EARLY PRIS-

ONS
IN THE
PHILIPPINES:
During the Pre-Spanish period, prison system in the Philippines was tribal
in nature. Village chieftains administered it. It was historically traced from
the early written laws.

It was established in 1847 pursuant to Section 1708 of the Revised Admin-

istrative Code and formally opened by Royal Decree in 1865; the first Bili-
bid Prison was constructed and became the central place of confinement
for Filipino Prisoners by virtue of the Royal Decree of the Spanish Crown.

In 1936, the City of Manila exchanges its Muntinlupa property with the
Bureau of Prisons originally intended as a site for boys' training school.
Today, the old Bilibid Prison is now being used as the Manila City Jail, fa-
mous as the "May Halique Estate".
THE SEVEN OPERATING CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

1. BILIBID PRISONS

a. OLD BILIBID PRISON (CARCEL Y PRESIDIO CORRECTIONAL)

- the main insular penitentiary during the Spanish regime.
This was constructed in 1847 and was formally inaugurated in
1865 by virtue of the Royal Decree of the Spanish Crown. This
was located at Azcaraga St. (now Recto Ave.) then famous
"May Haligue Estate" at nearby Central Market at Oroquieta
St. This was constructed in radical spokes-of-a-wheel form
with a tower in the center spoke for easy command and con-
trol.
THE SEVEN OPERATING CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

COMPOSED OF 2 COMPOUNDS:
1. CARCEL-600 INMATES' CAPACITY
2. PRESIDIO-527 INMATES' CAPACITY
Commonwealth Act No. 67 was enacted appropriating one million
(P1,000.000.00) pesos for the construction of a new national prison in the
southern suburb of Muntinlupa, Rizal in 1935. The old prison was trans-
formed into a receiving center and a storage facility for farm produce from
the colonies
In 1936, the City of Manila exchanged its Muntinlupa property with that of
the Bureau of Prison lot, the Muntinlupa property was intended as a site
for Boys Training School, but because it was too far, the City preferred the
site of the Old Bilibid Prison, the present site of Manila City Jail (BJMP).
THE SEVEN OPERATING CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

b. NEW BILIBID PRISON, Muntinlupa City (Approximately 552 hectares) -

this is where the Bureau of Corrections Central Office is situated. The New
Bilibid Prison has a capacity of 3,000 Prisoners. Within the complex are the
three (3) security camps administered by a Penal Superintendent and as-
sisted by an Assistant Superintendent in each camp.
THE SEVEN OPERATING CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

a. above, life termers or those under capital punishment, those with pend-
ing cases, those under disciplinary punishment, those whose cases are on
appeal, those under detention, and those that do not fall under medium
and minimum- security status.
= wears tangerine shirt
= not allowed to do furlough
This type of institution is characterized by thick all enclosures, 18 to 25 feet
high. On top of the wall are catwalks along which the guards patrol at
night. At corners and strategic places are tower posts manned by heavily
armed guards.
THE SEVEN OPERATING CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

b. MEDIUM SECURITY COMPOUND (also known as Camp Sampaguita) is

for prisoners whose sentences are below 20 years (computed from the
minimum sentences per classification interpretation) and those classified
for colony assignment.
This type of institution is usually enclosed by two layers of wire fence. The
inner fence is 12 to 14 feet high with curb and the outer fence is 8 to 12
feet high. The two fences are from 18 to 20 feet apart. Usually, the top
portion of the fence is provided with barbed wire.
THE SEVEN OPERATING CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

C. MINIMUM SECURITY COMPOUND (also referred to as Camp Bukang

Liwayway) is an open camp with less restrictions and regimentation. This is
for prisoners who are 65 years old and above, medically certified as in-
valids and for those prisoners who have six months or less to serve before
they are released from prison.
• The lethal injection chamber is also located here.
• This type of institution is usually without a fence and if there is one, its
purpose is to keep away the civilian population from entering the institu-
tion rather than preventing escapes.
THE SEVEN OPERATING CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

The New Bilibid Prison specializes in the industrial type of vocational train-
ing. It operates a furniture shop, shoe repair shop, blacksmith and tinsmith
shop, auto mechanics and automobile body building shop, tailoring, elec-
tronics, watch-repair, carpentry and rattan furniture shop. It is also en-
gaged in track gardening, poultry, piggery and animal husbandry.
THE SEVEN OPERATING CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES
2. SAN RAMON PRISON AND PENAL FARM, Zamboanga del Sur - founded by
Capt. Ramon Blanco, a member of the Spanish Royal Army and named the
prison facility after the patron saint. This was initially intended for the con-
finement of political prisoners during Spanish era. It was closed during the
Spanish-American War and was reopened during the American occupation.
It has three facilities (maximum, medium, minimum). The penal CEN reser-
vation 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. farm was de-
signed to promote agro-industrial activities.
THE SEVEN OPERATING CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

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.
Land area: Currently approximately 1,546 hectares
Principal product: Copra, rice, coffee, etc.
Year established: 1869-1870
²nd oldest prison after Old Bilibid Prison
San Ramon has an average population of 1,200 prisoners
 THE SEVEN OPERATING CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES
3. IWAHIG PRISON AND PENAL FARM (Luhit), Puerto Princesa, Palawan
The Americans established in 1904 the LUHIT PENAL SETTLEMENT (now Iwahig
Prison and Penal Farm) on a vast reservation of 28,072. It will 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 incorrigible with little hope of
rehabilitation. The area was expanded to 41,007 hectares by virtue of Executive
order No. 67 issued by Governor Newton Gelbert on October 15, 1912.
ENVISIONED BY: Gov. Luke E. Wright
ORDERED BY: Gov. William Cameron Forbes
THE SEVEN OPERATING CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

- The farm is predominantly designed for agro-industrial activities. Within

its area are four (4) sub-colonies:
1. Central sub-colony
2. Sta. Lucia sub-colony
3. Montible sub-colony
4. Inagawan sub-colony
- All these colonies are administered by a Penal Supervisor
- It administers the Tagumpay Settlement which is approximately 1,000
hectares with six hectares homestead lots distributed to inmates who de-
sired to live in the settlement after service of sentence.
THE SEVEN OPERATING CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

- One of the best open institutions in the world.

Date established: Nov. 16, 1904
By virtue of: Reorganization Act of 1407
Land area: Approximately 36, 000 hectares - 41,007 (1912)
Principal product: rice, corn, copra and other forest product
-Largest penal colony
- Prison without walls
- The most open prison facility
- The best and the finest prison
THE SEVEN OPERATING CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

4. CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION FOR WOMEN, Mandaluyong City

- The only female institution in the Philippines
- Since 1934, a female Superintendent was assigned to supervise the prison
facility.
- LOCATED AT WELFARE VILLE MANDALUYONG CITY
Year established: 1931
By virtue of: Act 3579 which was passed on Nov. 27, 1929
Vocational activities: Dress making, beauty culture, handicrafts
Capacity: 200
Trivia:
First Women's Prison - opened in Indiana in 1873. It is based on the refor-
matory model.
THE SEVEN OPERATING CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

5. LEYTE REGIONAL PRISON, Abuyog, Southern Leyte

Date established: Jan. 16, 1973
Under Proclamation No. 1101
- It is a prison facility which has a receiving and process station.
- It has three security facilities - maximum, medium, minimum.
- Because of its terrain, prison agro-industrial activities could not be fully
developed.
- Youngest prison
- Built during martial
- law - Ferdinand Marcos.
- Fastest growing prison
- Maximum capacity - 500 prisoners
THE SEVEN OPERATING CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

6. SABLAYAN PRISON AND PENAL FARM, Sablayan, San Jose, Mindoro Oc-
cidental
With four sub-colonies within the prison compound:
1. Central sub-colony
2. Pusog sub-clony
3. Pasugui sub-colony
4. Yapag sub-colony
This penal farm is intended for agro-industrial activities
Land area: Approximately 16, 408.5 hectares
By virtue of: Proclamation no. 72 Date established: Sept. 26, 1954
Principal product: Rice
NEAREST PENAL COLONY IN MANILA
THE SEVEN OPERATING CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

7. DAVAO PRISON AND PENAL FARM, Tagum, Davao del Norte

The Davao Penal Colony was established on January 21, 1932 in accor-
dance,
with Act No. 3732 and Proclamation No. 414, series of 1931. With two sub-
colonies:
1. Panabo sub-colony
2. Kapalong sub-colony
- It administers the Tanglaw Settlement for those inmates who desire to
live within the compound.
- 30,000 HECTARES
- First headed by: GEN. PAULINO SANTOS
- RICHEST AND HIGHEST INCOME EARNER
- BIGGEST BANANA AND ABACA PLANTATION
NON-OPERATIONAL PRISONS IN THE PHILIPPINES
1. FORT BONIFACIO
A committee report submitted to then President Carlos P. Garcia described
Fort Bonifacio, formerly known as Fort William McKinley as a military
reservation located in Taguig which was established after the Americans
came to the Philippines. The prison was originally used as a detention cen-
ter for offenders of US military laws and ordinances.
2. CORREGIDOR PRISON
In 1908 during the American regime, some 100 prisoners were transferred
from the Old Bilibid Prison to Corregidor Island to work under military au-
thorities.
NON-OPERATIONAL PRISONS IN THE PHILIPPINES
3. BONTOC PRISON
The Philippine Legislature during the American regime passed Act No. 1876
providing for the establishment of a prison in Bontoc, Mountain Province.
The prison was built for the prisoners of the province and insular prisoners
who were members of the non-Christian tribes of Mountain Province and
Nueva Vizcaya.
NON-OPERATIONAL PRISONS IN THE PHILIPPINES
ADMISSION PROCEDURES IN PRISON
1. RECEIVING - the new prisoner is received at the Reception and Diagnos-
tic Center (RDC). The new prisoner usually comes from a provincial or city
jail where he was immediately committed upon conviction by the court
and escorted by the escort platoon during his transfer to the National
Prison.
2. CHECKING OF COMMITMENT PAPERS - the receiving officer checks the
commitment papers if they are in order and that is, if they contain the sig-
nature of the judge or the signature of the clerk of court and the seal of
the court.
NON-OPERATIONAL PRISONS IN THE PHILIPPINES
3. IDENTIFICATION / BOOKING the prisoner's identity is established
through the picture and fingerprint appearing in the commitment order.
This is to ensure that the person being committed is the same as the per-
son being named in the commitment order.
SEARCHING / SHAKEDOWN - this step involves the frisking of the prisoner
and searching his personal things. Weapons and other items classified as
contrabands are confiscated and deposited to the property custodian.
NON-OPERATIONAL PRISONS IN THE PHILIPPINES
Other properties are deposited with the trust fund officer under recording
and receipts.
a. Pat-patting of subjects clothing
b. Rub-patting of body over the clothing including the groin, buttocks and
breast
c. Strip - naked search
d. Body cavity search - expose body cavities like anus and vagina to look
for contrabands.
the prison before he will be assigned to the RDC or the quarantine unit.
5. BRIEFING AND ORIENTATION - the prisoner will be briefed and oriented
on the rules and regulations of ...
NON-OPERATIONAL PRISONS IN THE PHILIPPINES
6. Issuance of Clothes and Equipment - from the receiving office, the new
prisoner goes to the supply room where he receives his prison uniform,
mosquito net and beddings.
7. Assignment to Quarters - after the prisoner is issued his clothings and
beddings, he is sent to the quarantine unit. The quarantine may be a unit
of the prison or a section of the Reception Center.
BUCOR'S DIRECTORATE FOR RECEPTION AND DIAGNOSTICS
(FORMERLY RECEPTION AND DIAGNOSTIC CENTER) RA 10575

This is a special unit of prison (Camp Sampaguita) where new prisoners

undergo diagnostics examination, study and observation for the purpose of
determining the programs of treatment and training best suited to their
needs FOR A TOTAL PERIOD OF 60 DAYS and the institution to which they
should be transferred.
It is composed of the following staff members:
1. The Psychiatrist - responsible in the examination of the prisoner's men-
tal and emotional make-up.
2. The Psychologist - responsible to conduct study on the character and
behavior of the prisoners.
BUCOR'S DIRECTORATE FOR RECEPTION AND DIAGNOSTICS
(FORMERLY RECEPTION AND DIAGNOSTIC CENTER) RA 10575
3. The Sociologist - study the social case situation of the individual pris-
oner. 5. The Vocational Counselor - to test the prisoner's special abilities,
interest and skills and recommends for the
4. The Educational Counselor - conducts orientation classes in order to
change inmates' attitude towards education and recommends educational
program for the prisoner.
vocational course best suited to the prisoner.
6. The Chaplain - encourages the prisoner to participate in religious activi-
ties. 7. The Medical Officer - conducts physical examination and recom-
mends medical treatment of prisoners.
8. Custodial-Correctional Officer-recommends the transfer and type of cus-
tody of inmates.
THE QUARANTINE CELL OR UNIT

This may be a unit of the prison or a section of the RDC where the prisoner
is given thorough physical examination including blood test, x-rays, vacci-
nations and immunity for 5 to 10 days. This is for the purpose of ensuring
that the prisoner is not suffering from any contagious disease which might
be transferred to the prison population.
THE NATIONAL CORRECTIONS CONSCIOUSNESS WEEK

Every last week of October

By virtue of Proclamation Number 551 signed on March 15, 1995 issued by
former President Fidel V. Ramos
WHAT IS A JAIL?

JAIL - It is a place for locking-up of persons who are convicted of minor of -

fenses or felonies who are to serve a short sentence imposed upon them
by a competent court or for confinement of persons who are awaiting trial
or investigation of their cases.
It is a place of confinement for inmates under investigation, awaiting or
undergoing trial or serving sentence.
It is a building or place of confinement of arrested or sentenced persons. It
is usually made up of cells which are made up of small rooms or enclosures
where prisoners are actually kept or confined (People vs. Caricaban,
13672-CR, Sept. 9, 1965)
ORIGIN OF THE JAIL?

It is said to have been derived from the Spanish word JAULA/CAULA which
means a CAGE. It is also said to have been derived from the French word
GAOL pronounced as "geole", a place for the arrested criminals.
Types of Jails:
1. Lock-up Jails - It is a security facility common to police stations used
for temporary confinement of an individual held for investigation.
less than three years.
services and constructive leisure time activities.
2. Ordinary Jails - It is the type of jail commonly used to detain a con-
victed criminal offender to serve sentence
ORIGIN OF THE JAIL?
3. Workhouses, Jail Farms or Camps - facilities that house minimum cus-
tody offenders who are serving short sentences or those who are undergo-
ing constructive work programs. It provides full employment of prisoners,
remedial
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)
The BJMP exercises supervision and control over all cities and municipal
jails throughout the country. The enactment of Republic Act No. 6975 cre-
ated the BJMP and further amended by RA 9263 of the BFP and BJMP Pro-
fessionalization Act of 2004. It operates as a line bureau under the De-
partment of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
J/DIR. CHARLES MONDEJAR - The first chief of the BJMP way back its es-
tablishment.
ORIGIN OF THE JAIL?
MISSION
To enhance public safety by ensuring humane safekeeping and develop-
ment of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) in all district, city, and municipal
jails for their integration to society.
VISION
A premier institution highly regarded by society for the secure and humane
treatment of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) by its competent and moti-
vated corps.
Objectives of the BJMP:

1. To improve the living conditions of the offenders in accordance with

the accepted standards set by the United Nations.
2. To enhance rehabilitation and reformation of offenders in prepara-
tion for their eventual reintegration into the mainstream of society
upon their release.
3. To professionalize jail services.