INSTITUTIONAL CORRECTIONS
UNIT 2: THE PHILIPPINE PRISON SYSTEM
Prior to the coming of the Spaniards and immediately soon after their arrival, the penal system of
this country was jurisdictionally local and tribal. It consisted mostly of native mores and customs
administered by regional chieftains. The more notable ones were those of Datu Sumakwel's - Maragtas
Code, Code Kalantiao, Sikatuna and others. The most extensive, the Kalantiao Code was comparable
with Greek and Roman laws of the time as well as with their contemporary Spanish and English
criminal laws.
Upon the occupation of the Philippines by the Spaniards dating as far back as 1521, and at
various later dates when formal occupation of the different villages were effected by the Spanish
“conquistadores” the laws which were introduced in the Philippines were the royal decrees,
ordinances, rules and regulations for the government of the colonies promulgated by the King of Spain
from time to time and later on incorporated into "Recopelacion de las Leyes de India." These were
enforced until 1887, when the Penal Code of 1870 of Spain with some minor changes, which were
recommended by the Code Committee for the Oversea Provinces (Pronvicas de Ultramar) in order to
suit local conditions, were put into effect.
By virtue of a Royal Decree of September 4, 1884, the Code thus prepared by the Code
Committee was ordered enforced in the Philippines. Some of the objections to the enforcement of the
Code were raised by the "Gobierno General" to the Minister of Ultramar, but notwithstanding such
objections, in a subsequent Royal Decree dated December 17, 1886, the Code was ordered
promulgated. The Penal Code together with the "Ley Engiciamiento Criminal" were then enforced,
both laws taking effect four months thereafter, in accordance with the provisions of the Decree
"Legislacion Ultramarina" of March 13, 1887.
The Bilibid Prison
With the effectivity of the Spanish Penal Code in the country, it was then necessary to establish
a system of incarceration. So in 1847 the construction of the Bilibid Prison started. This institution
became the central place of confinement for Filipino prisoners. Prior to the establishment of Bilibid
Prison, prisoners were confined in jails under the jurisdiction of Commandancias where law
enforcement units were stationed. Commandancias were established in practically every province of
the country. In 1865, the Bilibid Prison was opened by virtue of a Royal Decree of the Spanish Crown.
The plan of the old Bilibid was such that the brigades were constructed in a radial spoke-of-a-
wheel form. For easy commanding control, a central tower was placed at the center of spokes. This was
the most important tower post then under the command of the Officer of the Day. The brigades made
of strong adobe stones were so sturdy that even to this day, after their transfer to the city government of
Manila they still stand and are being used by the City of Manila as the City Jail.
The New Bilibid Prison
The Bilibid Prison continued as the main national prison until 1941 when it was transferred to a
new site in Muntinlupa, Rizal. The old prison had become overcrowded because prison population
increased from year to year. The Prison at Azcarraga (now-Recto) was also fast being enveloped by
the modem structural expansion in the city so it was then necessary to move the prison from the city to
a suburban site.
In 1936, the City of Manila exchanged its Muntinlupa property of 552 hectares with that of the
Bureau of Prison lot in Manila. This Muntinlupa estate was originally intended as the site of the Boys
Training School but because it is far from Manila the City Government of Manila preferred the site of
the old Bilibid. The Bureau started construction of the prison in 1936. Despite, the fact that the
buildings were not yet ready, all the inmates of the Bilibid Prison in Manila were transferred to the new
site on the recommendation of the Cabinet shortly before the outbreak of World War II. The new site
occupies 552 hectares. During the war, Filipinos who were suspected as guerrilas were sent to the New
Bilibid Prison for confinement by the Japanese Occupation Army. When Manila was liberated,
Americans who were former prisoners of war were camped in the New Bilibid Prison reservation for
physical recuperation.
The Bilibid Prison is mainly - a maximum custody institution. Being the main prison, it receives
commitments from Courts of First Instance, and Criminal Circuit Courts all over the Philippines,
except those sentenced by the Courts of First Instance and Criminal Circuit Courts of Zamboanga and
Sulu who may be committed directly to the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm. The New Bilibid Prison
has a capacity of 3,000 Prisoners. The New Bilibid Prison operates two satellites units, namely,
Bukang Liwayway Camp and Sampaguita Camp. These two camps are located about a few hundred
meters back to the New Bilibid Prison compound. The Bukang Liwayway Camp houses 1,500
minimum-security prisoners who work in the various projects of the institution. In Camp Sampaguita,
the Reception and Diagnostic Center, the Medium Security Unit and the Youth Rehabilitation
Center is located.
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The Medium Security Unit can handle a population of 700 prisoners who are employed in the
agricultural projects under guard escorts. The Youth Rehabilitation Center is capable of
accommodating a population of 500 inmates. This unit offers a special treatment and training program
for youthful tractable offenders. The New Bilibid Prison specializes in the industrial type of vocational
training. It operates a furniture shop, shoe repairing shop, blacksmith and tinsmith shop, auto
mechanics and automobile body building shop, tailoring, electronics, watch-repairing carpentry, and
rattan furniture shop. It is also engaged in track gardening, poultry, piggery and animal husbandry. The
New Bilibid Prison also offers a high school course for prisoners who desire to complete their high
school education. The school is a part of the public high school of Rizal province. Since its
establishment in 1956, the school has graduated over three hundred inmates.
The Reception and Diagnostic Center
In 1953, the Reception and Diagnostic Center was established for diagnostic study of prisoners for
more scientific rehabilitation. The Center was opened by virtue of Administrative Order No. 11 of the
Secretary of Justice. From then on the Reception and Diagnostic Center operated as a separate
institution and is housed in one building inside the Camp Sampaguita compound in the New Bilibid
Prison.
The San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm
In 1869, the authorities saw the need of establishing one prison separate from Bilibid for those
who fought the established government. So, San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in the southern tip of
Zamboanga was established for the confinement of political offenders. During those days a rebel who
was not shot was either sent to Guam or the Marianas or to Zamboanga. The San Ramon Prison was
named after its founder, Ramon Blanco, a Spanish captain in the Royal Army. The purpose of this
prison was for the segregation of political fecal citrates that advocated for reforms but which reforms
were rejected by the constituted authorities. Thus, Dr. Jose Rizal who fought for reforms was
considered an enemy of the government and was imprisoned in Dapitan, also in Zamboanga.
The San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm has an area of 1,524.6 hectares. It houses maximum,
medium and minimum custody types of prisoners. Prisoners who are directly committed, by the court
to this prison are later sent to the Reception and Diagnostic Center in the Central Office for study and
diagnosis. San Ramon has an average population of
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1,200 prisoners. The principal product of the San Ramon Prison is copra, which is one of the biggest
sources of income of the Bureau of Prisons. It also raises rice, corn, coffee, cattle and livestock.
The Iwahig Penal Colony
On Novmber 16, 1904, Foreman R.J. Sheilds with her sixteen prisoners left the Bilibid Prison
by order of Governor Forbes who was the Secretary of Commerce and Police, to establish the Iwahig
Colonv in Palawan. The idea was hatched on the suggestion of then Governor Luke E. Wright who
envisioned it to be an institution for incorrigibles. The first contingent, however, revolted against the
authorities. They hogtied their Superintendent, Mr. Madaras, and could have killed him were it not for
the timely succor of the Philippine Scouts stationed in Puerto Princesa. When the Philippine
Commission, by virtue of Reorganization Act 1407, created the Bureau of Prisons on November 1,
1905, the authorities changed the policy regarding Iwahig so that instead of sending incorrigibles,
inmates who were well behaved and declared tractable were assigned to this colony. Today, the Iwahig
Penal Colony enjoys the reputation of being one of the best open institutions in the World. Only
mutual trust and confidence between the wards and the prison authorities keep them together, there
being no walls.
At present, the Iwahig Penal Colony is a minimum custody or open institution. It has an area of
36,000 hectares and an average population of 4,000 prisoners. The colony is divided into four sub-
colonies, namely: Sta. Lucia sub-colony, Inagawan sub-Colony, Montible sub-colony and Central
sub-colony. Each sub-colony operates as a small institution under the management of a penal
supervisor. T
The Iwahig Penal Colony administers the Tagumpay Settlement. The Settlement is a 1,000
hectare portion of the colony which was subdivided into 6-hectares homestead lots. These lots are
distributed to released inmates who desire to live in the settlement.
One important feature of the Iwahig Penal Colony is the privilege granted to colonists to have
their families transported to the colony at government expense and to live with them in the colonists'
village. The institution maintains various community resources such as schools, church, recreation
center, post exchange, hospital and clinics for the colonists and their families. The colonists who have
their families with them are assigned a piece of land to cultivate and are encouraged to raise poultry
and livestock for their personal use. Their products are gold by the Colony Post Exchange. The
principal products of the Iwahig Penal Colony are rice, corn, copra, logs, minor forest products and
cattle.
The Correctional Institution for Women
In 1931, the Correctional Institution for Women was established on an 18-hectare piece of land
in Mandaluyong by authority of Act 3579, which was passed on November 27, 1929. Prior to the
establishment of this institution, female prisoners were confined in one of the wings of Bilibid Prisons.
Later the position for a female superintendent was created in. 1934. Correctional Institution for women
is an institution under the Bureau of Prison, managed by the female personnel, except the perimeter
guard who are male.
The Correctional Institution for Women is the only penal institution for women in the
Philippines. It has an average inmate population of 180. The institution conducts vocational courses in
dressmaking, beauty culture, handicrafts cloth weaving and slipper making.
The Davao Penal Colony
The Davao Penal Colony was established on January 21, 1932, in accordance, with Act No.
3732 and Proclamation No. 414, series of 1931. The first contingent of prisoners that opened the
colony was led by General Paulino Santos, its founder and the then Director of Prisons. The area
consists of 18,000 hectares, mostly devoted to abaca.
In 1942, the Davao Penal Colony was used as a concentration camp for American prisoners of
war. The former inmates were all transferred to the Inagawan sub-colony in Iwahig. During the war,
the Japanese devastated the colony, destroying its buildings, machineries and industries. In August
1946, the colony was re-established to its former productive activity by slow reconstruction. This
institution is now the main source of income of the Bureau from its vast abaca, banana, rice and other
farm industries.
At present, the Davao Penal Colony is a combination of medium and minimum custody type of
institution. The greater portions of the prison population are medium security inmates who live in a
stockade enclosed with wires. The prisoners work in the open fields under escort guards. The Davao
PenaL Colony manages the biggest abaca plantation in the whole country. The colony is divided into
two sub-colonies, namely, the Panabo Sub-Colony and the Kapalong sub colony.
Each sub-colony is headed by a Penal Supervisor. The Davao Penal Colony also raises rice,
corn kenaf, copra, and cattle. It has a potential of producing rice, which will meet the needs of the
whole inmate Population of the Bureau. The colony is engaged in a joint venture with Tagum
Development Company in a 3000-hectare banana plantation for the export of banana fruits not only to
Japan but also to the Middle East countries particularly Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The colony also
operates the Tanglaw Settlement where released prisoners of said colony are relocated as
homesteaders.
The Sablayan Penal Colony and Farm
In 1954, the increase in prison population was such that there was congestion again in the New
Bilibid Prison. The New Bilibid Prison which could hold only 3,000 had a population of 6,000
prisoners in 1954. On September 27, 19S4, the President of the Philippines issued -Proclamation No.
72 setting aside 16,000 hectares of the virgin lands in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro for the Sablayan
Penal Colony. The first trailblazers were the experienced colony administrators from Iwahig Penal
Colony headed by the Assistant Superintendent of that colony - Mr. Candido Bagaoisan. Sablayan
Penal Colony enjoys the reputation of being the youngest and fastest growing colony under the
Bureau.
This institution is an open or minimum-security type of institution. It has an area of 16,408.5
hectares and has an average prison population of 1,500. Rice is the principal product of the colony.
This institution is self sufficient in rice. It also raises vegetables not only for the use of the colony, but
also for the inmates of the New Bilibid Prison.
Bureau of Prisons to Bureau of Corrections
The basic law on the Philippine Prison System is found in the Revised Administrative Code,
particularly Sections 1705 to 1751 of said Code, otherwise known as the Prison Law. The Prison Law
states that the head of the Bureau of Prisons is the Director of prisons who is appointed by the
President with the confirmation of the Commission on Appointment. The Bureau of prisons has
“general supervision and control of national and provincial prisons and all penal settlements", and is
charged with the safekeeping of all prisoners confined therein or committed to the custody of said
Bureau.
Section 1724 of the Law requires the Bureau of Prisons to promulgate rules and regulations that
will best promote discipline in all the national and provincial prisons and penal institutions and best
secure the reformation and safe custody of prisoners of all classes. Section 1725 of the same law
prescribes that the mode of treatment of prisoners "shall be with humanity", and that provisions shall be
made for the segregation of juveniles from the adult offenders and those of the sexes.
Administrative Code of 1987 and Proclamation No. 495 issued on November 22, 1989.
Change the agencies' name to Bureau of Corrections from Bureau of Prisons. The rationale behind
changing the Bureau’s name is to conform to the ongoing trends of modern penology – shifting from
the antiquated punitive system of incarceration to the humanistic rehabilitation approach
Relationship of the Bureau of Prisons with Parole and Jail
Parole, jails and prisons are part of the correctional system of the state. Prisons and parole are
two separate and coequal entities under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice. However, the
functions of these two agencies are allied with respect to the treatment and training of offenders, so
that they should maintain a relationship that is coordinated and advisory in nature.
JAIL ADMINISTRATION
Jails
Jails are primarily adult penal institutions used for the detention of law violators. Its original
function was the pre-trial detention of persons charged with crime. Later it came into use for the
service of shorter sentences. Today, it continues its dual role as a place of detention for those awaiting
final disposition of criminal action and the service of short sentences of not less than three years.
Generally, Jails differ from the prisons in that the former are administered by local governments
such as municipality, city or province while the latter are administered by the state or national
government. Furthermore, jails are institutions for the confinement of untried prisoners and sentenced
prisoners serving imprisonment of not more than three years, while prisons are institutions for the
confinement of sentenced prisoners serving imprisonment of more than three years.
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History of the Jails
When the first crude system of community organization began to emerge in the stone age, a
small cave was undoubtedly designated as a holding cell for the detention of those who violated the
tribal code until the elders could gather at the side of some nearby mountain to decide upon
punishment. But when punishment had been determined, a restraining boulder was rolled aside from
the mouth of the cave, the guilty were brought and punishment promptly meted, Until about 200 years
ago, the jail was used exclusively for the detention of the accused pending trial and imposition of
punishment. The punishment imposed were torture, banishment, exile, death, branding, Mutilation, but
never imprisonment
Types of Jails – the modern jail system falls into three general classes:
1. The lock-up - This is a security facility, usually operated by the police department, for the temporary
detention of persons for preliminary hearing. Usually the period of detention does not exceed 48
hours. Persons who must be held longer are transferred to the city or provincial jails.
2. The Ordinary Jail - In most instances this institution houses both offenders awaiting court action and
those serving short sentences, usually up to three years. Frequently, it is the only facility available for
the detention of the juvenile offender and for the care of the non
criminal insane pending commitment to the state psychopathic hospital. It may be administered
by the police department or by the provincial jail administration
3. The Workhouse, Jail-Farm or Camp - These institutions house minimum custody offenders serving
short sentences, usually not more than three years. Like the ordinary jail, thy maybe operated by the
city police department or by the provincial jail administration.
Cities and provinces, which have big inmate populations, may operate the three types of jails
mentioned above.
Consolidated Jails
Ideally, jails should be used only for the detention of prisoners awaiting court action and few
short-sentence prisoners who require maximum security. Other short-sentence prisoners should be
housed in special institutions such as farms, camps, workhouse, etc., which can provide full
employment, remedial services, and constructive leisure-time activities. The correctional treatment of
sentenced offenders requires more complete facilities and larger staff than can be provided by the
average city or provincial jail, An institution serving several jurisdiction, however, can draw on the
resources of all and with this pooling of funds can offer a planned correctional programs for short-
sentence offenders. The existing jails then can revert to their proper function in housing prisoners
awaiting trial.
Alternative to Jail Confinement
In order to solve the problem of congestion of prisoners in jail and save many accidental
offenders from becoming hardened offenders, the following alternative to jail confinement are
suggested:
1. Elimination from the jail of those who belong elsewhere. Such persons as the chronic alcoholics, the
insane, the children, the ill, the destitute, and the other jail misfits should move out and give the
prisoner a chance. These people belong to hospitals for mentally or to foster homes.
2. Payment of fines in lieu of imprisonment. Court records and dockets are crammed with persons
ordered to jail for failure or inability to pay fines. The application of punishment with relation to the
economic status of the offenders seems to be illogical. As long as we consider the imposition of a fine
as an appropriate measure of punishment, consideration should be given to its payments on the
installment plan.
3. Use of Probation. The use of probation in minor cases can be availed of effectively for selected
offenders as a means of reducing the jail population.
4. Wider use of approved methods of release from custody. The wider use of bail, release on personal
recognizance, paroling to the family, friends or attorneys, is advisable in cases of a minor nature.
Judges hold within their power the extended use of these measures. They need to comprehend that
jail confinement is the least desirable of procedures.
5. Consolidation of Confinement Facilities. In many areas, adjacent provinces and cities could give
consideration to the combined use of a single jail rather than continuing the use of several jails. This
would make possible efficiency and economy of operation and the improvement of housing facilities.
6. Establishment of Farm Units and Forestry Camps. These alternatives to the continued employment
of the typical local jail are attaining wider approval. The states of California, Wisconsin, Virginia
and numerous others are successfully operating approved camps, farms and colonies. The county of
Los Angeles has developed a commendable jail-farm system, which is meeting with community
approval. The establishment of such units serves to provide constructive use of labor of those
confined.
7. The use of the delayed sentence. Various areas, notably Wisconsin, have experimented with the use of
the delayed sentence. Sometimes referred to as the “ weekend sentence,” or the “night sentence” this
procedure permits a jail prisoner to pursue his normal job during the week and return to the jail to
serve his sentence during non-working hours.
Jail Administration in the Philippines
Provincial Jails - Provincial Jails in the Philippines are not under the jurisdiction of the
Bureau of Corrections. They are managed and controlled by the provincial government.
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
created the BJMP. It operates as a line bureau under the Department of the Interior and Local
Government (DILG).
Mission of the BJMP
The Jail Bureau shall direct, supervise and control the administration and operation of all
district, city and municipal jails to effect a better system of jail Management nationwide.
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 preparation for their eventual
reintegration into the mainstream of society upon their release.
3. To professionalize jail services.
Principles of the BJMP
1. It is the obligation of jail authorities to confine offenders safely and provide rehabilitative
programs that will negate criminal tendencies and restore their positive values to make them
productive and law-abiding citizens.
2. No procedure or system of correction shall deprive any offender of hope for his ultimate return to
the fold of the law and full membership in society.
3. Unless provided otherwise, any person accused of a criminal offense shall be presumed innocent
and his rights, as a free citizen shall be respected, except for such indispensable restraints during
his confinement in the interest of justice and public safety.
4. Offenders are human beings entitled to the same basic rights and privileges enjoyed by citizens in
a free society, except that the exercise of these rights are limited or controlled for security
reasons.
5. Health preservation and prompt treatment of illness or injury is a basic right of every person
confined in jail and it is the duty of jail facilities to arrange for their treatment subject to security
measures.
6. Members of the custodial force shall set themselves as examples by performing their duties in
accordance with the rules and respect the laws duly constituted by authorities.
7. No jail personnel shall be abusive, insulting, indecent languages on the offenders.
8. No jail personnel shall use unnecessary force on offenders except for legitimate self-defense or in
cases of attempted active and passive physical resistance to a lawful order.
9. No penalty shall be imposed upon any offender for violation of rules/regulations unless in
accordance with duly approved disciplinary procedures.
10.Penalties to be imposed shall not be cruel, inhuman, or degrading, and no physical punishment
shall be employed as a correctional measure.
11.Members of the custodial force must understand that offenders need treatment and counseling
and the primary purpose of confinement is for safekeeping and rehabilitation.
12.When conducting routinary custodial guarding, the ratio of 1:7, or one guard for every 7
offenders shall be observed. 13.When the offender is in transit, the ratio of 1:1+1 for every
offender shall be observed. In case of high-risk offender that demands extra precaution additional
guards shall be employed. This manning level shall be national in scope for effective jail
administration.
Powers, Functions and Organization of the BJMP
Powers - The Bureau shall exercise supervision and control over all districts, city and municipal
jails to ensure a secured, clean, sanitary and adequately equipped jail for the custody and safekeeping
of city and municipal prisoners, any fugitive from justice or persons detained awaiting investigation or
trial and/or transfer to the National Penitentiary, and any violent, mentally ill person who endangers
himself or the safety of others.
Functions – In line with its mission, the Bureau endeavors to perform the following:
1. Formulate policies and guidelines on the administration of all districts, city and municipal jails
nationwide;
2. Formulate and implement policies for the programs of correction, rehabilitation and treatment of
offenders;
3. Plan the program funds for the subsistence allowance of offenders;
4. Conduct researches, develop and implement plans and programs for the improvement of jail
services throughout the country.
Organization and Key Positions in the BJMP
The BJMP, also referred to as the Jail Bureau, was created pursuant to Section 60, R.A. no. 6975,
and initially consisting of uniformed officers and members of the Jail management and Penology
service as constituted under P.D. no. 765. The Bureau shall be headed by a chief with the rank of
Director, and assisted by a Deputy Chief with the Rank of Chief Superintendent.
The Central Office is the Command and Staff HQ of the Jail Bureau composed of 3 Command Groups,
6 Coordinating Staff Divisions, 6 Special Staff Groups and 6 Personal Staff Groups namely:
1. Command Group - Chief, BJMP - Deputy C/BJMP - Chief of Staff
2. Coordinating Staff Groups
- Administrative Division
- Operations Division
- Logistics Division
- Finance Management Division
- Research Plans and Programs Division
- Inspection and Investigation Division
3. Special Staff Groups
- General Services Unit
- Health Services Unit
- Chaplain Services Unit
- Community Services Unit
- Finance Services Unit
- Hearing Office
4. Personal Staff Groups
- Aide-de-Camp
- Intelligence Office
- Public Information Office
- Legal Office
- Adjudication Office
- Internal Audit
Regional Office - At the Regional Level, each Region shall have a designated Assistant regional
Director for Jail management and Penology.
Provincial Level - In the Provincial Level, there shall be designated a Provincial Jail
Administrator to perform the same functions as the ARDs province wide.
District Office - In the District Level, where there are large cities and municipalities, a district
jail with subordinate jails, headed by a District warden may be established as necessary.
City and Municipal Office - In the City and Municipal level, a city or municipal Warden shall
head each jail.
Rank Classification of the BJMP
RANK POSITION/TITLE APPOINTING AUTHORITY
Director Chief of the BJMP Secretary of DILG
C/ Supt. Deputy C/BJMP same
Sn. Supt. Asst. Regional Dir. same
Supt. Asst. Regional Dir. same
Chief Insp. Warden Under Secretary
Sn. Insp. Warden same
Inspector Warden same
SJO 4 to JO1 Jail Guards Chief of the BJMP
Duties and Responsibilities
WARDEN - Direction, Coordination, and Control of the Jail, Responsible for the Security,
safety, discipline and well being of inmates
The office of the warden may organize the following units:
1. Intelligence and Investigation Team - It gathers, collates and submits intelligence
information to the office of the warden on matter regarding the jail condition.
2. Jail Inspectorate Section - Inspect jail facilities, personnel, and prisoners and submit
reports to the warden.
3. Public Relation Office - Maintain public relation to obtain the necessary and adequate
public support.
ASSISTANT WARDEN - The office of the Assistant Warden undertakes the development of a
systematic process of treatment. He acts as the Chairman of the Classification Board and Disciplinary
Board for jails.
ADMINISTRATIVE GROUPS
The administrative groups take charge of all administrative functions of the jail bureau.
1. Personnel Management Branch
∙ Assignment of personnel
∙ Procedures of selection
∙ Preparation of personnel reports
∙ Individual record file
2. Records and Statistics Branch
∙ Keep and maintain booking sheets and arrest reports ∙ Keep an orderly record of
fingerprints and photographs ∙ Present/ Prepare statistical data of inmates
3. Properties and Supply Branch
∙ Take charge of the safekeeping of equipment’s and supplies and materials needed for the
operation of the jail.
4. Budget and Finance Branch
∙ Take charge of all financial matters such as budgeting, financing, accounting, and auditing.
5. Mess Service Branch
∙ Take charge of the preparation of the daily menu, prepares and cook the food and serve
it to inmates.
6. General Service Branch
∙ Responsible for the maintenance and repair of jail facilities and equipment’s. It is also task
with the cleanliness and beautification of the jail compound.
7. Mittimus Computing Branch
∙ Tasked to receive court decisions and compute the date of the full completion of the service
of sentence of inmates.
Mittimus – is a warrant issued by a court directing the jail or prison authorities to receive the
convicted for the service of sentence imposed therein or for detention
SECURITY GROUPS - The security groups provides a system of sound custody, security and
control of inmates and their movements and also responsible to enforce prison or jail discipline.
Escort Platoon
a. Escort Section – to escort inmate upon order of any judicial body; upon summon of a court; or
transfer to other penal institutions
b. Subpoena Section – receives and distribute court summons, notices, subpoenas, etc.
Security Platoon
A three (3) working platoon shifts responsible for over all security of the jail compound
including gates, guard posts and towers. They are also responsible for the admitting and
releasing unit.
REHABILITATION PURPOSES GROUPS
This group provides services and assistance to prisoners and their families to enable them to
solve their individual needs and problems arising from the prisoners’ confinement.
1. Medical and Health Services Branch - Provides medical and physical examinations of inmates
upon confinement, treatment of sick inmates and conduct medical and physical examinations
and provide medicines or recommends for the hospitalization of seriously ill prisoners or
inmates. It also conducts psychiatric and psychological examinations.
2. Work and Education Therapy Services - It take charge of the job and educational programs
needed for rehabilitation of inmates by providing them job incentives so they can earn and
provide support for their families while in jail.
3. Socio- Cultural Services - It takes care of the social case work study of the individual prisoners by
making interviews, home visits, referral to community resources, free legal services, and liaison
works for the inmates.
4. Chaplaincy Services - It takes charge of the religious and moral upliftment of the inmates through
religious services. This branch caters to all religious sects.
5. Guidance and Counseling Services - Responsible for the individual and group counseling
activities to help inmates solve their individual problems and to help them lead a wholesome and
constructive life.
Categories of Prisoners
Municipal Prisoners - Persons who by reason of their sentence may be deprived of liberty for
not more than six months. The imposition of subsidiary imprisonment shall not be taken into
consideration in fixing the status of a prisoner hereunder except when the sentence imposes a fine
only.
Provincial or City Prisoners - Persons who by reason of their sentence may be deprived of
liberty for not more than three years or are subjected to a fine of not more than one thousand pesos, or
are subjected to both penalties; but if a prisoner receives two or more sentences in the aggregate
exceeding the period of three years, he shall not be considered a provincial prisoner.
The imposition of subsidiary imprisonment shall be taken into consideration in fixing the status
of a prisoner hereunder except when the sentence imposes a fine only.
All other prisoners are considered National Prisoner.
Bureau of Corrections
The Correctional System in the Philippines is composed of six agencies under three distinct and
separate departments of the national government:
DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
❖ Under this are the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)
which runs the city, municipal, and district jails; and the provincial jails
through their respective provincial government.
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
❖ Under this is Juvenile and Justice Welfare Council which oversees the rehabilitation
of young offenders.
DAPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
❖ Under this are the Bureau of Corrections, Parole and
Probation Administration and the Board of Pardons and Parole.
Offenders convicted by the courts to serve sentences of three years or more are kept at the prison
facilities of the bureau of corrections: they are classified as national prisoners. Those meted with lighter
sentences, as well as those with pending cases before the regional trial courts, are confined in
provincial jails under the local government; while those awaiting trial in municipal trial courts or
serving light penalties (e.g., infraction of city or municipal ordinances) are detained in city, municipal
or district jails under the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. Juvenile delinquents are normally
sent to youth rehabilitation centers under the juvenile justice and welfare council pursuant to R.A. 9344
unless the sentencing judge specifically orders for them to be confined at the national penitentiary, as
in cases where the juvenile convict acted with discernment or the offense committed was grave.
LEGAL BASIS
The BUREAU OF PRISONS was established on November 1, 1905 under the DEPARTMENT OF
INSTRUCTION through REORGANIZATION ACT 1407 of the PHILIPPINE COMISSION until it
was transferred to the DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (DOJ).
The PRISON LAW incorporated in chapter 45 of the revised ADMINISTRATIVE
CODE OF 1917.
SECTION 26 of the ADMINISTRATIVE CODE OF 1987 issued November 23, 1989 under
PROCLAMATION NO. 495 of the PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES change the name of the
BUREAU OF PRISON to BUREAU OF CORRECTIONS.
On May 24, 2013, PRESIDENT BENIGNO SIMEON C. AQUINO III signed into law the
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10575/ otherwise known as THE BUREAU OF CORRECTIONS ACT of
2013 which provides for the Modernization, Professionalization and Restructuring of the bureau.
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.
CORE VALUES
❖ GOD CENTERED – Centring our lives joyfully and dynamically upon the person of God.
❖ VIGILANCE – We are committed to enhance public safety by being responsive 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
standards.
FUNCTIONS
1. Safekeep prisoners convicted by courts three (3) years and one (1)
day and above to serve sentence in prison.
2. Prevent prisoners from committing crimes.
3. Provide inmates basic needs.
4. Ensure rehabilitation programs are made available to the inmates for their
physical, intellectual and spiritual development.
5. Develop livelihood programs to assist inmates earn a living and develop their skills while
in prison.
