction
 o Sentenced of more
than 20 years
5. Davao Penal Colony and Farm
• Tagum, Davao del Norte
• 30,000 ha
• First Penal settlement organized
under Filipino Administration
• Established on Jan. 21, 1932 in
accordance to Act No. 3732 and
Proclamation 414 of 1931, signed
by Gov. Dwight Davis
• Biggest banana and Abaca
plantation (3000ha)
• Tanglaw Settlement and Tagum
settlement
• Two Sub-colony
o Panabo Sub-colony
o Kapalong Sub-colony
• Tanglaw Settlement and Tagum
settlement
• Engaged in Tagum Development
Company (TADECO)
6. Sablayan Penal Colony and Farm
• 16,408.5 ha in Sablayan, Occidental
Mindoro
• established on Sept 27, 1954by
Proclamation No. 72
• Rice is the principal product
• Mr. Candido Bagasoain – first head
of Sablayan
• Four Sub-Colony
a. Central sub-colony
b. Pusog sub-colony
c. Pasugui sub-colony
d. Yapang sub-colony
7. Correctional Institution for Women
• Established in Mandaluyong Rizal
by Act No. 3579 on November 27,
1929
• “Womens Prison”
• 18ha
• In 1934,the position for Female
Supt. Was made for the operation of
this penal facility
8. Leyte Regional Prison
• Located in Abuyog, Southern Leyte
• Established on Jan. 16, 1973, PD
No. 28, by Ferdinand Marcos
• Considered as the youngest prison
▪ “National Correctional Consciousness
week”- every last week of October
▪ Bureau of Prison was renamed Bureau
of Corrections under the New
Administrative Code of 1987 and
Proclamation No. 495 issued on
November 22, 1989
Bureau of Corrections
▪ Headed by a Director who is appointed
by the President of the Philippines with
the confirmation of COA.
▪ Has general supervision and control of
all national prisons/penitentiaries.
▪ Charged with the safekeeping of all
insular prisoners confined therein or
committed to the custody of the Bureau.
Classification of Prisoners
▪ P.D. 29 – the law that classified
prisoners
▪ According to Status
▪ According to PD 29
▪ According to the Sentence
According to Status
▪ Detention Prisoners – those held for
security reasons; held for investigation;
those awaiting final judgment; those
awaiting trial. Persons detained for
violation of law or ordinances and not
yet convicted.
▪ Sentence Prisoner – those convicted
by final judgment.
According to PD 29
▪ Insular or National Prisoner – those
whose sentenced is 3years and one
day to death or whose fine is more than
six thousand pesos (P6,000.00), or
both.
▪ City/Provincial Prisoner – those
whose sentence is less than 3 years or
whose fine is less than six thousand
pesos (P6,000.00) but more than two
hundred pesos (P200.00), or both.
 According to Sentence
▪ Insular Prisoner – one who is
sentenced to a prison term of 3 years, 1
day to death.
▪ Provincial Prisoner - one who is
sentenced to a prison term of 6months,
1 day to 3years.
▪ City Prisoner- one who is sentenced to
a prison term of 1 day to 3years.
▪ Municipal Prisoner- one who is
sentenced to a prison term of 1 day to 6
months
Three types of Detainees
▪ Undergoing custodial investigation;
▪ Awaiting for or undergoing trial; and
▪ Awaiting for final judgement
Note: Inmate – either a prisoner or
detainee (presently called as PDL –
Persons Deprived of Liberty)
▪ "Prison" refers to a penal
establishment under the control of the
Bureau of Corrections and shall include
the New Bilibid Prison, the Correctional
Institution for Women, the Leyte
Regional Prison and the Davao, San
Ramon, Sablayan and Iwahig Prison
and Penal Farms;
▪ “Competent authority" shall refer to
the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals,
Regional Trial Court, Metropolitan Trial
Court, Municipal Trial Court, Municipal
Circuit Trial Court, Sandiganbayan,
Military Courts, House of
Representatives, Senate, Commission
on Elections, Bureau of Immigration
and the Board of Pardons and Parole;
▪ "Inmate" refers to a national prisoner
or one sentenced by a court to serve a
maximum term of imprisonment of more
than three (3) years or to a fine of more
than one thousand pesos (P1,000.00);
or regardless of the length of the
sentence imposed by the court, to one
sentenced for violation of the customs
law or other laws within the jurisdiction
of the Bureau of Customs or
enforceable by it, or for violation of
immigration and elections laws; or to
one sentenced to serve two (2) or more
prison sentences in the aggregate
exceeding the period of three (3) years,
whether or not he has appealed. It shall
also include a person committed to the
Bureau by a court or competent
authority for safekeeping or similar
purpose. Unless otherwise indicated,
"inmate" shall also refer to a "detainee".
▪ "Detainee" is a person who is confined
in prison pending preliminary
investigation, trial or appeal; or upon
legal process issued by competent
authority;
▪ "Death convict" refers to an inmate
whose death penalty imposed by a
Regional Trial Court is affirmed by the
Supreme Court en banc;
▪ "Bureau" refers to the Bureau of
Corrections;
▪ "Director" refers to the Director of the
Bureau;
▪ "Department" refers to the
Department of Justice;
▪ "Secretary" refers to the Secretary of
Justice;
▪ "Superintendent" refers to the one in
charge of a prison;
▪ "Guard" refers to a member of the
custodial force of a prison;
▪ "Board" refers to the Board of Pardons
and Parole;
▪ "Carpeta" refers to the institutional
record of an inmate which consists of
his mittimus/commitment order, the
prosecutor's information and the
decision of the trial court, including that
the appellate court, if any;
▪ "Prison record" refers to information
concerning an inmate's personal
circumstances, the offense he
committed, the sentence imposed, the
criminal case numbers in the trial and
appellate courts, the date he
commenced service of his sentence,
the date he was received for
confinement, the place of confinement,
the date of expiration of his sentence,
the number of previous convictions, if
any, and his behavior or conduct while
in prison.

Admission of Inmates
▪ Admission – an inmate shall be
admitted in the Reception & Diagnostic
Center (RDC) of a prison upon
presentation of the following
documents:
▪ Mittimus/Commitment Order of
the court;
▪ Information and Court decision
in the case;
▪ Certificate of Detention, if any
and
▪ Certification that the case is not
on appeal.
▪ Note: A female inmate shall be
received only by female officer.
▪ Mittimus – a warrant issued by the
court bearing its seal and the signature
of the judge, directing the jail or prison
authorities to receive inmates for
custody or service of sentenced
imposed.
▪ Commitment Order – a written order of
the court or any other competent
authority consigning an offender to jail
or prison for confinement.
▪ Registration Book – a prison shall
keep abound registration book wherein
all commitments shall be recorded
chronologically. The register contain
the following entries:
▪ Name of Inmate;
▪ Reason for commitment and the
authority thereof;
▪ Sentence
▪ Date and hour of admission; and
▪ Date and hour of discharge or
transfer and basis thereof.
▪ Admission Process – After
registration, the inmate shall be
photographed, front and side view,
fingerprinted and assigned a
permanent prison number. The male
inmate shall then be given a regulation
haircut and his beard/mustache, if any,
shall be shaven off.
▪ Hairpieces – An inmate may not wear
a wig or artificial hairpiece, unless
medical authorization to do so is
approved by the Superintendent.
▪ Place for admission – the admission
of an inmate shall be made in a area
that is physically separated from the
general prison population.
▪ Body search of inmate; personal effects
– upon admission, the inmate shall be
searched thoroughly. He shall be
allowed to retain in his possessions
only such articles as authorized
hereunder.
▪ A list of all articles taken from the
inmate shall be entered in the inmate’s
record and receipted by the guard in
charge thereof.
▪ All articles taken from the inmate shall
be returned to him upon his discharge
unless previously disposed of at the
inmate’s request or ordered
condemned by the Superintendent after
a lapse of two (2) years.
▪ If the inmate brings in any drugs or
medicine, the medical officer on duty
shall decide on its disposition.
▪ Confiscation of contraband –
narcotics and all other prohibited drugs
or substances, the possession and/or
use of which are punishable under our
laws, all types of weapons, substances
or chemicals that may cause injury to
persons, and items or articles which an
inmate is not allowed to possess under
prison rules shall be considered
contraband items and confiscated.
 Issuance of Uniforms & etc
▪ The newly admitted inmate shall be
issued two (2) regulation uniform/suits
and two (2) t-shirts. Whenever
practicable, he shall also be issued the
following items:
▪ 1 blanket
▪ 1mat
▪ 1 pillow with pillow case
▪ 1 mosquito net
▪ 1 set mess kit
▪ 1 pair of slippers
The inmate shall be held responsible
and accountable for the items issued to
him.
▪ Personal effects of inmate – in
addition to the articles supplied by the
prison, the inmate may bring clothes
and other items essential to his well-
being., provided the quantity, nature
and dimension thereof will not interfere
with the safety and living conditions of
the other inmates.
▪ The Superintendent may allow the
inmate to bring electrical equipment like
televuision sets, radio cassettes, video
players, electric fans and similar items
provided the same is for common use
with other inmates.
▪ In no case shall an inmate be allowed
to bring in luxurious items such as air
conditioners, carpets, sofas, beds,
sleeping mattresses, washing
machines and the like.
▪ Wearing of Jewelry – an inmate may
not wear jewelry items. He may,
however allowed to wear an
inexpensive watch and the like.
Admission and Confinement of
Inmates
▪ Reception and Diagnostic Center
(RDC)
▪ There shall be a RDC in every
prison which shall receive and
classify inmates and detainees
committed to the Bureau.
▪ Quarantine – upon admission in the
RDC, an inmate shall be placed in
quarantine for atleast five (5) days
during which shall be:
▪ given physical examination to
determine any physical illness or
handicap or mental ailment and
to segregate those suspected of
having an infectious or
contagious disease. If found
sick, the inmate shall be
immediately confined in the
prison hospital;
▪ Oriented with prison rules; and
▪ Interviewed by a counsellor,
social worker or other program
staff officers. The interview shall
be conducted in private.
▪ Assignment of Inmate – After the
quarantine period, the inmate shall
remain in the RDC for a period not
exceeding fifty-five (55) days where
he shall undergo psychiatric,
psychological, sociological, vocational,
educational and religious and other
examinations.
▪ The result of said examinations shall be
the basis for the inmate’s
individualized treatment program.
▪ Thereafter, he shall be assigned to a
prison facility as may be recommended
by the Chief of the RDC.
▪ Inmate Record – the RDC shall keep a
complete record of an inmate which
shall include the inmate’s personal
circumstances; a brief personal, social
and occupational history; the result of
the intake interview; and initial security
classification.
Classification of Inmates
▪ The process of assigning or grouping of
inmates according to their sentence,
gender, age, nationality, health,
criminal records and other pertinent
facts as basis.
▪ A method by which diagnosis,
treatment, planning and execution of
 treatment programs are coordinated to
an individual.
▪ The process of assigning inmates to
types of custody or treatment programs
appropriate to their needs.
Procedures of Classification
▪ Diagnosis – a stage where the
prisoner’s case history is taken and his
personality studied.
▪ Through examinations and
observations, the nature and
extent of the person’s criminality
is determined and it shall be the
basis for the formulation of his
rehabilitation program.
▪ Treatment Planning – involves the
formulation of a tentative treatment
program best suited to the needs of the
individual prisoner, based on the
findings.
▪ Execution of the treatment program
– the actual application of the treatment
program designed for the prisoner.
▪ Re-classification – the process of
monitoring the response of the prisoner
to the treatment program and the
conduct of review of previous findings
as compared to new information
currently available.
▪ Periodic analysis of inmates
continues from the time of initial
classification until his release.
Classification of Inmates
▪ Classification Board – every prison
shall have a Classification Board that
shall classify inmates. The board shall
be composed of the following:
▪ Chairman – Superintendent
▪ Vice Chairman – Chief, RDC
▪ Members – Medical Officer;
Chief, Education Section; Chief,
Agro-Industries Section
▪ Secretary – Chief Overseer
▪ Inmates shall be classified as to
security status and as to entitlement to
prison privileges. An inmate shall be
assigned to any of the following groups:
▪ Maximum security – this shall
include highly dangerous or high
security inmates as determined
by the Classification board who
require a high degree of control
and supervision.
▪ Those sentenced to death;
▪ Those whose minimum sentence is
twenty(20) years imprisonment;
▪ Remand inmates or detainees whose
sentence is twenty (20) years and
above and those whose sentences are
under review by the Supreme court or
the Court of Appeals;
▪ Those with pending cases;
▪ Recidivists, habitual delinquents and
escapees;
▪ Those under disciplinary punishment or
safekeeping;
▪ Those who are criminally insane or
those with severe personality or
emotional disorders that make them
dangerous to fellow inmates or prison
staff.
▪ Medium Security Inmate
▪ This shall include those who
cannot be trusted in less-
secured areas and those whose
conduct or behaviour require
minimum supervision. Under this
category are:
o Those whose minimum
sentence is less than 20
years imprisonment;
o Remand inmates or
detainees whose
sentences are below 20
years;
▪ Those who are 18 years of age
and below, regardless of the
case and sentence;
▪ Those who have two (2) or more
records of escapes. They can be
classified as medium security
inmates if they have served eight
(8) years since they were
 recommitted. Those with one (1)
record of escape must serve five
(5) years;
▪ First offenders sentenced to life
imprisonment. They may be
classified as medium security
inmates if they have served
five(5) years in a maximum
security prison or less, upon
recommendation of the
Superintendent.
▪ Those who were detained in a
city and or provincial jail shall not
be entitled to said classification.
▪ Minimum Security Inmate
▪ This shall include those who can
be reasonably trusted to serve
their sentence under less
restricted conditions. Under this
category are:
o Those with severe
physical handicap as
certified by the chief
medical officer of the
prison;
o Those who are sixty-five
(65) years old and above;
without pending case and
whose convictions are not
on appeal;
▪ Those who have served one-half
(½) of their minimum sentence or
one0third (1/3) of their maximum
sentence; excluding Good
Conduct Time Allowance
(GCTA) as provided in Chapter
4, Part III hereof; and
▪ Those who have only six months
more to serve before the
expiration of their maximum
sentence.
Color of Uniform
▪ Color of Uniform as to security
classification – the color of the uniform
of an inmate shall be based on his
security classification, as follows:
▪ Maximum security – tangerine
▪ Medium security – blue
▪ Minimum security – brown
▪ Detainee – gray
▪ BJMP - yellow
Classification of Inmates as to
Entitlement to Privileges
▪ Inmates shall be classified as follows to
determine their entitlement to prison
privileges:
▪ Detainee
▪ Third Class Inmate – one who
has either been previously
committed for three (3) or more
times as a sentenced inmate,
except those imprisoned for non-
payment of a fine and those who
had been reduced from a higher
class;
▪ Second Class Inmate – a newly
arrived inmate demoted from first class;
or one promoted from the third class;
▪ First Class inmate – one whose known
character and credit for work while in
detention earned assignment to this
class upon commencement of
sentence; or one who has been
promoted from the second class;
▪ Colonist
▪ Colonist – the Director may, upon the
recommendation of the Classification
Board, classify an inmate who has the
following qualifications as a colonist:
▪ Be atleast first class inmate and
has served one (1) year
immediately preceding the
completion of the period
specified in the following
qualifications;
▪ Has served imprisonment with
good conduct for a period
equivalent to 1/5 of the
maximum term of his prison
sentence, or 7 years in the case
of a life sentence.
 Privileges of a Colonist
▪ Credit of additional GCTA of 5days for
each calendar month while he retains
sadid classification aside from the
regular GCTA authorized under Article
97 of the RPC. (later on amended by
Sec 3 of RA 10592)
▪ 2 years – 20 days every month
▪ 3-5 years – 23 days every
month
▪ 6 – 10 years – 25 days
▪ 11 and successive years – 30
days
Note: As any time during the period of
imprisonment, he shall be allowed
another deduction of 15 days for each
month of study, teaching or mentoring
service time rendered.
▪ Automatic reduction of the life sentence
imposed on the colonist to a sentence
of 30 years;
▪ Subject to the approval of the Director,
to have his wife and children, or the
woman he desires to marry, live with
him in the prison and penal farm.
Transportation expenses of the family
going to and the discharge of the
colonist from the prison and penal farm
shall be for the account of the
government. The family may avail of all
prison facilities such as hospital,
church, and school free of charge. All
the members of the family of a colonist
shall subject to the rule governing the
prison and penal farm.
▪ As a special reward to a deserving
colonist, the issuance of a reasonable
amount of clothing and ordinary
household supplies from the
government commissary in addition to
free subsistence; and
▪ To wear civilian clothes on such special
occasions as may be designated by the
Superintendent.
▪ Inmates who are spouses – Husband
and wife inmates may be allowed to
serve their sentence together in prison
and penal farm as soon as both are
classified as colonists.
▪ Revocation of colonist status – the
grant of colonist status may, for cause,
be revoked at anytime by the
Superintendent with the approval of the
Director.
Confinement and Accommodations of
Inmate
▪ Place of confinement – an inmate
shall only be confined in a place
declared by the President of the
Philippines by Executive Order to be
aplace of confinement of national
inmates or by specific direction of the
court, provided that a male inmate shall
be committed directly to and shall be
confined in a prison nearest his actual
place of residence. A prison may also
be used as a place of detention for
other classes of inmates or for
temporary safekeeping of any person
detained upon legal process.
▪ Security compounds – a prison shall,
whenever possible, have separate
prison compounds for the segregation
of inmates according to their security
classification. Each compound shall be
under a Superintendent who is assisted
by an Assistant Superintendent.
▪ Separate facilities – when facilities
permit, there shall be separate
dormitories to house inmates under the
following categories:
▪ Finally sentenced inmates;
▪ Death convicts;
▪ Inmates who, by reason of their
criminal record, are likely to
exercise a negative influence on
other inmates;
▪ Detainees;
▪ Youth offenders or those below
eighteen years of age;
▪ First offenders;
 ▪ Habitual delinquents, recidivists, ▪ Inmates shall be served meals 3 times
escapees; a day. Breakfast shall be served not
more than 14 hours after the previous
▪ Infirm, aged, invalids and other
day’s dinner.
finally convicted inmates whose
physical condition seriously
impairs their mobility;
▪ Youth Camps – the Bureau shall
▪ Those suffering from mental maintain agricultural and forestry
disease or abnormality, camps where youth offenders may
including sexual deviates; serve their sentence in lieu of
confinement in prison.
▪ Female offenders;
▪ Drug dependents;
▪ Foreign nationals; and
▪ Members of Cultural minorities.
Prison Accommodations Standards
▪ All accommodations for the use of
inmates shall meet requirements of
sanitation and hygiene with emphasis
on adequate ventilation, living space
and lighting;
▪ Bathrooms and washing areas shall be
provided in every prison facility.
▪ All areas regularly used by inmates
shall be properly maintained and kept
clean at all times.
▪ Beds and clothing shall be neatly made
up in a uniform manner at all times.
Beds and buildings occupied by
inmates shall be thoroughly disinfected
atleast once a month.
▪ Cleanliness shall be maintained at all
times in all dormitories or cells specially
toilet and baths.
▪ As often as it is necessary, an inmate
shall send his dirty clothes to the
laundry.
▪ Every Sunday and Holiday, if weather
permits, inmates will expose their
clothes, beds, bedding and so forth in
the sunshine in an area designated for
the purpose. Cleanliness of the
premises of the dormitories and their
surroundings shall be strictly enforced.
Littering is prohibited.
 Transfer of Inmates Transfer of an inmate not eligible to be a
colonist to a prison and penal farm – upon
▪ Transfer of inmate to another prison
the recommendation of the Classification
– an inmate may be transferred by the
Board, the Director may also transfer to a
Director upon the recommendation of
prison and penal farm an inmate who,
the Superintendent concerned to
although not eligible for classification as a
another prison facility to bring said
colonist is:
inmate closer to his family as part of his
rehabilitation program. ▪ Physically and psychologically fit
to absorb the rehabilitative
▪ Transfer of insane inmates – an
program in the colony, or
inmate who has been confirmed to be
mentally abnormal or insane may be ▪ That such inmate is the
transferred to a mental hospital with the therapeutically indicated.
approval of the Director.
▪ Transfer to a provincial jail and vice
Transfer of an inmate to a stockade of versa – the President of the Philippines
the Armed Forces of the Philippines may direct, as the occasion may
(AFP) – the confinement of an inmate may require, the transfer from a National
be transferred to an AFP stockade prison to a provincial jail, or vice versa.
provided the inmate is certified as minimum The expense for such transfers shall be
security risk and does not belong to any of borne by the Bureau except the cost of
the following categories: escort service which shall be provided
by the PNP.
▪ Inmate serving a life term or
sentenced to death; ▪ Mental and physical examination of
inmate to be transferred - the inmate
▪ Inmate with previous record of
shall be given a mental and physical
escape;
examination prior to his transfer.
▪ Recidivist;
▪ Inmate serving sentence for a
Outside Movement of Inmate
crime involving moral turpitude;
▪ Movement of inmate outside
▪ Female inmate;
confinement facility – the
▪ Inmate who had previously Superintendent of a prison may
transfer to an AFP stockade and authorize an inmate to be taken out of
was returned to prison for cause; prison in the following instances;

▪ Inmate who is more than 50 ▪ To appear in court or other

years old or who can no longer government agency as directed
perform manual work; by competent authority;

▪ Inmate who is a permanent ▪ For medical

resident of a place within a examination/treatment or
radius of 100km from the hospitalization in an outside
stockade where he is being clinic or hospital; or
transferred; or
▪ To view the remains of a
▪ Inmate with pending case or who deceased relative.
is a witness in any pending
criminal case.
▪ Approval by Secretary of outside
movement – the prior approval of the
Secretary shall be required for the
outside movement of an NBP or CIW
inmate as provided in paragraphs b and
c above.
▪ Outside movement of death convict
– a death convict shall not be allowed
to leave his place of confinement
except for the urgent treatment or
diagnosis of a life-threatening or
serious ailment, if the diagnosis is
cannot be done or the treatment
provided in the prison hospital.
▪ Basis of Court Appearance – the
court appearance of an inmate shall be
based on a subpoena issued by the
court as endorsed by the Director.
▪ Court appearance of a life termer or
death convict – no inmate sentenced
to death or life imprisonment confined
in the NBP shall be brought outside said
prison for appearance or attendance in
any court except when the Supreme
Court authorizes the presiding judge of
the court, upon proper application, to
effect the said transfer of said inmate.
▪ The NBP Superintendent shall
request the judge in Metro
Manila and in the provinces of
Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite and
Laguna who requires the
appearance or attendance in
any judicial proceeding of an
NBP death convict or life termer
to conduct such proceedings
within the premises of said
prison.
▪ Application to view the remains of
deceased relative; supporting
documents – a minimum or medium
security inmate may, upon written
application, be allowed by the
Superintendent to view the remains of
the following relatives upon written
application and submission of the
original or certified true copies of death
certificate, the burial permit and the
documents specified hereunder;
▪ Wife or husband ( marriage
certificate);
▪ Child (birth certificate of child
and marriage cert the inmate);
▪ Brother/sister (birth certificate of
brother/sister and birth cert of
inmate);
▪ Father/mother (birth certificate of
the inmate)
▪ Grandchild (birth certificate of
the grandchild and of the latter’s
parent who may be son or
daughter of the inmate);
▪ Grandparent (birth certificate of
the inmate and of his/her parent
who is the son/daughter of the
deceased grandparent)
▪ When to file application – the
application to view the remains of the
deceased relative and all its supporting
documents shall be filed with the
Superintendent at least 2 days before
the enjoyment of the privilege sought.
▪ In the case of an NBP or CIW inmate,
the application and its supporting
documents, together with the prison
record of the inmate and the favourable
recommendation of the Superintendent
thereof and the Director, shall be
forwarded to the Secretary for final
action at least 1 working day before
the privilege is to be enjoyed.
▪ Duration of Privilege – the inmate may
be allowed more or less 3 hours to view
the deceased relative in the place
where the remains lie in state but shall
not be allowed to pass any other place
in transit, or to join the funeral cortege.
▪ Distance of travel – the privilege may be
enjoyed only if the deceased relative is in a
place within a radius of 30kilometres by
road from the prison. Where the distance is
more than 30km, the privilege may be
extended if the inmate can leave and return
to his place of confinement during the
daylight hours of the same day.
 Rights and Privileges of an Inmate
▪ Right of an inmate - an inmate shall
have the following basic rights:
▪ To receive compensation for
labor he performs;
▪ To be credited with time
allowances for good conduct
and loyalty;
▪ To send and receive mail matter;
▪ To practice his religion or
observe his faith;
▪ To receive authorized visitors;
▪ To ventilate his grievances
through proper channels; and
▪ To receive death benefits and
pecuniary aid for injuries.
▪ Privileges of an inmate – the following
privileges shall be extended to an
inmate:
▪ Attend or participate in any
entertainment or athletic activity
within the prison reservation;
▪ Read books in the library;
▪ Smoke cigar and cigarettes,
except in prohibited places;
▪ Participate in civic, religious and
other activities authorized by
prison authorities; and
▪ Receive gifts and prepared food
from visitors subject to
inspection.
▪ Rights of a Detainee – a detainee
aside may, aside from the rights and
privileges enjoyed by a finally convicted
inmate, wear civilian clothes and to
grow his hair in customary style.
Prison Labor
▪ Prison labor of finally convicted
inmate - a finally convicted inmate may
be required to work at least 8 hours a
day, except on Sundays and legal
holidays, in and about the prison, public
buildings, grounds, roads, and other
public works of the national
government. In the interest of the
service, however, they may be required
to work on excepted days.
▪ Prison labor of a detainee – a
detainee may not be required to work in
prison. However, he may be made to
polish his cell and perform such other
labor as may be deemed necessary for
hygienic or sanitary reasons.
▪ Agreement of detainee to abide by
rules imposed on finally convicted
inmates – upon his admission, the
detainee shall be informed that he may
be credited in the service of his prison
sentence with the full time during which
he may have undergone preventive
imprisonment if he agrees in writing to
abide by the same disciplinary rules
imposed on convicted previously or
twice or more times of any crime.
▪ If the detainee agrees, he shall be asked to
manifest agreement in writing.
▪ Certification of Superintendent if
detainee refuses to abide by rules
imposed on finally convicted
inmates – if the detainee does not
agree to abide by the same disciplinary
rules as a finally convicted inmate, the
Superintendent shall issue a
certification under oath to effect that the
detainee was apprised of his right to be
credited in the service of his prison
sentence with the full time during which
he may have undergone preventive
imprisonment and that the inmate
refused to abide by the rules imposed
upon convicted inmate.
▪ In such case, the detainee shall be credited
of his sentence with 4/5 of the time during
which he has undergone preventive
measurement.
▪ Agreement or Certification as part of
prison record – the Agreement or
Certification mentioned above shall
form part of the prison record of the
detainee.
▪ Female inmate – a female inmate shall
only be assigned to work on jobs
suitable to her age and physical
condition. She shall be supervised only
by women officers.
▪ Old inmate – an inmate over 60 years
of age may be excused from mandatory
labor.
▪ Place of work of assignment – only
medium and minimum security inmates
may be assigned to work in agricultural
field projects within a prison
reservation. Maximum security inmates
shall not be allowed to work outside the
maximum security compound.
▪ Work programs – work programs shall
be conducted in prison to promote good
work habits and self-esteem among
inmates and not as means to exploit
cheap prison labor as a punishment for
deviant behaviour.
Compensation Credits
▪ Inmate compensation – 6 months
after being permanently assigned to
work in prison, an inmate may receive
compensation credits at rates to be
prescribed by the Director, provided:
▪ He maintains good conduct; and
▪ He shows interest and a definite
degree of progress in the
particular work assigned to him
▪ Compensation credits – at the discretion of the Superintendent,
compensation credits shall be allowed
in the payment of those classified on
workmanship as may be prescribed by
the Director.
▪ Keeping of work record of inmate – a
record shall be kept of inmates showing
the workmanship classification of
skilled and semi-skilled grades. The
credits accruing to each shall be made
monthly in accordance with the
approved recommendation of the
committee named for this purpose.
▪ A copy of the committee’s
recommendation, duly approved by the
Director or the Superintendent, shall be
furnished the Commission on Audit for
his information in connection with his
duty supervising the proper
accountability of the fund created, the
credits to which shall be part of inmate’s
Trust fund.
▪ Compensation earned, how applied
– the whole or part of the compensation
credits earned by an inmate may be
forfeited and applied to the payment of
supplies and equipment lost or damage
resulting from the inmate’s misconduct
or wilful negligence. ½ of said earnings
may be utilized by the inmate to
purchase some of his needs. The
remainder shall be withheld, to be paid
to him upon his release only. In
exceptional cases, however, upon
satisfactory showing of a necessity for
withdrawal, the Director or Superintend
may authorize the disbursement of any
part of the amount retained.
▪ Trust fund – compensation credits
earned by the inmate as provided for in
the preceding section and all monies
received by him from any source shall
be deposited in the Trust fund provided
for the purpose.
▪ Withdrawal of earnings – the inmate
may, at any time, withdraw from his
compensation earnings in an amount
not exceeding ½ of his total earnings.
However, in cases of urgent need and
the whole of his earnings may be
withdrawn. But he may, at anytime,
withdraw any part or all monies receive
from other source.
▪ Payment of trust deposit amount to
release inmate – upon the inmates
discharge from the prison he shall be
given the full balance of his deposit.
Time Allowance for Good Conduct and ▪ During the following years until
Loyalty 10th year, inclusive of his
imprisonment, he shall be
▪ Who may grant Good Conduct Time
allowed deduction of 10 days for
Allowance (GCTA) – the Director
each month of good behaviour;
(amended as RA 10592) may grant a
and
GCTA to an inmate who displays good
behaviour and who has no record of ▪ During the 11th and successive
breach of discipline or violation of years of his imprisonment, he
prison rules and regulations. shall be allowed a deduction of
15 days for each month of good
Classification of Penalties
behavior.
▪ Computation of GCTA – calendar
months and years are considered
reference to sentences and time
served, while 30 days constitute a
month in computing GCTA credits.
▪ GCTA of a Detainee – a detainee shall
only be granted GCTA if he voluntarily
offers in writing to perform such labor as
may be assigned to him. In such case,
the credit he may receive shall be
deducted from sentence as may be
Prescription of Penalties imposed upon him if he is convicted.
▪ GCTA of a life termer – an inmate
sentenced to life imprisonment shall not
be granted GCTA while his sentence is
on appeal.
▪ Revocation of GCTA – GCTA once
granted shall not be revoked without
just cause.
▪ Restoration of GCTA – the GCTA
which an inmate is deprived of because
▪ Effects of GCTA – the good conduct or
of misconduct may be restored at the
behaviour of an inmate shall entitle him
discretion of the Director upon the
to the following deduction from the
recommendation of the
period of his sentence;
Superintendent.
▪ During the first 2 years of
▪ Special time allowance for loyalty – a
imprisonment, he shall be deduction of 1/5 of the period of his
allowed a deduction of 5 days sentence shall be granted to an inmate
for each month of good who, after evading service of his sentence
behaviour; on the occasion of a disorder resulting from
conflagration, earthquake, explosion, or
▪ During the 3rd to 5th year,
similar catastrophe, or during a mutiny on
inclusive, of his imprisonment, which he has not participated, gives himself
he shall be allowed a deduction up voluntarily to the authorities within 48
of 8 days for each month of good hours following the issuance of a
behaviour; proclamation announcing the passing away
of such calamity.
 RA 10592 (May 29,2013)
An Act Amending Art 29, 94, 97, 98 and 99
▪ Right to communicate – an inmate
of Act No. 3815
▪ Censorship of mail matter – all
▪ At any time during the period of
imprisonment, he shall be allowed
another deduction of 15 days, in
addition to numbers one to four hereof,
▪ Guidelines on censorship of mail
for each month of study, teaching,
mentoring service time rendered.
▪ An appeal by the accused shall not
deprive him of entitlement to the above
allowances for good conduct.
▪ A deduction of 1/5 of the period of his
sentence shall be granted to an inmate
who, after evading service of his
sentence on the occasion of a disorder
resulting from conflagration,
earthquake, explosion, or similar
catastrophe, or during a mutiny on
which he has not participated, gives
himself up voluntarily to the authorities
within 48 hours following the issuance
of a proclamation announcing the
passing away of such calamity. A
deduction of 2/5 of the period of his
sentence shall be granted if he chose to
stay in the place of his confinement
notwithstanding the existence of a
calamity or catastrophe enumerated.
Inmate Communication
shall have the right to communicate or
correspond with persons and
organizations and to send and receive
letters, packages, books, periodicals
and other materials that can be
lawfully sent by mail.
letters sent or received by an inmate,
as well as magazines, books,
periodicals, and all reading matters,
shall be subject to censorship to
prevent the entry of contraband and
the entry or exit of information that
may adversely affect the security of
the prison.
matter – the sending and receiving of
mail by all inmates shall be governed
by the following guidelines:
▪ Inmate mail shall be secured
until such time that the censors
are ready to examine them.
▪ Inmate mail shall be opened
and searched by qualified,
trained and authorized
personnel.
▪ Greeting cards shall be carefully
examined and fillers of any kind
found therein shall be collected
for laboratory examination.
▪ Photographs shall be marked
on the reverse side and
replaced in the envelope.
▪ In censoring mail, prison slang,
unusual nicknames and
sentences with double meaning
shall be carefully studied and
deciphered.
▪ Letters passed by censors shall
bear the censor’s stamp at the
top of each page and on the
envelope. The letter shall be
replaced in the same envelope
and resealed.
▪ The contents of an inmate’s
mail shall be confidential and
shall not be discussed with
other personnel.
▪ What may be censored – all letters
containing statements concerning the
security or reputation of the prison like
escape attempts, smuggling/trafficking
of contraband or statements that may
affect prison rules and policies, shall
be censored out. Any item or
correspondence or enclosure that
does ot conform with regulations or are
detrimental to the security, good order
and discipline of the prison shall be
confiscated and submitted to the
Superintendent for disposition.
▪ Collection and delivery of mail – the
mail officer shall collect and deliver
mail matters on a daily basis, Monday
through Friday. An inmate shall be
advised to claim his , if he fails to claim
his letter within 24 hours after it is
received in prison.
▪ Expenses for special delivery of
mail – inmates shall be allowed to
send letter by registered, certified,
stamped or special deliver at their
expense.
▪ Sending of money – inmates may
receive or send money through the
prison postal service under the
supervision and assintance of
designated prison officers. The mail
officer shall issue a receipt in duplicate
for the amount enclosed in the
inmate’s incoming letter and shall
deposit in the Trust fund described in
section 6, chapter 3 of this Rules. The
original receipt signed by the mail
officer shall be filed with the Trust fund
officer and the duplicate copy thereof
shall be given to the inmate.
▪ Mail privilege of inmate under
punishment – inmates under
disciplinary punishment shall be
allowed full mail privileges, unless his
misconduct involves a serious violation
of mail regulations.
▪ Use of telephone – all offenders who
demonstrate good behavior shall earn
one telephone call to an authorized
individual every 90 days. In such case,
the telephone call shall be monitored
and shall have a duration not
exceeding 5minutes. When making the
call, the inmate shall identify himself as
an inmate.
▪ Foreign inmates – inmates of a
foreign nationality shall be allowed to
communicate with the diplomatic and
consular representative of the State of
which he or she is a national.
▪ Stateless inmates – a national of a
state without diplomatic or consular
representation in the country and a
refugee or stateless person shall be
allowed to communicate with the
diplomatic authorities of the state
which takes charge of his or her
interestsor any national or international
tasked to protect such person.
Inmate Manuscript
▪ Definition of Manuscript – as used
herein, manuscript means fiction,
nonfiction. Poetry, music and lyrics,
drawings and cartoons, and other
writing of a similar nature.
▪ Mailing of inmate’s manuscript – an
inmate may mail a manuscript as
general correspondence in accordance
with existing rules. He may not,
however, circulate his manuscript
inside the prison.
▪ Limitations on an inmate’s
accumulation of manuscript
material – the Superintendent may
limit, for housekeeping, fire-prevention,
or security reason, the amount of
accumulated inmate manuscript
material.
 Exercise of Religious Beliefs and
Practices
▪ Religious Freedom – the religious
beliefs and moral precepts of an inmate
shall be respected
▪ Proselytizing – no prison official shall
proselytize inmates under his
supervision or allow any inmate to do so
without the consent of the inmate
concerned. Reasonable opportunity
and access shall be provided to
inmates requesting information about
the activities of any religion with whom
they may not be actually affiliated.
▪ Pastoral visits – an accredited priest,
minister or pastor may be allowed to
hold regular service and to pay visits in
private to inmates of his religion at such
hours as may be prescribed by the
Superintendent.
▪ Worship services – attendance by an
inmate of worship services and similar
religious activities shall be on voluntary
basis.
▪ Sponsorship in a religious rite – a
prison official, employee or guard, or his
wife and children, shall not act as a
sponsor or otherwise actively
participate in any religious rite or activity
involving an inmate or a member of the
immediate family of an inmate.
▪ Privileged communication – all
personal communications of an inmate
to a chaplain or priest either as formal
act of religion as a matter of
conscience, shall be treated as a
privileged communication. The
chaplain or priest concerned shall not
be required to disclose said
communications.
▪ Dietary requirements – inmates
observing religious feasts or
celebrations may be given raw rations
or special diets in accordance with their
beliefs. The cost hereof shall be limited
to the recommended daily per capita.
Marriage of Inmates and Detainees
▪ Request to marry – an inmate or
detainee who wants to get married shall
submit a written request therefor with
the Superintendent. The
Superintendent shall approve an
inmate’s request to marry except where
a legal restriction to a marriage exists,
or where the proposed marriage
presents a threat to the security or good
order of the prison, or the protection of
the public.
▪ Eligibility to marry – the request of an
inmate or a detainee to marry shall be
approved provided the inmate or
detainee is eligible to marry and is
mentally competent; and the intended
spouse has verified, in writing, an
intention to marry the inmate or
detainee.
▪ Marriage expenses – all expenses of
the marriage e.g., marriage license,
shall be paid by the inmate or detainee,
the intended spouse, the family of the
inmate or detainee, or other appropriate
source approved by the
Superintendent. The Superintendent
shall not use the Bureau funds for an
inmate marriage.
▪ Request to marry of a detainee – a
request to marry which is filed by a
detainee shall include an assessment
of the legal effects of the marriage on
his pending criminal case
▪ Marriage ceremony, where
solemnized – the marriage ceremony
of an inmate or detainee shall be
solemnized in prison.
▪ Solemnizing Officer – unless
otherwise requested by an inmate or
detainee, the marriage shall be
performed by a chaplain of the Bureau.
▪ Presence of media – the
Superintendent shall require that a
marriage at the prison be a private
ceremony conducted without media
publicity.
▪ Prohibition against prison official acting
as sponsor – a prison official, employees
or guard, his wife or children, shall not as a
sponsor or witness in the wedding of an
inmate.
 Visiting Rights
▪ Visiting rights – an inmate shall have
the right to be visited by his family and
reputable friends at regular intervals.
▪ Visitors list – the Superintendent shall
compile and maintain a list of persons
named by the interview who may visit
the latter. The list may include the
members of the inmate immediate
family such as his parents, step
parents, foster parents, brothers and
sisters, wife or husband and children.
Upon the request of the inmate, the list
may include his grandparents, aunts,
uncles, in-laws and cousins. Other
visitors may, after investigation, be
included in the list if the inmate will
benefit from such contact.
▪ Visiting days and hours – an inmate
may be visited from Sundays to
Thursdays from 9 am to 3pm. Visitors
shall not be allowed to stay overnight in
prison. There shall be no visits on
Fridays and Saturdays.
▪ Limitation on visiting rights – the
Director may limit the length or
frequency of prison visits as well as the
number of visitors to avoid
overcrowding. Exceptions may be
granted after taking into account
special circumstances, such as the
distance of travel of the visitor and the
frequency of the visits received by the
inmate.
▪ Visiting room – whenever practicable,
a prison shall have a visiting room
which shall be as comfortable and as
pleasant as possible and equipped to
meet the needs of visitors, including
children.
▪ Privacy of visits – prison guards shall
supervise the visiting area in an
obtrusive manner. They shall not
eavesdrop on conversation or
otherwise interfere with the privacy of
the inmate and his visitor.
▪ Conjugal visits – a male inmate may
enjoy conjugal visits from his spouse in
prisons where there are facilities
therefore under such conditions as may
be prescribed by the Director.
▪ Visit of legal counsel – an inmate may
be visited by his legal counsel of record
at reasonable hours of the day or night.
(counsel de oficio –assigned by the
court /counsel de parte – sariling kuha
ng counsel
▪ Violation of visiting rules – any
circumvention or violation of visiting
rules by the inmate or his visitor shall
result in the suspension or deprivation
of visiting privileges and the initiation of
disciplinary action against the erring
inmate.
Inmate Grievance
▪ Inmate complaint center – to extend
prompt, efficient and timely services to the
inmates, there shall be an Inmate
Complaints, Information and Assistance
Center in each prison compound. Which
shall be directly under the office of the
Superintendent.
▪ The center shall act on all written
complaints that are not palpably frivolous,
as well as requests for information and
assistance of inmates, within 72 hours from
receipt thereof.
▪ Inmate Council – there shall be an inmate
council composed of finally convicted
inmates in every prison which shall serve
as an advisory body to the Superintendent.
The Superintendent shall provide a set of
qualifications, rules and regulations for
membership in the Council.
▪ Role of inmate-representatives in the
Inmate Council – the inmate-
representatives of the Inmate Council shall
meet with the Superintendent or his
representative to discuss issues and
matters affecting the prison population. The
inmate-representative shall not be entitled
to special privileges and shall not have any
authority over other inmates or participate
in the imposition of disciplinary measures,
or otherwise interfere with prison
administrative functions.
 Pecuniary Aid to Inmates
▪ Pecuniary aid to inmates killed or
injured in the performance of duty –
pecuniary aid shall be paid to an inmate
who is killed, injured or disabled while
preventing a prison riot, or jailbreak, or
while in the performance of duties
required of him, in any prison industry
and not due to his negligence. (any time
of his release or during his
confinement)
▪ Amount of pecuniary aid - the
amount of pecuniary aid shall be fixed
by the Director and approved by the
Secretary.
▪ When pecuniary aid is given – the
pecuniary aid shall be given to the
injured or disabled inmate at the time of
his release or anytime during his
confinement if he so desires. If the
inmate dies as a result of the injury
sustained by him, or from any other
cause prior to his release, payment
shall be made to his legal heirs,
provided they are not the offended
parties or those caused the
imprisonment.
Discipline and Punishment of Inmates
▪ Disciplinary controls, purpose –
efforts shall be made to instill in the
minds of all inmates the concept that
self-disciplined is an essential
characteristics of a well-adjusted
person.
▪ Guidelines on disciplinary control –
disciplinary controls on inmates shall be
firm to ensure safety and good order in
prison. Breaches of discipline shall be
handled objectively, and sanctions shall
be executed with the firmness and
justice.
▪ Due process accorded to an inmate
– every breach of discipline shall be
reported to proper authorities. The
erring inmate shall be given due
process before he is punished.
Ignorance of prison rules shall not be
countenanced or considered an excuse
for his non-observance.
▪ Prohibited Acts – the following acts
shall subjects an inmate to disciplinary
action:
▪ Participating in illegal sexual
acts or placing himself in
situations or behavior that will
encourage the commission of
illegal sexual acts;
▪ Openly or publicly displaying
photographs, picture, drawings,
or other pictorial representations
of persons engaged in sexual
acts, actual or simulated,
masturbation, excretory
functions or lewd or obscene
exhibition of genitals;
▪ Possessing articles which pose
a threat to prison security or to
the safety and well-being of the
inmates and staff;
▪ Giving gifts, selling or engaging in
barter with prison personnel;
▪ Maligning or insulting any religious
belief or group;
▪ Rendering personal services to or
requiring personal services from feloow
inmate;
▪ Gambling
▪ Exchanging his uniform with another
inmate or wearing a uniform other than
those officially issued to him;
▪ Using profane, vulgar or obscene
language or making loud or unusual
noise of any kind;
▪ Loitering in the prison compound or
reservation;
▪ Giving a gift or providing material or
other assistance to fellow inmates or to
the prison administration in general.
▪ Engaging in any private work for the
benefit of a prison officer or employee;
▪ Controlling the activities of other
inmates except in organizations or
groups recognized by prison
authorities;
▪ Tattooing himself or allowing himself to
be tattoed on any part of his body. The
removal or alteration of tattoos may
only be performed by a prison medical
officer upon prior approval by the
Superintendent;
▪ Disobeying legal orders of prison
authorities promptly and courteously;
▪ Threatening, orally or in writing, the life
of any employee or prison official;
▪ Possessing any communication device
like cellular telephone, pager or radio
transceiver;
▪ Constructing, renovating or repairing,
with personal funds, a prison building or
structure;
▪ Making frivolous or groundless
complaints; and
▪ In general, displaying any behavior
which might lead to disorder or
violence, or such other actions that may
endanger the facility, the outside
community or others.
Punishment
▪ Board of discipline; composition –
the Director shall establish a Board of
Discipline in each prison to hear cases
involving an inmate who violates prison
rules. It shall be presided over by the
Assistant Superintendent.
▪ Procedure in disciplinary cases – the
procedure in handling cases shall be as
follows:
▪ The written complaint or report of
an aggrieved inmate or any
inmate or prison personnel
having knowledge of any breach
of discipline by an inmate shall
be filed with the office of the
Superintendent. The complaint
or report shall be signed by the
complainant and shall describe
the violation and the names of
possible witnesses.
▪ If the Superintendent, after initial
investigation, finds that the
complaint or report is baseless,
he shall order its dismissal.
Otherwise, he shall endorse the
case to the Board of Discipline
for hearing.
▪ The Board of Discipline shall
hold sessions as often as
necessary. It shall decide cases
referred to it within 5 working
days after the termination of
hearings.
▪ The hearing shall be summary in
nature and shall not be bound by
the technical rules of evidence.
▪ The inmate charged with the
offense shall be allowed to
present evidence in the hearing.
▪ The decision of the Board of
Discipline shall be subject to
review and approval by the
Superintendent.
▪ A decision approved by the
Superintendent shall be final.
▪ Protection of inmate from
institutional abuse – an inmate shall
be treated with respect and fairness by
prison employees. He shall be
protected against the ff:
▪ The imposition of any cruel,
unusual or degrading act as a
form of disciplinary punishment;
▪ Corporal punishment;
▪ The use of physical force by
correctional officers, except in
cases where the latter act in self-
defense, to protect another
person from imminent physical
attack, or to prevent a riot or
escape;
▪ Deprivation of clothing, bed and
bedding, light ventilation,
exercise, food or hygienic
facilities; and
▪ Forced labor.
▪ Imposable punishment – the Board of
Discipline shall be authorized to impose
any of the following disciplinary
measures on an errant inmate:
▪ Caution or reprimand
▪ Cancellation of recreation,
education, entertainment and
visiting privileges.
▪ Deprivation of GCTA for a
specific period
▪ Change of security status to the
next higher category e.g. from
medium to maximum.
▪ Confinement in disciplinary cell – if
the above corrective measures prove to
be ineffective, an obstinate inmate may
be punished by confinement in a
disciplinary cell from 1 to 2 months
depending upon the gravity of the
offense committed.
▪ This punishment shall only be meted
out if the prison medical officer, after
examination, certifies that the inmate is
fit to undergo the same or will not
adversely affect his physical or mental
health.
▪ Mitigation punishment – for the first
disciplinary offense, and if the inmate’s
conduct justifies it, the Superintendent
may mitigate, suspend or modify the
penalty imposed on an inmate.
▪ Release from disciplinary cell – the
prison medical officer shall visit
periodically the inmate in the
disciplinary cell and shall advice the
Superintendent if the punishment
should be terminated on grounds of
physical or mental health.
▪ Use of instruments of restraint –
instruments of restraint, such as
handcuffs and strait jackets, shall not
be applied as punishment. They shall
only be used as:
▪ to prevent an escape during an
inmate’s transfer or movement;
or
▪ To prevent an inmate from
harming himself or others, or
from destroying public or private
property.
▪ Limitation on punishment to be
imposed on female inmate – a female
inmate shall not be subjected to
disciplinary measures which might
adversely affect her unborn or nursing
child.
▪ Disciplinary punishment to form part
of record of an inmate – the penalty
imposed by the Board of Discipline shall
form part of the carpeta and prison
record of an inmate.
 Inmate Interview
▪ Request for inmate interview – a
representative of media may file a
written request with the Superintendent
for a personal interview of an inmate.
The request shall be filed at least 3
days before the proposed interview.
▪ Notification and consent of inmate to
be interviewed – the Superintendent
shall notify the inmate sought to be
interviewed of the request and shall
obtain from said inmate a written
consent for interview.
▪ Prerequisite to approval of request –
as a prerequisite to approving a request
for the interview of an inmate, the media
representative or news organization
shall give the prison administration the
opportunity to respond to comments
made by the inmate in the interview and
to release information to the news
media relative to the inmate’s
comments.
▪ Action on request for interview – the
Superintendent shall act on the request
for interview within 24hours from receipt
thereof, provided that a request to
interview an NBP or CIW inmate shall
require the favourable recommendation
of the Director and the approval of the
Secretary.
▪ Denial of request for interview – the
Superintendent may deny the request
for interview in any of the following
instructions:
▪ The media representative, or
news organization making the
request does not agree to abide
by the conditions under these
Rules or by the Superintendent
for the conduct of the interview.
▪ The inmate is physically or
mentally unable to participate.
This must be supported by
prison medical officer’s
statement (a psychologist may
be used to verify mental
incapacity).
▪ The inmate is below 18 years old
and written consent has not
been obtained from the inmate’s
parent or guardian.
▪ The inmate is the accused or is
otherwise involved in a pending
criminal case.
▪ The interview, in the opinion of
the Superintendent, will
endanger the health or safety of
the interviewer, or would
probably cause serious unrest or
disturb the good order of the
prison.
▪ Interviews, where and when held –
the interviews of an inmate shall be
conducted during normal visiting hours
in a place to be designated by the
Superintendent.
▪ Limitations on Media – the
Superintendent may limit the number of
audio, video and film equipment or the
number of media personnel entering
the prison if he finds that their entry will
create a disruption inside the prison.
▪ Filming of Interview – if photographs
or film video footage will be taken
during the interview, the inmate
concerned shall be in proper uniform
and no frontal shots of the inmate or
interior shots of prison buildings and
dormitories shall be taken.
▪ Waiver of liability – before an
interview, the interviewer shall execute
a waiver exempting prison authorities
from any liability arising from death or
any injury sustained while inside the
prison.
▪ Non-payment of inmate who is
interviewed –the inmate who is
interviewed may not receive monetary
compensation or anything of value for
media interviews which he may give.
▪ Interview of death convict –
television, radio and other media
interviews of a death convict is
prohibited.
Rehabilitation and Treatment of Inmates ▪ There shall be a special wing for neuro-
psychiatric patients in prison hospital to
▪ Conduct of rehabilitation and treatment
be placed under the special supervision
programs – the Bureau shall undertake
of a medical officer. The latter shall
rehabilitation programs to help an
submit a weekly report on the patients
inmate lead a responsible, law abiding
therein and may recommend the
and productive life upon release.
necessary transfer of a mental patient
▪ Efforts shall be made to ensure to a better-equipped government
optimum balance between the security hospital.
of the prison and the effectiveness of
Inmate Services
treatment programs.
▪ Inmate services - as part of the prison
▪ Inmate and public safety, and the
rehabilitation and treatment program,
requirements for effective custody,
the inmate shall be guaranteed access
shall, however, take precedence over
to health, educational, religious and
all other activities at all times and shall
related rehabilitation services.
not be compromised.
▪ Health services – health care and
▪ Rehabilitation and treatment
services shall be given to inmates
programs – rehabilitation and
similar to those available in the free
treatment programs shall focus on
community and subject to prison
providing services that will encourage
regulations. A prison shall have at least
and enhance the inmate’s self-respect,
1 qualified medical doctor and a dentist.
self-confidence, personal dignity and
sense of responsibility. ▪ Medical consultation and visiting
hours – medical consultation and
▪ Guidance for rehabilitation and
visiting hours shall be established by
treatment programs – the following
the Superintendent in consultation with
guidelines shall be observed in the
the medical staff.
establishment of rehabilitation and
treatment programs for inmates: ▪ Basic guidelines on medical
consultations – the following
▪ Corrective and rehabilitation
guidelines shall be observed whenever
services shall include religious
an inmate visits a prison hospital/clinic
guidance; psychotherapy;
for consultation and/or treatment:
socialization; health and
sanitation; vocational training; ▪ The inmate shall be in proper
mental, physical and sports uniform during consultations.
development; and value
▪ He shall be attended to on a
formation and education.
“first-come, first-served” basis.
▪ Programs and activities for offenders
▪ The number of inmates allowed
with special needs and shall be placed
at the hospital/clinic for
under the supervision of a social
consultation/treatment shall
welfare officer in coordination with other
depend on the number of
correctional officers with special skills
available doctors.
and specialized training.
▪ An inmate shall be subjected to
▪ A regular calendar of activities shall be
a body search upon entering and
observed.
leaving the prison/clinic.
▪ The Superintendent shall be
▪ In emergency cases, only the medical
periodically informed being
staff and the patient shall be allowed
implemented.
inside the emergency room.
▪ An inmate shall not loiter in the
hospital/clinic or leave the same without
permission from the medical staff.
▪ Visitors of inmates shall not be allowed
to stay inside the hospital/clinic to
attend to the sick inmate without the
permission of the prison medical staff.
▪ Children below 12 years of age shall not
be allowed to stay inside a hospital
ward or treatment room.
▪ Patients in the hospital shall not be
required to stand for checking.
▪ Pregnant CIW inmates – in the CIW,
there shall be special accommodations
for pregnant women. Whenever
practicable, however, arrangements
shall be made for children to be born in
a hospital outside the prison.
▪ Infant born to a CIW inmate – an
infant born while the mother is serving
sentence in the CIW may be allowed to
stay with the mother for a period not
exceeding 1 year. After the lapse of
said period, if the mother of the inmate
fails to place the child in a home of her
own, the Superintendent shall make
arrangements with the Department of
Social welfare and Development or any
other social welfare agency for the
infant’s care. As far as practicable, the
CIW shall have a nursery staffed by
qualified personnel.
▪ Recommendation for release of
seriously-ill inmate – the prison medical
officer shall visit all sick inmates daily
and attend to those who complain of
any ailment. He shall render a report to
the Superintendent whenever he
considers that an inmate’s mental or
physical health has been or will be
injuriously affected by continued
imprisonment or any condition of
confinement.
▪ Notification of kin of sick or dead
inmate – whenever an inmate is
critically ill or dies, the prison medical
officer shall report the matter to the
Superintendent who in turn shall notify
the inmate’s family by the fastest
means of communication available.
▪ Meals in hospital/clinic – meals shall
be served in a prison hospital/clinic at
the same time that food is served to the
other inmates, unless directed
otherwise by the prison medical officer.
Inmates assigned to work in the
hospital/clinic shall be provided with
food rations coming from the General
Kitchen.
▪ Referral of inmate for outside
medical consultation/treatment – an
inmate who needs medical treatment or
examination that cannot be provided in
the prison hospital may be referred to a
hospital/clinic outside the prison for the
needed examination, treatment or
hospitalization. The expenses for the
outside medical referral shall be borne
by the inmate. During said referral, the
inmate shall e accompanied by a
member of the prison’s medical staff.
▪ Medical certification – the outside
medical examination, treatment or
hospitalization of an inmate shall be
supported by a certification of the prison
medical officer or if there is none, by a
government physician, which shall
specify the exact ailment of the inmate,
the treatment or examination required,
the duration of the hospitalization that
may be required, and shall certify that
the ailment cannot be properly attended
to in the prison hospital. Provided, that
in the case of an NBP or CIW inmate,
the request for outside medical referral
shall be forwarded by the Director to the
Secretary for approval at least 1 day
before the proposed referral.
▪ Referral to government hospital –
unless absolutely necessary, an inmate
shall be referred to a government clinic,
hospital or institution for the required
examination, treatment or
hospitalization. If the referral is made to
private institution, the expenses
incident thereto shall be borne by the
inmate.
▪ Outside referral for dental work –
except in emergency cases, no dental
work for a inmate shall be done outside
the prison, and in cases of restoration
work, expenses shall be borne by the
inmate.
▪ Donations of human organ; form of
donation – the Director may authorize
an inmate to donate to a licensed
physician, surgeon, known scientist or
any medical or scientific institution,
including eye banks, and other similar
institutions, any organ, part or parts of
his body and to utilize the same for
medical, surgical or scientific purposes,
of said organ, or body part or parts
which, for a legitimate reason, would be
detached from the body of the grantor,
subject to the following conditions:
▪ The organ or body part or parts
being donated shall be detached
after the death of the inmate;
▪ The authorization to detach or
use the organ or body part or
parts shall be in writing; specify
the person or institution granted
the authorization, the organ, part
or parts to be detached, the
specific use or uses of the organ
or body part or parts to be
employed; and shall by the
inmate and attested by two
disinterested witness.
▪ The donation is approved by the
proper court.
▪ Disposition of cadaver of deceased
inmate - unless claimed by his family,
the body of an inmate who dies in
prison may be turned over to an
institution of learning, or any scientific
research center designated by the
Secretary, for the purpose of study and
investigation, provided that such
institution shall provide a decent burial
of the remains. Otherwise, the Bureau
shall order the burial of the body of the
inmate at government expense,
granting permission to the members of
the family and friends of the inmate to
be present thereat. If the body is
claimed by the family, all expenses
incident to the burial shall be at the
expense of the family.
▪ Burial of convict – in no case shall the
burial of a convict be held with pomp.
▪ Adult education – all illiterate inmates
shall attend adult education classes.
Literate inmates may attend classes
corresponding to their education level.
▪ Educational programs for inmates –
a prison may offer any or all of the
following educational programs:
▪ Elementary education
▪ Secondary education program to
prepare students to successfully
pass the required tertiary level
qualification examination and to
receive a regular high school
diploma. A student will have
completed the program when all
the credits required for a regular
high school diploma from an
accredited institution have
earned;
▪ College education; and
▪ Vocational training.
▪ Certificate of completion – the inmate
shall be issued a certificate/diploma
upon successful completion of an
educational program or course. The
certificate shall form part of his prison
record.
▪ Recreational and cultural activities –
recreational and cultural activities shall
provide in all prisons for the benefit of
the mental and physical health of the
inmate.
 Inmate Organizations
▪ Purpose and scope – the Bureau shall
allow inmates to participate in approved
inmate organizations for recreational,
social, civic, and benevolent purposes.
▪ Application for recognition of an
inmate organization – an inmate may
file a written request for recognition of a
proposed inmate organization to the
Superintendent.
▪ Approval of an inmate organization –
the Superintendent may approve an
inmate organization if he finds that:
▪ The organization has a supervision;
constitution and bylaws duly
approved by its members; the
constitutions and bylaws must
include the organization’s
purpose and objectives, the
duties and responsibilities of its
officers, and the requirements
for activities reporting's and
operational review; and
▪ The organization does not
operate in opposition to the
security, goo order, or discipline
of the prison.
▪ Supervision of inmate organization –
the Assistant Superintendent shall be
responsible for monitoring the activities
of the prison’s inmate organizations.
▪ Dues – the inmate organization may
not collect dues from its members.
▪ Organizational activities – an officer
of the inmate organization must submit
a written request for approval of an
activity to the Superintendent. Activities
include, but are not limited to, meetings,
guest speakers, sports competitions,
banquets, or community programs.
Activities may not include fund-raising
projects. The request must specifically
include:
▪ Name of the organization;
▪ Nature or purpose of the activity;
▪ Date, time and estimated
duration of the activity;
▪ Estimated cost, if any;
▪ Information concerning guest
participation; and
▪ Other pertinent information
requested by the
Superintendent.
▪ Approval of activity – the
Superintendent may approve an activity
of an inmate organization if the same:
▪ Does not conflict with scheduled
inmate work or program
activities;
▪ Has confirmation of staff
▪ Can be appropriately funded
when applicable; and
▪ Does not conflict with security,
good order, or discipline of the
prison.
▪ Use of government funds for activity
– when an activity of an inmate
organization requires the expenditure
of government funds, the
Superintendent ordinarily shall require
reimbursement from non-inmate
participants, including civilian guest or
members.
▪ Records of inmate organization –
each inmate organization shall be
responsible for maintaining accurate
records of its activities.
▪ Suspension of activities of inmate
organization – the activities of an
inmate organization may be suspended
temporarily by the Superintendent due
to non-compliance with Bureau rules
and/or policies. The inmate
organization concerned shall be
notified in writing of the proposed
suspension sanction and shall have the
opportunity to respond to the
Superintendent. Continued con-
compliance with Bureau rules and/or
policies shall result in an increase in the
severity of the suspension sanction,
and may include withdrawal of the
approval granted to the organization.
▪ Withdrawal of approval of an inmate
organization – the Superintendent
may withdraw approval of an inmate
organization for reasons of security,
good order, and discipline of the prison,
or for serious or continuous violation of
prison rules and/or policies.
▪ Funding of activities – the bureau
may fund approval activities of inmate
organizations or organization requests
for purchase of equipment or services
for all inmates subject to the availability
of funds.
Release of Inmate
▪ Basis for release of an inmate – an
inmate may be released from prison;
▪ Upon the expiration of his
sentence;
▪ By order of the court or of
competent authority; or
▪ After being granted parole,
pardon or amnesty.
▪ Who may authorize release – the
following are authorized to order or
approve the release of inmates:
▪ The Supreme Court or lower
courts, in cases of acquittal or
grant of bail;
▪ The President of the Philippines,
in cases of executive clemency
or amnesty;
▪ The Board of Pardons and
Parole, in Parole cases; and
▪ The Director, upon the expiration
of sentence of the inmate.
▪ Approval by Director of release – an
inmate shall only be released by the
Superintendent with the approval of the
Director.
▪ Verification of identity of inmate to
be released – before an inmate is
released, he shall be properly
identified. His fingerprints and other
identification marks shall be verified
with those which were taken when he
was admitted in prison, and change in
his distinguishing marks since
admission.
▪ Documentary basis for release – an
inmate shall not be released on the
basis of authority relayed through
telegram or telephone. Inmates to be
released by reason of acquittal,
dismissal of the case, the filing of bond
or payment of indemnity shall only be
released upon receipt by the
Superintendent of a written order
bearing the seal of the court and duly
signed by the clerk of court or by judge
thereof. The release order shall bear
the full name of the inmate, the crime
charged, the number of the case, and
such other details as will enable the
releasing officer to properly identify the
inmate to be released.
▪ Prompt release of inmate – an inmate
shall be released without delay.
However, before releasing an inmate
who is suffering from a communicable
disease or mental derangement, and
who cannot defray the expenses of his
treatment, the Superintendent shall
take the necessary steps to arrange for
the follow-up treatment of the inmate in
an appropriate government institutions.
▪ Release of foreign national – the
Director shall notify the Commissioner
of Immigration of the release of an
inmate who is a foreign national. At
least 30 days before the approximate
date of release, the Director shall
furnish the Commissioner with certified
copies of the court decision in the case
of the alien inmate, a synopsis of his
record, and the expected date of
release.
▪ Release of inmate with pending case
– if the inmate to be released has a
pending criminal case, the Director
shall inform the court where the case is
pending of the inmate’s discharge from
prison at least 30 days before the actual
date of release. In the proper case, the
Director shall turn over the inmate to the
 proper court where the inmate has a before the periods as the board
pending criminal case for disposition. may specify.
▪ Prohibited release of inmates before ▪ For parole – at least 1 month
and after election – the Director shall before the expiry date of his
not order or allow an inmate to leave minimum sentence.
prison 60 days before and 30 days
Organization of Bureau Responsibilities
after an election except for valid or
and Duties of Correctional Official
legal reason.
▪ Director and Assistance Director of
▪ Separation and Placement Center –
the Bureau – the bureau is headed by
an inmate shall, 30 days before his
the Director of Corrections who is
scheduled date of release, be
assisted by 2 Assistant Directors, one
transferred to the Separation and
Administration and Rehabilitation and 1
Placement Center to prepare him for re-
for Prisons and security. The Director
entry into free society, provided he is
and Assistant Directors of the Bureau
not under punishment or an escape
shall be appointed by the President of
risk, and is cleared of his government
the Philippines upon recommendation
property accountability.
of the Secretary.
▪ Pre-release seminar – all inmates
▪ Functions of Director – the Director
eligible for release shall undergo a one-
shall have the following functions:
day seminar in preparation for his life
outside prison. ▪ Act as adviser of the Secretary
on matters relating to the
▪ Assistance to inmate to be released
formulation and execution of
– upon release of the inmate, he shall
penal policies, plans, programs,
be supplied by the Bureau with
and projects.
transportation to his home, including a
gratuity to cover the probable cost of ▪ Administer and execute the laws
subsistence en route, and if necessary, relating to prisons and its
a suit of clothes. inmates and enforce the rules
and regulations governing the
▪ Transmittal of carpeta and prison
operations and management of
records – in executive clemency and
prisons.
parole cases, the Director shall forward
the carpeta and prison record of an ▪ Exercise administrative
inmate to the Board within the ff supervision of prions;
periods:
▪ Recommend to the board of
▪ For commutation of sentence pardons and parole inmates who
– at least 1 month before the are qualified for the grant of
expiration of 1/3 of the minimum parole, pardon and other forms
period of the inmate’s of executive clemency.
indeterminate sentence and in
special cases, at least 1 month ▪ Exercise supervision and control
before the period specified by over the constituent units and
the Board. personnel of the Bureau; and

▪ For conditional pardon – at ▪ Issue directives and instructions

least 1 month before the in accordance with laws, rules
expiration of ½ of the minimum and regulations that will
period of the inmate’s effectively and efficiently govern
indeterminate sentence and in the activities of the Bureau and
special cases, at least 1 month its personnel.
▪ Functions of Assistant Director – the
assistant director shall have the
following functions;
Note: Mass Service Unit is the one
▪ Assist the Director in the
responsible for serving of food in BJMP’s.
formulation and implementation
of the Bureau’s objectives and
policies;
▪ Coordinate and ensure the
economical, efficient and
effective administration of the
programs and projects of the
Bureau.
▪ Assume the duties of the
Director in the latter’s absence;
and
▪ Performs such other function as
may be assigned by the Director.
Organizational Structure of Bureau
▪ The Bureau shall carry out its functions
through the following prisons and
administrative divisions;
▪ Prisons (7 Prison and Penal
Farm)
▪ Staff offices
▪ Administrative Division
▪ Management Division
▪ General Services Division
▪ Accounting Division
▪ Supply Division
▪ Budget and Finance
Division
▪ Medical Coordinator’s
Office
▪ Legal Office
▪ Reception and Diagnostic
Center
▪ Medical officer of a prison and
penal/regional prison – there shall be
a prison medical officer who shall
inspect/supervise the following:
▪ Quantity, quality, preparation
and serving of food rations of
inmates;
▪ Hygiene and cleanliness of the
prison and its surroundings;
▪ Sanitation, lighting and
ventilation of the prison; and
▪ Observance of the rules
concerning physical education
and sports.
▪ Social worker – a prison shall have a
licensed social worker who shall
conduct social case studies and referral
services and engage in volunteer
resource development activities. He
shall assist in the implementation of
rehabilitation programs of inmates and
shall maintain updated information on
the results of the treatment program
being implemented for individual
inmates.
▪ Chaplaincy service – there shall be a
prison chaplaincy service which shall
promote religious education, worship
services, guidance and counselling as
well as the organization of religious
volunteer groups. The service shall, as
far as practicable, ensure compliance
with the specific requirements such as
dietary restrictions, medical treatment,
work assignment and other ethical
beliefs and practices of a particular
religion or faith.
▪ Duties of Chaplains – all chaplains,
regardless of faith orientation, shall
minister as an effective pastoral team to
an entire inmate population. They shall,
among others, have the following duties
and responsibilities:
▪ Provide individual and personal
counselling;
▪ Lead worship and prayer
gatherings of his or her own faith
traditions;
▪ Supervise religious inmate
services and meetings; and
▪ Respond to identified spiritual
and religious needs of inmates.
▪ Recognition of Religious group – a
religious group which has a sufficient
number of members as determined by
the Superintendent shall be allowed to
have a qualified, appointed
representative to the chaplaincy.
 Qualified religious representatives shall
be encouraged and to hold pastoral
visits and services in the prisons.
▪ Release of information – the
superintendent shall promptly make
announcements to media of unusual,
newsworthy incidents such as escapes
and institution emergencies. Upon
request, he may provide the following
information about an inmate:
▪ Name
▪ Prison number
▪ Place of confinement
▪ Age
▪ Conviction and sentencing data:
this includes the offense(s) for
which convicted, the court where
convicted, the date of
sentencing, the length of
sentence(s), the date of
expiration of sentence, and
previous convictions.
▪ Press pools – the superintendent may
establish a press pool whenever the
frequency of requests for interview
reaches a volume that warrants
limitations. In such a case, the
Superintendent shall notify all media
representatives who have requested
interviews or visits that have not been
conducted. Selected media
representative may be admitted to
prison as a pool to conduct the
interviews under the specific guidelines
established by the Superintendent.
▪ Composition of press pool – the
members of the press pool shall be
selected by their peers and shall consist
of not more that 2 representatives from
each of the following groups:
▪ The national and international
services;
▪ The television and radio
networks and outlets; and
▪ The news magazine and
newspaper.
If no interest is expressed by one or more of
these groups, no representative from such
group need be selected.
All news materials generated by a press pool
shall be made available to media without right
of first publication or broadcast.
Duties of Members of Custodial Force
▪ Duties of Members of Custodial
ForceCorrectional objectives – in the
performance of their duties, prison
officers and guard shall observe the
following objectives:
▪ The social re-orientation of the
inmates for successful
participation in modern
community life after release; and
▪ Their vocational rehabilitation in
order that they may exist as self-
sustaining members of the
community where they may
reside, whatever limiting factors
their status as ex-inmates may
be.
▪ Duties of custodial officers – to carry
out the objectives mentioned above,
custodial officials and guard shall
perform the following duties:
▪ Superintendent
▪ He is charged with the
supervision of the entire
prison.
▪ He shall strictly enforce
all laws and rules and
regulations relation to
prisons.
▪ He shall be responsible to
the Director for the
management of the
prison, the safe custody
of inmates, the proper
care of all prison buildings
and other properties, and
the economical and
proper expenditure and
use of prison funds and
materials.
▪ He shall utilize the labor
of al inmates to serve the
best interest of the public
 service. He shall promote
the useful employment
and industrial training of
inmates.
▪ He shall report promptly
in writing to the Director
any escape, or any
attempt or preparation to
escape, the discovery or
confiscation of dangerous
tools from an inamte,
fires, accidents, or any
important occurrence.
▪ He shall observe the conduct of the
prison officers and guards and require
faithful execution of their duties.
▪ He shall immediately report to the
Director any irregularity or misconduct
of a prison official or guard and if
warranted, investigate and proceed
administratively against an errant
official or guard in accordance with Civil
service Law, rules and regulations.
▪ He shall look after the health and well-
being of prison officers and guards.
▪ He shall reside in the quarters assigned
to him and shall not stay out overnight
unless the Assistant Superintendent is
present.
▪ He shall receive all reports and
complaints of prison officials, guards
and inmates and forward the same
without delay to the Director with his
comments and recommendations.
▪ He shall maintain all times control over
the inmates, and to permit no
disobedience. He shall comport himself
so as to maintain a positive influence
over them, which, whenever the
occasion may require, he shall exert by
his personal presence.
▪ He shall see to it that all inmates are
treated with strict impartiality.
▪ He shall allow visits to inmates in
accordance with prison rules and
regulations and general orders and
shall endure that proper entries
concerning the visitors are made in the
prescribed book.
▪ He shall give all necessary directions
for the reception and release of
inmates.
▪ He shall pay attention to the illumination
ventilation, drainage, water supply and
sanitary condition of the prison and take
such measures as maybe necessary for
their being maintained in perfect order
▪ The Assistant Superintendent
▪ He is the officer next in authority
to the Superintendent and shall
be responsible to the
Superintendent for the discipline
and cleanliness of his division.
▪ He shall discharge the duties of
the Superintendent during the
absence of the latter.
▪ He shall see to it that prison
regulations and orders are
carried out and that due order
and disciplined are enforced.
▪ He shall act as Chairman of the
Board of Officers in the hearing
of administrative cases against
prison employees and guards.
▪ He shall ensure that guards are
properly dressed and armed
before going to their posts.
▪ He shall give constant attention
to the security of the prison.
▪ He shall see to it that
subordinate officials and guards
perform their respective duties
and that they are acquainted
with the special order pertaining
to each post.
▪ He shall detail any officer or
guard on a post to perform any
other duty which may be
required from time to time.
 ▪ He shall supervise the search for
contraband and assure himself
that the prison is secure.
▪ He shall visit all inmates under
observations or locked up for
punishment at least twice a day
and make sure that any special
instruction in regard to said
inmates is carried out fully.
▪ He shall investigate any report or
complaint made by a keeper or a
guard or an inmate and report
the matter immediately to the
Superintendent.
▪ He shall inform the
Superintendent of all matters
relating to the prison if he has
dealt with them himself. Nothing
shall considered as trivial.
▪ He shall instruct, when
necessary, all custodial officers
and guards in any post on their
duties.
▪ He shall be the medium of
communication between the
custodial officers and guards
and the Superintendent and
shall bring the attention of the
Medical Officer to any inmate
▪ Guard
whom he consider to be sick or
of unsound mind.
▪ Chief Overseer
▪ He shall supervise keepers in
their respective departments,
and inspect all prison wards and
cells under his supervision,
ascertaining and requiring of the
keepers, at all times, to comply
strictly with heir assigned duties.
He shall promptly report in
writing to the Superintendent
any observed delinquency or
instance of neglect on the part of
the keeper.
▪ He shall keep a record of
inmates assigned to the different
departments, showing the
brigade or cell in which each is
confined, the shop or place
where the inmate is working, the
date of entrance into prison for
confinement, the sentence, the
date of sentence, the crime and
such other information as he
may be directed by the
Superintendent to secure.
▪ He shall see to it that the
morning and evening counts of
inmates by the keepers are
promptly and correctly made.
▪ He shall see to it that all keepers,
upon their entrance into the
prison for duty, are in the
prescribed uniform.
▪ He shall keep a record of the
assignment of inmates in
confinement.
▪ He shall record all breaches of
discipline committed by an
inmate.
▪ In the NBP, he shall select
qualified inmates for assignment
to a prison and penal farm or
regional prison as the
Superintendent may direct.
▪ A guard shall live in the quarters
within the prison reservation to
which he is assigned, unless
special permission is granted by
the Director or the
Superintendent to reside
elsewhere. He shall occupy the
quarters assigned for his use
and that of his family, and it shall
be their duty to see that their
quarters are kept in a clean
orderly condition. Unmarried
guards or bachelors shall reside
in the guards' quarters.
▪ No one shall be allowed to enter
the guards' quarters unless his
duties require him to do so and
those entering the same shall
 conduct themselves so as not to
disturb the guards therein.
▪ A Guard shall be a.) vigilant; b.)
comply strictly with his orders;
and c.) perform his duties
promptly. Failure to observe
these requisites shall be cause
for disciplinary measures.
▪ There shall be three (3) shifts for
guards with each guard having a
tour of duty of eight (8) hours.
One-third (1/3) of the guards in
each shift shall be detailed on
reserve duty for a period of eight
(8) hours prior to entrance to
duty. The guard on reserve shall
stay in the Administration
Building ready for any call.
▪ He shall be responsible for the
serviceable condition of the
equipment in his possession as
well as for all government
property belonging to the post.
Firearms shall be kept clean,
well-oiled and in perfect
condition.
▪ A list of all properties for which
guards are responsible shall be
placed in the tower posts. A relief
guard upon entering into duty
shall check if all such properties
are being turned over and that
they are serviceable. Any
deficiency shall be immediately
reported to the inspector on duty
who, in turn, shall request the
property office or the armorer to
replace the unserviceable or
missing property.
▪ Keeper
▪ He shall be responsible for the
locking of inmates in his brigade.
He shall keep a correct count of
the inmates in his brigade or
cells and promptly report any
absentees found at the morning
or evening counts to the Chief
Overseer, who shall in turn
report the same to the
Superintendent.
▪ He shall have the flooring of his
brigade scrubbed at least twice a
week and that of the bottom
landing, daily.
▪ He shall ensure that all cells are
clean and that the toilets and
bathrooms are thoroughly
scrubbed and cleaned everyday.
▪ He shall exercise utmost
diligence in searching for
contraband articles. Nothing
must be overlooked nor taken for
granted as correct.
▪ He shall examine all belts, bars,
locks and doors of the brigade
and satisfy himself as to their
security.
▪ He shall be under the direct
supervision of the Chief
Overseer and the Officer of the
Day and the Inspector on Duty.
▪ He shall superintend the policing
of brigades and parts of the
prison yard which are in the
immediate vicinity of his brigade.
▪ He shall enter in the book
provided for the purpose any
breach of discipline by an
inmate. If the violation is serious
or repeated after the inmate had
been warned, he shall
immediately report the same to
the Officer of the Day.
▪ He shall make an hourly
inspection of the brigade and
cells under his charge and shall
not allow an inmate to remain
therein during working hours
unless assigned to work therein
as room orderlies or when
directed to remain by proper
authority.
 ▪ He shall supervise the proper
and equitable distribution of food
to the inmates in a brigade.
▪ Yard Guard
▪ He shall see to it that the work
assigned to inmates occupying
the yards is properly performed.
▪ He shall see to it that the yards
are clean and in sanitary
condition, and that all
conveniences and facilities are
in order.
▪ He shall pay particular attention
to yards occupied by inmates
under training, drilling or
performing a special work
assignment.
▪ When necessary to unlock any
yard gate or door, he must not
leave the gate or door until he
has locked it again.
▪ He shall keep the area under his
charge free from any pieces of
iron or any scrap material that
may be used as deadly weapons
by inmates.
▪ He shall keep a close watch of
inmates within his line of vision
and promptly report any
untoward event or suspicious
movement of inmates to the
nearest officer.
▪ Gate Guard
▪ He shall always be mindful of the
importance of his post and
strictly discharge his assigned
duties.
▪ He shall never open the gate
until he has ascertained the
identity of the person seeking
admission and assures himself
that the person has been
authorized to enter.
▪ He shall open and close a gate
or door as quietly as possible.
▪ He shall keep a correct record of
all persons who pass through the
gate including the officers of the
prison, and also a record of all
visitors and the period they
remained inside the compound.
▪ He shall enter all articles
received at the gate in the book
provided therefor and shall
satisfy himself that no
contraband is allowed entry.
▪ At the control gate, the front door
shall never be opened while the
other door is open or vice versa.
▪ He shall not allow an inmate,
even one due for release, to
pass through that gate unless
authorized by the Officer of the
Day.
▪ He shall not allow firearms of any
kind to enter the prison. Firearms
of prison officers and
employees, as well as visitors,
shall be kept or deposited at the
entrance gate.
▪ He shall see to it that all inmates
are properly searched in going in
or out of the prison.
▪ He shall see that all official
visitors sign the visitor's book.
Should any visitor refuse to sign
the visitor's book, the visitor shall
not be allowed entry. He shall
immediately report the incident
to the Officer of the Day for
disposition.
▪ Guards at the Main Gate or Outpost
▪ He shall closely observe civilians
entering the prison reservation, make
inquiries as to the purpose of their visit.
▪ He shall see to it that all civilians
coming in during visiting days are
thoroughly searched and that they are
not armed. He shall seize and issue
receipts for all contraband and
 prohibited articles found in their
possession.
▪ He shall enter in the log book the
names of officers and employees going
in and out of the reservation, and
indicating therein the exact time of their
departure and arrival.
▪ He shall check carefully all trip tickets of
prison vehicles, as well as the passes
corresponding to the number of
inmates being brought out under guard.
▪ Gate officers may refuse entry to any
vehicle if they believe the occupants do
not have a legitimate purpose in visiting
the area or if the vehicle contains cargo
that pose security risks
▪ Pointers for All Guards
▪ A guard shall observe the provisions of
Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise
known as the "Code of Conduct and
Ethical Standards for Public Officials
and Employees" and its implementing
rules.
▪ He shall familiarize himself with the
provisions of this Manual and shall
conduct himself in accordance with its
provisions and precepts. He shall
understand the limits of his authority
and responsibilities. In case of doubt,
he shall consult his immediate
supervisor.
▪ A guard shall execute an appropriate
hand salute and address as "Sir" the
following officers of the Bureau:
Director, Assistant Director; assistants
to the Director, Executive Officer,
Superintendent and Assistant
Superintendent, Chiefs of Divisions,
Inspectors and Sergeants of the guard.
▪ He shall stand at attention and salute
the National Colors or standards not
cased, and when the national anthem is
played.
▪ He shall be neat in his appearance. If in
uniform, the same shall be neat, well-
pressed, and worn smartly. When
performing his duties outside the prison
premises, he shall be in complete and
proper uniform and if traveling in
uniform, shall display utmost courtesy
towards civilians. He shall have
regulation hair cut.
▪ He shall read the prison bulletin board
preferably before his tour of duty.
▪ He shall familiarize himself with the
proper operation and maintenance of
the firearm and instruments of restraint
he may be called upon to use.
▪ He shall not lend the firearm issued to
him to anyone or borrow someone
else's firearm, except when authorized
to do so.
▪ While on duty, he shall bring with him
thirty (30) rounds of ammunition and
must not expend them unless
absolutely necessary, or with
permission from higher authority.
▪ He must avoid unnecessary firing of his
firearm.
▪ He shall immediately report to the
armorer any loss or expenditure of
ammunition, loss or destruction of
firearm or its accessories, or any
government property issued to him or
under his charge.
▪ He shall beat the point of assembly at
least five (5) minutes before the
appointed time of assembly. If he is late
in the formation, he must report to the
Officer-In-Charge upon arrival and
again, after dismissal.
▪ If he will be unable to report for duty, he
shall report the same to the Sergeant or
Inspector of the Guard at least two (2)
hours before the time of assembly.
▪ If the guard feels indisposed, he must
immediately report to the prison
hospital for examination/treatment. If he
will not be able to attend to his duties on
account of illness, he must secure a
medical certificate to that effect and
 present it to the proper authority at the
first available opportunity
▪ Administrative liability of guard. — A
guard shall be liable to administrative
disciplinary action for acts punishable
under the provisions of this Manual, the
Civil Service Law and its implementing
Rules and Regulations.
CUSTODIAL AND SECURITY
PROCEDURES
▪ Security conditions of confinement
facility. — All doors, bars, windows and
locks of security facilities shall be
examined regularly to insure their
integrity and good condition. All prison
personnel, regardless of assignment,
shall be responsible for the security of
prison facilities. They shall immediately
report any sign of defector deterioration
in the security system to their
immediate supervisor.
▪ Perimeter fences. — Maximum and
medium security compounds must
maintain two parallel security barriers or
perimeter fences provided with
sufficient lighting fixtures to prevent
escapes or jail breaks. These shall be
periodically inspected by the general
services division and the commander of
the guards. Electrified fences shall be
equipped with warning signs to avoid
accidental injury to both custodial
personnel and visitors.
▪ Vehicle control. — Privately-owned
vehicles of employees and residents of
a prison reservations shall be provided
with security tags or stickers for proper
identification and clearance at the entry
and exit gates. All other transportation
must be checked for both passengers
and cargo.
▪ Vehicular access to prison
compounds. — No privately-owned
vehicle shall be allowed access to a
prison compound except upon prior
written clearance from the
Superintendent. All vehicles shall be
checked at the inner and outer gates
upon entry and exit.
▪ Inmate head count. — A head count of
inmates shall be conducted four (4)
times a day or as often as necessary to
ensure that all inmates are duly
accounted for.
▪ Procedure for inmate count. — The
procedure for conducting a periodic
physical head count of inmates shall be
as follows: a. During the count, the
inmates shall not be allowed to move
until the count is completed. b. There
must be a positive verification of an
inmate's presence. Counting an inmate
as present on the basis of seeing any
part of his clothing, his hair, or shoes
shall not be made. c. A written report on
the results of each head count shall be
submitted to the Chief Overseer. d. If
the inmate count does not tally with the
list of inmates, the matter shall be
immediately reported to the Chief
Overseer
▪ Location of armory. — The prison
armory shall be located outside of the
main prison and the inmates's
work/activity area.
▪ Security measures while
serving/delivering meals. — If meals
are served in a dining room or similar
facility, the following security measures
shall be observed:
▪ a. Inmates shall be marched in
columns of two's along
designated routes under the
supervision of one or two
guards. Other guards may be
stationed along the route to
direct the orderly movement of
inmates to and from the mess
hall. HSCAIT
▪ b. A roving supervisor shall
establish order in the dining
room area.
▪ c. After meals, all eating and
kitchen utensils of inmates shall
be collected and accounted. If
 meals are delivered inside the
inmate's cells/quarters, the
guard shall not enter the
cells/quarters to distribute food
unless another guard is
available to handle the keys and
control the entrance door. If the
food will be served by just one
guard, the food shall be served
without unlocking the door if
there is a danger of being
overpowered by the inmates. If
there is no danger, the door may
be opened but the guard shall
remain on alert.
▪ Visitor control; body search of
visitors. — All visitors, including prison
personnel, shall be subjected to a
thorough body search and their
belongings/packages screened for
contraband before entering the prison
compound. Women visitors shall be
searched only by female guards or
employees.
▪ Filing of criminal/administrative
charges. — Those found with
contraband hidden in their body or
belongings shall be barred from
entering the prison compound and in
the proper cases, charged
criminally/administratively
▪ Bringing out food and prison issue.
— Visitors shall not be allowed to bring
out food or other articles issued for the
consumption or use of inmates.
▪ Control of prison keys. — Only the
following shall be authorized to possess
the keys of prison gates, cells,
dormitories and hospital wards: a. Gate
officer; b. Officer-of-the-Day or Shift
Commander; c. Keeper; and d.
Custodial or Medical Officer designated
by the Superintendent.
SECURITY PROCEDURES DURING
EMERGENCIES, RIOTS, ESCAPES OR
MAJOR DISTURBANCES
▪ Emergency control center. — A
prison shall establish a Control Center
to control, execute and monitor the
proper and timely implementation of
detailed plans of action to cope with
emergency situations caused by fires or
conflagrations, riots or other violent
disturbances, or escapes. The Control
Center shall be under the command of
the Superintendent or, in his absence,
the Assistant Superintendent, and in
the latter's absence, the most senior
prison guard present.
▪ Riots and other prison disturbances.
— In the event of riots or other prison
disturbances, all officials and
employees of the prison where the
incident occurs shall be placed on
twenty-four (24)-hour alert to perform
such tasks as may be necessary to
quell the disorder or normalize the
situation.
▪ Sounding of alarm. — Whenever a riot
or escape alarm is sounded, either by
siren, bell or gun fire, all inmates shall
be ordered to lie flat on the ground, face
down and with arms and legs spread
out. On such occasions, when warnings
are disregarded, the guards shall use
reasonable force to carry out the
instructions.
▪ Procedure during riots and
disturbances. — The following
procedures shall be followed in the
case of riots and other violent
disturbances:
▪ a. At the sound of the first alarm, all
inmates shall be locked up inside their
respective cells/quarters. An inmate
work crew shall be immediately
returned to the prison compound or to
previously designated areas for
accounting and confinement after a
head count;
▪ b. If the disturbance occurs during
visiting hours, all visitors shall be
immediately ushered out of prison
compound or if this is not possible,
brought to a pre-determined area inside
said compound. In the latter case, the
visitors shall not be allowed to leave
said area or the compound until the
disturbance has ceased and the
inmates have been properly accounted
for.
▪ c. At the same time, all guards who are
not on duty shall be directed to
immediately report to the Desk Officer.
All critical posts shall be manned to
prevent escapes. The most senior
guard present shall take command of
the custodial force and make
assessment of the situation.
▪ d. All telephone calls to and from the
prison compound shall be controlled.
▪ e. The Armorer shall issue the
necessary anti-riot equipment and
firearms.
▪ f. Based on his assessment of the
prevailing conditions, the guard in
command shall deploy the guards into
the following groups:
▪ 1st Group — This is the initial
wave of anti-riot assault
contingent who shall be armed
with wicker shields, protective
headgear, gas masks and night
sticks or batons, when these are
available. The objectives of this
group are to disperse the rioters
and get their leaders.
▪ 2nd Group — This is the back-up
force of the 1st Group who shall
be equipped with tear gas guns
and gas grenades.
▪ 3rd Group — This is composed
of guards who are trained in the
proper handling and use of
firearms. Under the direct
command of the guard-in-
charge, they shall provide
covering fire to the first two
groups.
▪ g. When the three groups mentioned
above are ready, the guard-incharge
shall direct the inmates to cease and
desist, to return to their respective cells
and warn them of the consequences if
they do not obey. The known leaders, if
known, shall be addressed directly.
▪ h. If the inmates fail or refuse to heed
the order to return to their cells, the
guard-in-charge shall sound the 2nd
alarm. Thereupon, the 1st Group shall
enter into the prison compound
followed by the second group at a
discreet distance. The third group shall
be in strategic position, ready to fire if
the lives of the guards in the 1st and
2nd Groups are endangered by overt
violent acts of the inmates.
▪ i. The 1st Group shall be tasked with
quelling the riot and getting the leaders
of the rioting group. If they meet stiff
resistance, the head of the Group shall
immediately order their withdrawal.
▪ j. Thereafter, the guard-in charge shall
order the 2nd Group to fire tear gas on
the inmates. When the area where the
rioters are found is saturated with gas,
the 1st Group shall attack using their
batons to force the rioters into their cells
and to get the leaders. The use of
pressurized water from the fire truck, it
any, may be resorted to.
▪ k. At the earliest opportunity, the guard-
in-charge shall report the prison
disturbance to the nearest police
station and to the Director who shall in
turn inform the Secretary.
▪ l. When the condition has become
critical and the disturbance has
reached full intensity, the guard-in-
charge shall cause the sounding of the
third alarm. At this instance, the Control
Center shall notify all Police agencies
nearby for assistance and then all other
plans in connection with prison
uprisings shall then be executed.
 Nearby hospitals shall also be notified if
the situation demands.
▪ m. As an extreme measure to prevent
mass jail break or serious assault upon
the members of the prison
administration, the selected marksman
of the 3rd Group may be ordered by the
guard-in-charge to fire warning shots at
the rioters. If the rioters do not desist,
the order to fire shall be given but only
to aim designated targets belonging to
the rioting group.
▪ n. After the riot or disturbance, the
following procedures shall be followed:
▪ i. Administer first aid to the
injured;
▪ ii. Conduct a head count;
▪ iii. Segregate ring leaders and
agitators;
▪ iv. Assess and determine the
damage to the facilities;
▪ v. Investigate the causes of the
riot and prosecute the
ringleaders and other persons
involved in the riot;
▪ vi. Repair the damage;
▪ vii. Adopt measures to prevent
repetition of similar incidents;
and
▪ viii. Submit a report on the
incident to the Secretary
▪ Procedure during an escape or
jailbreak. — The following procedures
shall be followed in the case of escapes
or jail breaks:
▪ a. When a jail break is in progress or
has just occurred, the Control Center
shall immediately sound the alarm and
the Superintendent or the Commander
of the Guards shall be notified.
▪ b. At the first sound of the alarm, all
inmates shall be locked in their
respective cells while those in work
detail shall be marched in orderly
manner to their cells.
▪ c. All prison personnel who are not on
duty shall report to the prison
immediately and make themselves
available for emergency deployment.
The Armorer shall issue firearms to
members of the custodial force who
shall be immediately dispatched to
strategic posts.
▪ d. A head count shall be made
simultaneously in the different
cells/quarter of inmates to determine
the identity of the escapee. Prison
personnel assigned to essential posts
such as the powerhouse, kitchen,
hospitals, fire station, etc. shall also
make a head count of the inmates
under their supervision and report the
results thereof to the Control Center.
▪ e. If the identity of the escapee is
established, his name and other
personal circumstances shall be
immediately flashed to all units of the
Philippine National Police in the vicinity.
▪ f. Radio and television stations and
other news media shall also be notified
of the escape and, if possible, provided
with photographs of the escapee.
▪ g. A Recovery Team shall be formed by
the Superintendent to proceed to all
known lairs, hangouts, residences and
houses of immediate relatives and
friends of the escapee.
▪ h. In case of mass jail breaks, all
members of the custodial force shall be
immediately issued firearms and
assigned to critical posts to seal off all
possible escape routes while teams
search the prison premises. Prison
personnel who are off-duty shall be
required to report for duty immediately.
▪ i. If any prison officer or employee is
held hostage by the escapee,
reasonable caution to insure safety
shall be taken. If it is the Superintendent
who is taken as hostage, the Assistant
Superintendent shall assume
command.
▪ j. If no hostage was taken and the
escapee is unable to leave the prison
premises but refuses to surrender to the
prison authorities, the basic plan for
 Riots or Disturbances shall be
implemented.
▪ k. After the escape, the Superintendent
shall conduct an investigation relative
to the escape to determine the liability
of the officer/employee under whose
custody the inmate escaped. A review
of security procedures and an ocular
inspection of the prison facilities shall
also be made to determine the
existence of any gaps or flaws. A report
on the results of said review shall be
submitted to the Secretary
▪ Emergency plans for calamities etc.
— Subject to the available personnel
and funding resources a prison shall
establish emergency plans in cases of
power failure and natural disasters such
as floods, earthquakes and other
calamities, The plans shall cover the
specific roles of prison personnel
present, the alarm system to be used,
the emergency power units to be
utilized and the kind of security to be
provided and such other matters as are
necessary to insure the safety and
security of prison personnel and
inmates. Likewise, the plans shall also
include detailed procedures for the
evacuation of inmates in cases of
floods, earthquakes and other
calamities, if such evacuation is
necessary.
▪ Features of emergency plans. —
Subject to the availability of funds and
equipment, emergency plans shall
contain the following basic elements or
features:
▪ a. Fire
▪ i. A fire crew shall be formed
consisting of prison personnel
and inmates chosen according
to their security
classification/behavior,
intelligence and aptitude. They
shall man the prison fire truck, if
any.
▪ ii. The inmates who are selected
shall be housed separately from
the other inmates in close
proximity to the Control Center
and/or the fire equipment and
fire truck, if any. They may be
issued special uniforms for easy
identification.
▪ iii. At the first sign of fire, the
Control Center shall sound an
alarm either by means of a siren
or a bell, and at the same time,
notify the fire department, police
headquarters and other units
that may help in putting out the
fire and/or evacuating inmates.
▪ iv. The person in-charge of the
keys to the storage for
firefighting equipment, the
emergency gates and gates of
the different cells/brigades,
should distribute the keys to the
responsible personnel
concerned.
▪ v. The fire crew shall
immediately respond to the
scene to put out the fire while the
other prison personnel shall
station themselves according to
the plan.
▪ vi. All inmates in the affected
area shall be required to help in
putting out the fire.
▪ vii. If there is a need to evacuate
government records, supplies
and equipment, they should be
evacuated to a safe place
according to priority and placed
under proper guard.
▪ viii. If there is a need to evacuate
the inmates, they shall be
evacuated in an orderly manner,
using secure motor vehicles, if
any or by any other means that
will bring them to pre-arranged
buildings or detention centers for
their confinement. If the inmates
are evacuated outside the
prison, they shall be secured by
handcuffs or other instruments
of restraint.
▪ ix. When the all clear alarm is
sounded, first aid shall be
 administered to the injured Control Center in case of
inmates and a physical count of nocturnal fires.
inmates shall be made. Security
▪ f. Government equipment shall
check of the prison to determine
be marked with tags or symbols
the extent of the damage shall
for easy identification and
also be done.
priority evacuation in case of a
▪ x. If the security conditions allow,
fire or other emergency.
the evacuated inmates shall be
returned to the prison. ▪ Contingency plan. — In any major
Otherwise, they shall be retained prison disturbance, the Superintendent
in the detention place where shall personally take immediate control
they were evacuated or and implement a standing contingency
transferred to another penal plan to repel the aggression and
establishment as the Governor stabilize the situation. Drills shall be
may decide. conducted from time to time to
▪ xi. A thorough investigation of familiarize personnel with their duties
the causes of the fire shall be under said plan.
conducted by the
Superintendent and the report
thereon submitted to the
Governor and the local Fire
Department.
▪ Fire prevention. — To prevent the
occurrence of fire and to minimize its
effects if such has occurred, the
following rules shall be followed:
▪ a. Inmates shall be cautioned
against the hazards caused by
the careless handling of lit
cigarettes, inflammable
materials, fuel, welding
equipment, etc.
▪ b. Fire extinguishers shall be
placed in close proximity to all
housing units and located in
strategic places in buildings, and
work areas.
▪ c. Empty drums and cans shall
be filled with water/sand and
placed in strategic places for
ready use.
▪ d. Keys to emergency exits,
cells, brigades and storage
places of firefighting equipment
shall have distinct markings or
tags, marked and shall be
accessible to the guards on duty.
▪ e. Portable floodlights shall,
when available, be placed in the
 ESCORT PROCEDURES
▪ Primary duties of escort guards. —
Escort guards shall exercise extreme
caution at all times and shall to see to it
that the inmate does not —
▪ a. Escape;
▪ b. Converse with unauthorized
persons;
▪ c. Obtain forbidden articles,
especially intoxicants or
weapons;
▪ d. Annoy passersby; and
▪ e. Suffer harm or humiliation..
▪ SECTION 2. Distance of guard from
inmates. — If escorting a group of
inmates, a guard shall keep a distance
of not less than ten (10) paces from his
charge.
▪ Upon arrival at the destination,
he shall station himself at a
vantage point where all the
inmates are within sight and can
be properly controlled.
▪ When on board a ship or boat,
the group of inmates shall be
positioned in the most secure
part of the vessel and shall be
required to sit down.
▪ The guard shall station himself at
strategic points where they can
effectively respond.
▪ An inmate shall not be allowed to
stand up or move about until the
vessel is ready to dock, except
when the guard needs to have a
clear view of the port and
starboard passages
▪ Basic escort procedures. — An
escort guard shall strictly observe the
instructions written at the back of the
inmate's pass and the purpose and
destination of the escort mission. These
include, but not are limited, to the
following:
▪ a. While in transit, the inmate
shall not be allowed to stop at
any place or contact any person
until the destination is reached.
▪ b. The inmate shall at all times
be placed under proper restraint
e.g. handcuffs. However, the
same shall be removed when the
inmate enters the courtroom.
▪ c. The inmate shall be returned
to the prison facility immediately
after the purpose of the pass has
been served.
▪ d. The use of a privately-owned
vehicle in transporting an inmate
is prohibited.
▪ Escort procedures for court
appearance. — In escort duties for
court hearing, the Superintendent shall
provide at least two (2) guards for every
inmate. However, when two or more
inmates are to be escorted, the number
of guards may be reduced
proportionately without sacrificing
security requirements. If an inmate is
notorious or has a previous record of
escape, additional escort guards shall
be assigned.
▪ SECTION 5. Appearance in Metro
Manila Courts. — In conducting NBP
or CIW inmates for appearance in
Metro Manila courts, the escort detail
shall be headed by a supervising guard
or by a senior officer.
▪ If the court concerned is in the
suburbs of Metro Manila e.g.,
Cavite, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna
and Batangas, the escorts shall
return their wards to the NBP or
CIW immediately after the
hearing.
▪ SECTION 6. Turnover of inmate to
local jail. — A guard assigned to escort
an inmate for court hearings who
cannot return to the prison of origin on
the same day shall request the court to
issue an order turning over the inmate
to the nearest provincial/city jail or
police detention cell. The escort guard
shall not stay in a private dwelling or
hotel with the inmate.
▪ Acknowledgment of turnover of
inmate. — Upon turning the inmate
 over to an authorized officer at the
destination, the escort-in-charge shall
secure an acknowledgment receipt for
the custody of the inmate. This shall
clearly bear the name of the receiving
officer, his designation and the date and
time the inmate was received.
▪ SECTION 8. Postponement/resetting
of hearing. — After the hearing or if the
scheduled hearing is postponed/reset
to another date, the inmate shall be
returned to the prison of origin without
delay. If feasible, the escort-in-charge
shall secure from the court an order
committing the inmate to the
provincial/city jail or other detention
center.
▪ SECTION 9. Procedure if escort
guard becomes sick. — If the escort
guard becomes sick, he shall notify the
Superintendent of the prison of origin
thereof by the fastest means available
so that a replacement can be sent to
continue the mission.
▪ Fake or spurious subpoena. — If the
subpoena received by the prison turns
out to be spurious, or if, in spite of a
valid subpoena, the scheduled trial is
not held, the inmate shall be
immediately returned to the prison of
origin. The escort-in-charge shall
submit a written report to the
Superintendent on the matter.
SECTION 11. Certificate of
appearance. — Immediately after the
trial but before leaving the court
premises, the escort-in-charge shall
secure from the clerk of court a
certificate or other proof of appearance.
▪ Procedure during outside movement
of inmate. — The following security
procedures shall be observed during
the outside movement of an inmate: a.
Before departure from prison
▪ i. The written mission order
issued by the Superintendent,
the mittimus and other prison
records of the inmate shall be
given to the escort guards. In
case of a detainee, the records
shall include the written
authorization of the appellate or
sentencing court for the outside
movement of the detainee.
▪ ii. Whenever possible, the
transfer shall be effected during
daylight hours.
▪ iii. The escort guards shall be
given detailed instructions on
their duties and responsibilities,
to include the instruction that
they use the most direct travel
route to their authorized
destination.
▪ iv. The inmate shall be
thoroughly searched for
contraband or deadly weapons
or objects which may be used for
escape or self-destruction.
▪ v. Money found in the
possession of the inmate shall
be confiscated by the Desk
Officer who shall issue a receipt
therefor and who shall return the
money to the inmate upon his
return. If the inmate is to be
confined and needs money for
medicine or food, the money
therefor shall be turned over
under receipt to the escort
guard. All disbursements made
by the escort guard shall be
properly receipted for.
▪ vi. The inmate shall be placed in
handcuffs or other instrument of
restraint. If there is more than
one inmate to be transferred,
they shall be grouped in pairs
and securely connected to one
another by a rope, ascertaining
that the inmate does not have
crippled, deformed or very small
hands to allow him to slip the
handcuffs off.
▪ vii. Handcuffs shall be properly
adjusted for tightness before
departure to avoid the need of
adjusting the same while in
transit.
 ▪ viii. The inmate shall stay inside
the prison premises until the
vehicle to be used in transporting
him is ready for boarding. The
inmate shall board a motor
vehicle ahead of the guard.
▪ In Transit
▪ i. The handcuffs or instruments
of restraint shall not be removed
while the inmates are in transit.
An inmate shall not be
handcuffed to any part of the
vehicle during transit to avoid his
being trapped in case of a
vehicular accident.
▪ ii. If it is necessary to board
public transportation such as a
ship or airplane, the guards shall
position themselves with their
inmates in an area that is cleared
of civilians or if this is not
possible, shall sit/position
themselves between the
civilians and the inmate/s.
▪ iii. All inmates being escorted
shall be under the supervision of
a guard at all times, including
going to the toilet or washroom.
The guard shall always be close
enough to the inmate to respond
to any untoward incident.
▪ iv. If there is more than one
inmate being escorted, there
shall be a head count of the
inmates every turnover of
guarding shift. The team leader
of the escort guard detail shall
conduct an inspection during all
guarding shifts.
▪ v. An inmate shall not be allowed
to tinker with his handcuffs or
other instrument of restraint.
▪ vi. A guard shall always walk
behind and not in front of the
inmate being escorted.
▪ vii. If armed, the guard shall not
sit, stand or walk beside the
inmate, or in any case, allow the
inmate to reach his firearm.
▪ viii. The guard shall not pass any
unauthorized place while in
transit.
▪ Arrival at Destination
▪ i. Upon arrival at the authorized
destination, the guards and their
inmate/s shall stay in the public
transportation until the same is
cleared of the other passengers.
They shall only disembark after
the inmate and his personal
belongings have been
searched/inspected and the
transportation that will bring
them finally to their final
destination is ready for boarding.
▪ ii. The handcuffs or instrument of
restraint may be removed at the
authorized destination if there is
no danger of escape.
▪ iii. The guard shall return the
inmate to the prison of origin as
soon as the purpose of the
outside movement has been
served.
▪ d. After-Mission Report
▪ After completing the
mission, the leader of the
guard detail shall submit
a written report to the
Superintendent, together
with copies of the
transmittal letter and
certificate of appearance.
In case of an inmate
being transferred to
another prison or jail
institution or competent
authority, the
responsibility for said
inmate shall remain.
▪ Other security procedures. — The
following security procedures shall also
be observed in case of an inmate
subject of a medical referral or who is
allowed to view the remains of a
deceased relative: a. Medical Referrals
▪ i. The inmate who is brought to
an outside hospital for medical
 treatment/examination shall be
provided with at least two (2)
escort guards and returned to
the prison of origin during the
daylight hours after the
treatment is completed. Upon
said return, the Department shall
be furnished copies of the
inmate's medical certificate,
diagnosis and plan of
management.
▪ ii. If the inmate is to be confined
in a hospital, the inmate may be
handcuffed to the bed if he is
ambulatory and there is a risk
that he may escape.
▪ Viewing the Remains
▪ i. The inmate shall not be
allowed more than three (3)
hours from the time of arrival at
the wake to the time of departure
from the place where the
remains lie in state.
▪ ii. The remains to be viewed
must be in a place within a radius
of thirty (30) kilometers from the
place of confinement. Where the
distance is more than thirty (30)
kilometers, the privilege may be
enjoyed if the inmate can leave
and return to his place of
confinement during the daylight
hours of the same day.
▪ SECTION 14. Outside work detail of
medium security inmates. — In case
a medium security inmate is detailed to
work outside the immediate vicinity of
the prison compound, the following
security procedures shall be observed:
▪ a. In no case shall an inmate be allowed
to work outside the prison compound
without an escort guard.
▪ b. Security shall be on a one inmate to
one guard ratio.
▪ c. The inmate shall be bodily searched
before and after his work detail.
 EXECUTION OF DEATH PENALTY
▪ Death penalty, how executed. — The
death penalty shall be executed under
the authority of the Director by lethal
injection. As used herein, lethal
injection refers to sodium thiopenthotal,
pancuronium bromide, potassium
chloride and such other lethal
substances as may be specified by the
Director that will be administered
intravenously into the body of a convict
until said convict is pronounced dead.
▪ SECTION 2. Policy. — In the execution
of the death penalty, the Director shall
endeavor so far as possible to mitigate
the suffering of the death convict during
the actual execution as well as the
proceedings prior thereto. He shall take
steps to ensure that the lethal injection
to be administered is sufficient to cause
the instantaneous death of the convict.
▪ SECTION 3. Services and privileges
given to a death convict. — A death
convict shall enjoy the same services
and privileges accorded to other
convicts unless otherwise provided
under this Manual.
▪ Holding cell. — Whenever practicable,
the death convict shall, twelve (12)
hours prior to the scheduled time of
execution, be confined in an individual
cell in a maximum security level facility.
The convict shall be provided therein
with a bunk, a steel/wooden bed or mat,
a pillow, a blanket and a mosquito net.
▪ SECTION 5. Death watch. — Four (4)
guards shall keep a close watch over a
death convict confined in the holding
cell. Said guards shall keep a detailed
log book of their watch.
▪ SECTION 6. Religious service. —
Subject to security conditions, a death
convict may be visited by a priest or
minister of his faith and given such
available religious materials which he
may require.
▪ SECTION 7. Exercise. — A death
convict shall be allowed to enjoy regular
exercise periods under the supervision
of a prison guard.
▪ Meal services. — Meals shall,
whenever practicable, be served
individually to death convicts inside the
cells. Mess utensils shall be made of
plastic. After each meal, the utensils
shall be collected and accounted.
▪ SECTION 9. Visitation. — A death
convict shall be allowed to be visited by
his immediate family and reputable
friends at regular intervals and during
designated hours subject to security
procedures. Subject to the approval of
the Superintendent, a death convict
shall, seven (7) days before the
scheduled date of execution, be
allowed daily visits by his authorized
visitors and his attorney of record. After
the death convict is moved to the
holding cell, he may only be visited by
members of the clergy and other
individuals granted visiting privileges by
the Director.
▪ SECTION 10. Telephone privileges.
— The death convict shall not enjoy
telephone privileges after his transfer to
the holding cell. The Director may give
the convict said privilege in meritorious
cases.
▪ SECTION 11. Log book for mail of
death convict. — Thirty (30) days prior
to the execution date, the
Superintendent shall instruct the mail
room officer to forward all the incoming
mail of the death convict to the
Commander of the Guards for
censorship. A separate log book shall
also be kept for mail matters of the
death convict, noting therein the date
and time of their receipt and disposition.
▪ Notification and execution of the
sentence and assistance to the
convict. — The court shall designate a
working day for the execution of the
death penalty but not the hour thereof.
▪ Such designation shall only be
communicated to the convict after
sunrise of the day of the execution, and
the execution shall not take place until
after the expiration of at least eight (8)
hours following the notification, but
before sunset.
▪ During the interval between the
notification and execution, the convict
shall, as far as possible, be furnished
such assistance as he may request in
order to be attended in his last
moments by a priest or minister of the
religion he professes and to consult his
lawyers, as well as in order to make a
will and confer with members of his
family or of persons in charge of the
management of his business, of the
administration of his property, or of the
care of his descendants.
▪ Suspension of execution of the
death sentence. — Execution by lethal
injection shall not be inflicted upon a
woman within one year after delivery,
nor upon any person over seventy (70)
years of age. In this last case, the death
sentence shall be commuted to the
penalty of reclusion perpetua with the
accessory penalty provided in article 40
of the Revised Penal Code.
▪ SECTION 14. Place of execution. —
The execution by lethal injection shall
take place in the prison establishment
and space thereat as may be
designated by the Director. Said place
shall be closed to public view.
▪ Execution procedure. — Details of the
procedure prior to, during and after
administering the lethal injection shall
be set forth in a manual to be prepared
by the Director and submitted to the
Secretary for review and approval. The
manual shall contain details of, among
others, the sequence of events before
and after the execution; procedures in
setting up the intravenous line; the
administration of the lethal drugs; the
pronouncement of death; and the
removal of the intravenous system.
▪ Quantity and safekeeping of drugs
purchased. — The exact quantities of
the drugs needed for an execution of a
death penalty shall be purchased by the
Director pursuant to existing rules and
regulations not earlier than ten (10)
days before the scheduled date of
execution. The drugs shall be kept
securely at the office of the
Superintendent of the prison where the
death sentence is to be executed. All
unused drugs shall be inventoried and
disposed of properly under the direct
supervision of the Director.
▪ Administering of lethal drugs. — The
injection of the lethal drugs to a death
convict shall be made by a person
designated by the Director.
▪ SECTION 18. Identity of relatives of
death convict and of person
administering lethal injection. — The
identity of the relatives of the death
convict and the person who were
designated to administer the lethal
injection shall be kept secret.
▪ SECTION 19. Persons who may
witness execution. — The execution
of a death convict shall be witnessed by
the priest or minister assisting the
offender, his lawyers of record not
exceeding two (2) in number, by his
relatives, not exceeding four, if the
convict so desires, by the prison
physician and necessary prison
personnel, and by such persons as the
Director may authorize which may
include the —
▪ a. Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court or his representative;
▪ b. Secretary of Justice or his
representative;
▪ c. Superintendent;
▪ d. Chief, NBP Hospital;
▪ e. Chairmen of the House and
Senate Committees on Crime or
their representatives;
 ▪ f. Chairmen of the House and common graveyard for inmates. In case
Senate Committees on Peace the cadaver of the convict is claimed by
and Order or their his relatives, his burial shall held not
representatives. later than three (3) days after his body
was released.
▪ g. Undersecretary of Justice in-
charge of corrections.
▪ h. Chairman, Commission on RA 9263 (MARCH 10, 2004) BFP
Human Rights or his AND BJMP
representative. PROFESSIONALIZATION ACT OF
2004
▪ i. Police chief of the locality
where the crime was committed. ▪ AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE
PROFESSIONALIZATION OF THE
▪ j. Ten (10) media witnesses. A
BFP, AND BJMO, AMENDING
person below eighteen (18)
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF RA 6975,
years of age shall not be allowed
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREOF AND
to witness an execution.
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
▪ SECTION 20. Selection and
RA 9592 MAY 8, 2009)
composition of media witnesses. —
The media witnesses shall be selected ▪ AN ACT EXTENDING FOR 5 YEARS
from among those present two (2) THE REGLEMENTARY PERIOD FOR
hours before the scheduled execution COMPLYING WITH THE MINIMUM
and shall be drawn from the following EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION AND
sectors: APPROPRIATE ELIGIBILITY IN THE
BFP AND BJMP, AMENDING FOR
▪ a. two (2) from newsprint
THE PURPOSE CERTAIN
(broadsheet);
PROVISION OF RA 9263 KNOWN AS
▪ b. two (2) from newsprint BFP AND BJMP
(tabloid); PROFESSIONALIZATION ACT OF
2004 AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
▪ c. two (2) from TV;
RA 10575 (May 24, 2013) An Act
▪ d. two (2) from radio; and Strengthening the Bureau of Corrections
▪ e. two (2) from foreign press. and Providing Funds therefor

▪ SECTION 21. Expulsion of witness.

— Any person who makes unnecessary
noise or displays rude or improper
behavior during an execution shall be
expelled from the lethal injection
chamber.
▪ SECTION 22. Non-recording of
execution. — The Director shall not
allow the visual, sound or other
recording of the actual execution by
media or by any private person or
group.
▪ SECTION 23. Time for burial. — The
burial of a death convict shall be held
immediately after execution in a