Module 9

Overview
 The Bureau of Corrections is a vital agency under the Department of Justice.
Formerly named the Bureau of Prisons from 1905 to 1989, it is abbreviated as
BuCor.

 This agency holds the responsibility for the custody and rehabilitation of national
offenders, commonly referred to as Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL), who have
been sentenced to three years of imprisonment or more.

 Situated at the New Bilibid Prison Reservation in Muntinlupa, the BuCor operates
with the primary goal of ensuring the well-being and reform of individuals under
its care.

 Let’s delve into the functions, history, Jobs and structure that make BuCor a
significant contributor to the justice system in the Philippines.
Spanish Colonial Era:
 PRE-COLONIAL AND SPANISH REGIMES
 During the pre-colonial times, the informal prison system was
community-based, as there were no national penitentiaries to
speak of. Natives who defied or violated the local laws were meted
appropriate penalties by the local chieftains. Incarceration in the
community was only meant to prevent the culprit from further
harming the local residents.
 The formal prison system in the Philippines started only during
the Spanish regime, where an organized corrective service was
made operational. Established in 1847 pursuant to Section 1708 of
the Revised Administrative Code and formally opened by Royal
Decree in 1865, the Old Bilibid Prison was constructed as the main
penitentiary on Oroquieta Street, Manila and designed to house the
prison population of the country. This prison became known as the
“Carcel y Presidio Correccional” and could accommodate 1,127
prisoners.
The Carcel was designed to house 600 prisoners who were segregated according to class, sex
and crime while the Presidio could accommodate 527 prisoners. Plans for the construction of
the prison were first published on September 12, 1859 but it was not until April 10, 1866 that
the entire facility was completed.

The prison occupied a quadrangular piece of land 180 meters long on each side, which was
formerly a part of the Mayhalique Estate in the heart of Manila. It housed a building for the
offices and quarters of the prison warden, and 15 buildings or departments for prisoners that
were arranged in a radial way to form spokes. The central tower formed the hub. Under this
tower was the chapel. There were four cell-houses for the isolated prisoners and four isolated
buildings located on the four corners of the walls, which served as kitchen, hospital and stores.
The prison was divided in the middle by a thick wall. One-half of the enclosed space was
assigned to Presidio prisoners and the other half to Carcel prisoners.
 In 1908, concrete modern 200-bed capacity hospitals as well as
new dormitories for the prisoners were added. A carpentry shop
was organized within the confines of the facility. For some time the
shop became a trademark for fine workmanship of furniture made
by prisoners. At this time, sales of handicrafts were done through
the institutions and inmates were compensated depending on the
availability of funds. As a consequence, inmates often had to sell
through the retail or barter their products.
 On August 21, 1869, the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City

was established to confine Muslim rebels and recalcitrant political prisoners

opposed to the Spanish rule. The facility, which faced the Jolo sea had

Spanish-inspired dormitories and was originally set on a 1,414-hectare

sprawling estate.
THE AMERICAN AND COMMONWEALTH
GOVERNMENT

When the Americans took over in the 1900s, the Bureau of Prisons was created under

the Reorganization Act of 1905 (Act No. 1407 dated November 1, 1905) as an agency

under the Department of Commerce and Police.

It also paved the way for the re-establishment of San Ramon Prison in 1907 which

was destroyed during the Spanish-American War. On January 1, 1915, the San Ramon

Prison was placed under the auspices of the Bureau of Prisons and started receiving

prisoners from Mindanao.

 Before the reconstruction of San Ramon Prison, the Americans established in 1904 the Iuhit penal

settlement (now Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm) on a vast reservation of 28,072 hectares. It would

reach a total land area of 40,000 hectares in the late 1950s. Located on the westernmost part of

the archipelago far from the main town to confine incorrigibles with little hope of rehabilitation,

the area was expanded to 41,007 hectares by virtue of Executive Order No. 67 issued by Governor

Newton Gilbert on October 15, 1912

 Other penal colonies were established during the American regime. On November 27, 1929, the

Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) was created under Act No. 3579 to provide separate

facilities for women offenders while the Davao Penal Colony in Southern Mindanao was opened in

1932 under Act No. 3732.

 The Bureau of Prisons, created under the Reorganization Act of 1905,
managed these institutions, and it also re-established the San Ramon
Prison in 1907.
 The Correctional Institution for Women was founded in 1929, and in
1932, the Davao Penal Colony was opened in Southern Mindanao.
 Responding to the growing number of prisoners, the New Bilibid Prison
was established in Muntinlupa in 1935.
Contemporary Era:

 In the contemporary era, Proclamation No. 72 on September

26, 1954, led to the establishment of the Sablayan Prison and
Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro. Later, on January 16, 1973,
Proclamation No. 1101 established the Leyte Regional Prison.

 The Administrative Code of 1987 and Proclamation No. 495 on

November 22, 1989, changed the name of the agency from the
Bureau of Prisons to the current Bureau of Corrections.
Command Leadership Structure
 The Command Leadership Structure of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) is a streamlined hierarchy
designed to govern and administer the correctional system in the Philippines. It begins with
 The President of the Philippines as Commander-in-Chief
 As the highest authority, the President of the Philippines serves as the Commander-in-Chief,
providing overall direction and oversight.
 The Secretary of Justice
 The Secretary of Justice plays a pivotal role in policy formulation and implementation within the
corrections framework, responsible for legal and justice matters.
 The Director General of the Bureau of Corrections (DG, BUCOR; with the Rank of Undersecretary
donning the 4-Star rank)
 Leading the BuCor, the Director General holds the rank of Undersecretary with a 4-star designation,
responsible for strategic planning and overall coordination.
 .

 The Deputy Director General for Administration (DDGA; with the Rank of Assistant Secretary donning the
3-Star rank)
 Responsible for administrative functions, the DDGA oversees human resources, finances, and support
services essential for the effective operation of the Bureau of Corrections.

 The Deputy Director General for Security and Operations (DDGSO; with the Rank of Assistant Secretary
donning the 3-Star rank)
 Managing security and operational aspects, the DDGSO oversees intelligence, investigations, and
tactical operations for inmate safety and facility security.

 The Deputy Director General for Reformation (DDGR; with the Rank of Assistant Secretary donning the
3-Star rank)
 Focused on reformation efforts, the DDGR oversees education, spiritual development, behavior
modification, and rehabilitation programs to promote inmate well-being.

 This structure ensures efficient leadership aligned with the broader objectives of the justice system.
National Headquarters
 At the core of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) structure is its National
Headquarters, serving as the central hub for coordination and decision-making.

 This is where key offices collaborate to ensure the effective functioning of the
correctional system in the Philippines.

 National Headquarters
 Office of the Director-General
 Office of the Deputy Director-General for Administration
 Office of the Deputy Director-General for Security and Operations
 Office of the Deputy Director-General for Reformation
 BUCOR Directorial Staff
Directorates:
 Within the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), Directorates are specialized teams that handle
specific aspects crucial to the effective functioning of the correctional system.

 Directorate for Administration:

 Directorate for External Relations:
 Directorate for Finance and Logistics:
 Directorate for Health Service:
 Directorate for Planning and Management:
 Directorate for Reception Diagnostic:
 Directorate for Reformation:
 Directorate for Security and Operations:
 Directorate for Standards and Development:
 Support service
 :

 Contact Center ng Bayan

 Corrections Training School
 BUCOR Business Center
 Public Information Office
 Legal Service
 Internal Affairs Service
 Administrative Division
 Communication and Management Section
 Anti-Red Tape Act Section
 Cashier Section
 Records Section
 Human Resource Division
 General Services Division
 Planning and Statistics Division
 Management Division
 Information and Communications Technology Division
 Budget Division
 Accounting Division
 Supply Division
 Project Management and Doctrine Development Division
 Intelligence and Investigation Division
 Inmate Documents and Processing Division
 Communications and Tactical Operations Division
 Escorting Group
 Education and Training Division
 Moral and Spiritual Division
 Behavior Modification Division
 Inmate Sports and Recreation Division
 Work and Livelihood Division
 Assessment and Program Monitoring Division
 Case Management Division
 External Affairs Division
 Mission
“To protect the public by safekeeping and reforming
persons under our custody adhering to international
standards of corrections service
Vision
“A safer society by 2028 through reformed persons
reintegrated by a highly efficient and competent
corrections service.”
Mandate:
Safekeeping and instituting reformation programs for
national inmates sentenced to more than 3 years.
 Core Values
 God Centered – Centering our lives joyfully and dynamically upon the person of God.
 Vigilance – We are committed to enhance public safety by being responsible to the
 extreme demands of corrections duties.
 Innovativeness – We seek continuing advancement in corrections management in
 order to face emerging challenges and to optimize application of resources.
 Integrity – We promote accountability, equity and inclusiveness by adhering to high
 ethical and moral standard.
 Commitment – We are committed to attend to all applicants or requesting parties who
are within the premises of the office prior to the end of official working hours and during
lunch break.
 Operating Units:
 The agency currently operates through 7 units located nationwide:

 Correctional Institution for Women (CIW):

 Mandaluyong
 CIW Mindanao, Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte
 New Bilibid Prison:
 Muntinlupa
 Maximum Security Compound
 Minimum Security Compound
 Medium Security Compound
 Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm: Occidental Mindoro
 Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm: Puerto Princesa City,
Palawan
 Leyte Regional Prison: Abuyog, Leyte
 San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm: Zamboanga City
 Davao Prison and Penal Farm:
NEW BILIBID PRISON (NBP):
The projected increase in the prison population prompted the government to plan and
develop a new site for the national penitentiary. The growing urbanization of Manila and
constant lobbying by conservative groups fueled the idea of transferring the Old Bilibid Prison
to a new site, which at the time was considered remote and on the outskirts of the urban
center. Accordingly, Commonwealth Act No. 67 was enacted, appropriating one million
pesos for the construction of a new national prison in Muntinlupa. On November 15, 1940, all
inmates of the Old Bilibid Prison in Manila were transferred to the new site. The new institution
had a capacity of 3,000 prisoners and it was officially named the New Bilibid Prison on January
22, 1941. The prison reservation had an area of 587 hectares, part of which was arable. The
prison compound proper had an area of 300 x 300 meters or a total of nine hectares. It was
surrounded by three layers of barbed wire.
The institution became the maximum security compound in the �?0s and continues to
be so. The camp houses not only death convicts and inmates sentenced to life term, but also
those with numerous pending cases, multiple convictions, and sentences of more than 20 years.
 After World War II, there was a surfeit of steel matting in the inventory and it was used to
improve the security fence. In the late �?0s, fences werefurther reinforced with concrete
slabs. In the 1980s, the height of the concrete wall was increased and another facility was
constructed, 2.5 kilometers from the main building. This became known as Camp
Sampaguita or the Medium Security Camp.
 On January 22, 1941 the electric chair was transferred to New Bilibid Prison. The death
chamber was constructed in the rear area of the camp when the mode of execution was through
electrocution. Today, it is a security zone where those convicted of drug offenses are held.
 The NBP expanded with the construction of new security facilities. These were the
Medium Security Camp, which was used as a military stockade during martial law and the
Minimum Security Camp, whose first site was christened Bukang Liwayway. This was transferred
to another site within the reservation where the former depot was situated.
 The increase in the prison population has affected the segregation system. Several
foreign funded projects dot the prison reservation, among them, the Half Way House and the
Juvenile Training Center. Both projects are supported by funds from Japan through the
representation of the Interdisciplinary Committee of NAPOLCOM.
CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION FOR WOMEN (CIW):
 In a report dated January 22, 1959, submitted to a committee created by Administrative
Order No. 287 by the President of the Philippines, it was noted that “before a separate
building was constructed especially for women prisoners, all female convicts were
confined at the Old Bilibid Prison on Azcarraga St., Manila. The male prisoners were
confined in dormitories near the women’s quarters. Because of these conditions,
vocational activities of the women prisoners were limited to embroidery. When they
became ill, the women were confined in a separate building which served as a hospital
with nurses and prison physicians. When women prisoners needed surgery, they were
operated on at the Bilibid Prison. After the operation, they were transferred to the
infirmary for convalescence.
 Prison authorities were aware of the conditions that the women prisoners had to endure.
Consequently, the transfer of the women to a separate site became inevitable. After a
series of negotiations started by Prison Director Ramon Victorio, the Philippine Legislature
passed Republic Act No. 3579 in November, 1929. It authorized the transfer of all women
inmates to a building in Welfareville at Mandaluyong, Rizal and appropriated P60,000 for
the move.


 On February 14, 1931, the women prisoners were transferred from the Old Bilibid Prison to the
building especially constructed for them. Its old name, “Women’s Prison, was changed to
“Correctional Institution for Women. This was in keeping with emerging trends in penology, which
emphasized correction rather than punishment. Convicts were brought back into the social
mainstream adjusted and rehabilitated with a better outlook in life.
 CIW, according to a Senate report, occupied 18 hectares. The original structure was a one-story
building which housed the office, the brigades, mess hall, kitchen, chapel, infirmary, bathrooms and
employees restrooms. The building has a central courtyard with trees and flowering plants. The
prisoners vocational activities were expanded to include poultry and piggery as well as cultivation of
crops, flowers and fruits. Living quarters for the institution’s employees were later constructed in the
compound. During the Japanese occupation, the CIW, despite a drastic reduction in the number of its
employees, continued with its work. A number of female military prisoners were also confined in the
institution. They were later freed by the U.S. Army.
 After the war, the CIW resumed its normal operations. Weekly catechism classes were introduced. A
dental clinic was built. Local telephones were installed in the guards quarters. The Bureau of Public
Works made major repairs on the main building and a workshop and infirmary were constructed for
the inmates use. The infirmary during that time could accommodate around 16 patients.
 In 2000, a new four-story building was constructed by the Department of Public Works within the
grounds of CIW. It eased the growing congestion in the facility. The CIW, with a capacity for only 200
inmates, had to accommodate 1,000 inmates.
DAVAO PENAL COLONY: The Davao Penal Colony
is the first penal settlement founded and organized under Filipino administration. The settlement, which originally had
an area of approximately 30,000 hectares in the districts of Panabo and Tagum, Davao del Norte, was formally
established on January 21, 1932 by virtue of Act No. 3732. This Act authorized the Governor-General to lease or sell the
lands, buildings and improvements in San Ramon Prison and Iwahig Penal Colony. It also granted authority to the
Secretary of Justice to establish a new prison and penal colony in a suitable public land. A budget of P500,000 was
allocated. Several committees were created to pick a suitable site for the penal settlement. In accordance with the
recommendation of these committees, Governor Dwight Davis signed Proclamation No. 414 on October 7, 1931, which
reserved a site for the penal colony in Davao province in Mindanao. The site offered ideal conditions for agricultural
activities.

During World War II, the colony was converted into a concentration camp where more than 1,000 Japanese internees
were committed by the Philippine-American Armed Forces. The Japanese were treated in accordance with the orders of
the American commanding officer.
On December 20, 1941, the Japanese Imperial Forces attacked Davao and the colony
was among the establishments taken over by the invading army. The entire settlement
was thrown into confusion and a great number of prisoners escaped. Normal
operations were inevitably disturbed. November 8, 1942, a representative of the
Director of Prisons transferred the colony and its properties to the Japanese
authorities. The remaining colony employees, their families and the inmates
evacuated to Iwahig where they organized the Davao Penal Colony at Inagawan sub
colony (Palawan). The organization of the colony in exile was authorized by virtue of
Memorandum Order No. 60 dated June 28, 1943 and signed by the Director of Prisons.

After the liberation of the Philippines, the colony-in-exile in Palawan returned to its
old site in Davao. A great deal of rebuilding and repair had to be done because the
war had almost completely destroyed the colony.
IWAHIG PENAL COLONY:
 This facility was established during the American occupation. It was however, during the Spanish regime
that Puerto Princesa was designated as a place where offenders sentenced to banishment were exiled. A
specific area of Puerto Princesa was selected as the site for a correctional facility. The American
military carved out a prison facility in the rain forest of Puerto Princesa. The institution had for its first
Superintendent Lt. George Wolfe, a member of the U.S. expeditionary force, who later became the first
prisons director.

 Governor Luke Wright authorized the establishment of a penal colony in the province of Palawan on
November 16, 1904. This penal settlement, which originally comprised an area of 22 acres, originally
served as a depository for prisoners who could not be accommodated at the Bilibid Prison in Manila. In
1906, however, the Department of Commerce and Police (which later became the Department of Public
Instruction) moved to turn the institution into the center of a penal colony supervised in accordance
with trends at the time. Through the department’s efforts, the Philippine Commission of the United States
government passed Act No. 1723 in 1907 classifying the settlement as a penal institution.
 The settlement was at first beset by attempted escapes. However under the supervision of Col. John R.
White of the Philippine Constabulary, who would become superintendent of Iwahig in 1906, the colony
became a successful settlement. A merit system was devised for the prisoners and vocational activities
were offered. These included farming, fishing, forestry, carpentry, and hospital paramedical work.
Prisoners could choose the vocational activities they wanted.
 In 1955, Administrative Order No. 20 was promulgated by the President and implemented by the
Secretary of Justice and the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources. This order allowed the
distribution of colony lands for cultivation by deserving colonists. The order also contained a list of
qualifications for colonists who wished to apply for a lot to cultivate, the conditions for the settler’s stay
in his land, loan requirements and marketing of the settlers’ produce. Lots granted did not exceed six
hectares.
 On August 16, 1959, a committee was created by President Carlos P. Garcia to study the state of
national prisons. Accordingly, prisoners in Iwahig were divided into two groups: the settlers and
colonists. The settlers are those engaged in farming for their own benefit; they are the ones whose
applications for land to cultivate have been approved. The government furnishes the land and initial
requirements for tools, dwellings and beast of burden. They are required to reimburse expenditures
incurred for their maintenance and that of their families out of the products of their farms. Upon their
release from the colony, they receive whatever amount of money they have credited in their favor, after
deducting the obligations they have.
 Iwahig is subdivided into four zones or districts: Central sub-colony with an
area of 14,700 hectares; Sta. Lucia with 9,685 hectares; Montible with 8,000
hectares and Inagawan with 13,000 hectares.


 Recent developments and presidential proclamations have dramatically

reduced the size of the prison reservation of Iwahig.
SAN RAMON PRISON AND PENAL FARM:
According to historical accounts, the San Ramon Prison was established in southern
Zamboanga on August 21, 1870 through a royal decree promulgated in 1869.
Established during the tenure of Governor General Ramon Blanco (whose patron
saint the prison was named after), the facility was originally established for persons
convicted of political crimes.

Considered the oldest penal facility in the country, prisoners in San Ramon were
required to do agricultural work.

During the Spanish-American War in 1898, the prisoners in San Ramon were
hastily released and the buildings destroyed. In 1907, the American administration
re-established the prison farm. In 1912, Gen. John Pershing, chief executive of the
Department of Mindanao and Sulu, classified the institution as a prison and penal
colony and therein confined people sentenced by the courts under his jurisdiction.
Under Pershing’s supervision, several buildings with a capacity for 600 prisoners
were constructed. After several years, the colony became practically self
supporting, with 75,000 coconut trees, which were planted at the beginning of
Pershing’s administration, contributing to the colony’s self-sufficiency. Aside from
coconuts, rice, corn, papaya and other crops were also cultivated
 On November 1, 1905, Reorganization Act No. 1407 was approved creating the
Bureau of Prisons under the Department of Commerce and Police,
integrating the Old Bilibid Prison, San Ramon Penal Colony and Iwahig
Penal. The Philippine Coconut Authority took over management of the
coconut farm from San Ramon.
 In 1995, Congresswoman Maria Clara Lobregat proposed the transfer of San
Ramon Prison to Bongiao town, in the mountainous area of Zamboanga, to
give way to a special economic zone.
SABLAYAN PRISON AND PENAL FARM:
Nearer to Manila than other penal colonies, the Sablayan Penal Colony is located in Occidental
Mindoro and is relatively new. Established on September 26, 1954 by virtue of Presidential
Proclamation No. 72, the penal colony has a total land area of approximately 16,190 hectares.
Prison records show that the first colonists and employees arrived in Sablayan on January 15,
1955. Since then several buildings have been constructed, including the colonist’s
dormitories, employees’ quarters, guardhouse, schoolhouse, chapel, recreation hall, and post
exchange.

Three sub-colonies were later organized. One is a reservation which this day remains part of
a protected rainforest. Another is in a coastal area. The third was used by the national
government as a relocation site for refugees from the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo eruption in
1991.

Sablayan prison is a facility where prisoners from NBP are brought for decongestion purposes.
It follows the same colony standards as other penal farms.
LEYTE REGIONAL PRISON:

The Leyte Regional Prison, situated in Abuyog, Southern Leyte, was established a year after
the declaration of martial law in 1972 by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 28. While its
plantilla and institutional plan were almost ideal, lack of funds made the prison unable to
realize its full potential and its facilities are often below par compared with those of other
established penal farms.

The LRP has an inmate capacity of 500. It follows the same agricultural format as the main
correctional program in addition to some rehabilitation activities. The prison admits
convicted offenders from Region VI and from the national penitentiary in Muntinlupa.
 R.A. 10575

 "Republic Act No. 10575: The Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013"

 I. Title and Enactment Details

 Title of the Act

 Date of enactment

 II. Declaration of Policy

 Policy objectives and goals

 III. Definition of Terms

 Explanation of key terms used in the act

 IV. Mandates of the Bureau of Corrections

 A. Safekeeping of National Inmates

 B. Reformation of National Inmates

 C. Responsibilities of the BuCor

 V. Operations of the Bureau of Corrections

 A. Directorate Structure and Responsibilities

 B. Inmate Classification and Segregation

 C. Administrative Procedures

 VI. Lands of the Bureau of Corrections