Bureau of Corrections Operating Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BOOK I

Introduction – BuCor Operating Manual

PART I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Purpose of confinement
Section 2 Basic principles
Section 3. Definition of Terms
Section 4. Status of Inmate as affected by appeal
Section 5. Status of Inmate as affected by parole, allowance of good behavior, etc

PART II. ADMISSION AND CONFINEMENT OF INMATES

CHAPTER 1. RECEPTION AND DIAGNOSTIC CENTER
Section 1. Reception and Diagnostic Center; functions
Section 2. Quarantine
Section 3. Assignment of inmate
Section 4. Inmate record
CHAPTER 2. ADMISSION OF INMATES
Section 1. Admission
Section 2. Form of mittimus/commitment order
Section 3. Registration book
Section 4. Admission process
Section 5. Hairpieces
Section 6. Place of admission
Section 7. Body search of inmate; personal effects
Section 8. Confiscation of contraband
Section 9. Issuance of uniforms etc
Section 10. Personal effects of inmate
Section 11. Wearing of jewelry
CHAPTER 3. CLASSIFICATION OF INMATES
Section 1. Classification board
Section 2. Inmates; How Classified
Section 3. Classification of inmates as to Security risk
Section 4. Color of uniforms as to Security classification
Section 5. Classification of inmates as to entitlement to privileges
Section 6. Colonist
Section 7. Privileges of a colonist
Section 8. Inmates who are spouses
Section 9. Revocation of colonist status
CHAPTER 4. CONFINEMENT AND ACCOMMODATIONS OF INMATES
Section 1. Place of confinement
Section 2. Security compounds
Section 3. Separate facilities
Section 4. Prison accommodations standards
Section 5. Youth camps
CHAPTER 5. TRANSFER OF INMATES
Section 1. Transfer of inmate to another prison
Section 2. Transfer of insane inmate
Section 3. Transfer of inmate to a stockade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
(AFP)
Section 4. Transfer of inmate not eligible to be a colonist to a prison and penal farm
Section 5. Transfer of inmates to a provincial jail and vice versa
Section 6. Mental and physical examination of inmate to be transferred
CHAPTER 6. OUTSIDE MOVEMENTS OF INMATES
Section 1. Movement of inmate outside confinement facility
Section 2. Approval by Secretary of outside movement
Section 3. Outside movement of death convict
Section 4. Basis of court appearance
Section 5. Court appearance of life termer or death convict
Section 6. Application to view the remains of deceased relative; supporting
documents
Section 7. When to file application
Section 8. Duration of privilege
Section 9. Distance of travel
PART III. RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF AN INMATE
CHAPTER 1. RIGHT OF AN INMATE
Section 1. Rights of an inmate
Section 2. Privileges of an inmate
Section 3. Rights of a detainee
CHAPTER 2. PRISON LABOR
Section 1. Prison labor of finally convicted inmate
Section 2. Prison labor of a detainee
Section 3. Agreement of detainee to abide by rules imposed on finally convicted
inmates
Section 4. Certification of Superintendent if detainee refuses to abide by the rules
imposed on finally convicted inmates
Section 5. Agreement or Certification as part of prison record
Section 6. Female inmate
Section 7. Old inmate
Section 8. Place of work assignment
Section 9. Work Programs
CHAPTER 3. COMPENSATION CREDITS
Section 1. Inmate compensation
Section 2. Compensation credits
Section 3. Keeping of work record of inmate
Section 4. Compensation earned, how applied
Section 5. Trust Fund
Section 6. Withdrawal of earnings
Section 7. Payment of trust deposit amount to released inmate
CHAPTER 4. TIME ALLOWANCE FOR GOOD CONDUCT AND LOYALTY
Section 1. Who may grant Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA)
Section 2. Effects of GCTA
Section 3. Computation of GCTA
Section 4. GCTA of a detainee
Section 5. GCTA of a life termer
Section 6. Revocation of GCTA
Section 7. Restoration of GCTA
Section 8. Special time allowance for loyalty
CHAPTER 5. INMATE COMMUNICATION
Section 1. Right to communicate
Section 2. Censorship of mail matter
Section 3. Guidelines on censorship of mail matter
Section 4. What may be censored?
Section 5. Collection and delivery of mail
Section 6. Expenses for special delivery of mail
Section 7. Sending of money
Section 8. Mail privilege of inmate under punishment
Section 9. Use of telephone
Section 10. Foreign inmates
Section 11. Stateless Inmates
CHAPTER 6. INMATE MANUSCRIPTS
Section 1. Definition of manuscript
Section 2. Manuscript preparation
Section 3. Mailing of inmate manuscript
Section 4. Limitations on an inmate’s accumulation of manuscript material
CHAPTER 7. EXERCISE OF RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AND PRACTICES
Section 1. Religious freedom
Section 2. Proselytizing
Section 3. Pastoral visits
Section 4. Worship services
Section 5. Sponsor in a religious rite
Section 6. Privileged communication
Section 7. Dietary requirements
CHAPTER 8. MARRIAGE OF INMATES AND DETAINEES
Section 1. Request to marry
Section 2. Eligibility to marry
Section 3. Marriage expenses
Section 4. Request to marry of a detainee
Section 5. Marriage ceremony, where solemnized
Section 6. Solemnizing official
Section 7. Presence of media
Section 8. Prohibition against prison official acting as sponsor
CHAPTER 9. VISITING RIGHTS
Section 1. Visiting rights
Section 2. Visitor’s list
Section 3. Visiting days and hours
Section 4. Limitation on visiting rights
Section 5. Visiting room
Section 6. Privacy of visits
Section 7. Conjugal visits
Section 8. Visit of legal counsel
Section 9. Violation of visiting rules
CHAPTER 10. VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS
Section 1. Volunteer community service projects, concept
Section 2. Nature of volunteer community service projects
Section 3. Request to participate in community activity
CHAPTER 11. INMATE GRIEVANCE
Section 1. Inmate complaint center
Section 2. Inmate Council
Section 3. Role of inmate-representatives in the Inmate Council
CHAPTER 12. PECUNIARY AID TO INMATES
Section 1. Pecuniary aid to inmates killed or injured in the performance of duty
Section 2. Amount of pecuniary aid
Section 3. When pecuniary aid is given

PART IV. DISCIPLINE AND PUNISHMENT OF INMATES

CHAPTER 1. DISCIPLINE OF INMATES
Section 1. Disciplinary controls, purpose
Section 2. Guidelines on disciplinary control
Section 3. Due process accorded to an inmate
Section 4. Prohibited acts
Section 5. Business activity of an inmate
CHAPTER 2. PUNISHMENT
Section 1. Board of Discipline; composition
Section 2. Procedure in disciplinary cases
Section 3. Protection of inmate from institutional abuse
Section 4. Imposable punishment
Section 5. Confinement in disciplinary cell
Section 6. Mitigation of punishment
Section 7. Release from disciplinary cell
Section 8. Use of instruments of restraint
Section 9. Limitation on punishment to be imposed on female inmate
Section 10. Disciplinary punishment to form part of record of an inmate
CHAPTER 3. INMATE INTERVIEW
Section 1. Request for inmate interview
Section 2. Notification and consent of inmate to be interviewed
Section 3. Prerequisite to approval of request
Section 4. Action on request for interview
Section 5. Denial of request for interview
Section 6. Interviews, where and when held
Section 7. Limitations on Media
Section 8. Filming of interview
Section 9. Waiver of liability
Section 10. Non-payment of inmate who is interviewed
Section 11. Interview of death convict

PART V. REHABILITATION AND TREATMENT OF INMATES

CHAPTER 1. PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
Section 1. Conduct of rehabilitation and treatment programs
Section 2. Rehabilitation and treatment programs
Section 3. Guidelines for rehabilitation and treatment programs
CHAPTER 2. INMATE SERVICES
Section 1. Inmate services
Section 2. Health services
Section 3. Medical consultation and visiting hours
Section 4. Basic guidelines on medical consultations
Section 5. Pregnant CIW inmates
Section 6. Infant born to a CIW inmate
Section 7. Recommendation for release of seriously-ill inmate
Section 8. Notification of kin of sick or dead inmate
Section 9. Meals in hospital/clinic
Section 10. Referral of inmate for outside medical consultation/treatment
Section 11. Medical certification
 Section 12. Referral to government hospital
Section 13. Outside referral for dental work
Section 14. Donation of human organ; form of donation
Section 15. Disposition of cadaver of deceased inmate
Section 16. Burial of convict
Section 17. Adult education
Section 18. Educational programs for inmates
Section 19. Certificate of completion
Section 20. Recreational and cultural activities
CHAPTER 3. INMATE ORGANIZATIONS
Section 1. Purpose and scope
Section 2. Application fro recognition of an inmate organization
Section 3. Approval of an inmate organization
Section 4. Supervision of an inmate organization
Section 5. Dues
Section 6. Organization activities
Section 7. Approval of activity
Section 8. Use of government funds for activity
Section 9. Records of inmate organization
Section 10. Suspension of activities of inmate organization
Section 11. Withdrawal of approval of an inmate organization
Section 12. Funding of activities

PART VI. RELEASE OF INMATE

Section 1. Basis for release of inmate
Section 2. Who may authorize release
Section 3. Approval by the Director of release
Section 4. Verification of identity of inmate to be released
Section 5. Documentary basis for release
Section 6. Prompt release of inmate
Section 7. Release of foreign national
Section 8. Release of inmate with pending criminal case
Section 9. Prohibited release of inmates before and after election
Section 10. Separation and Placement Center
Section 11. Pre-release seminar
Section 12. Assistance to inmate to be released
Section 13.Transmittal of carpeta and prison records

BOOK II. CODE OF ORDERS

PART I. ORGANIZATION OF BUREAU, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF

CORRECTIONS OFFICIALS
Section 1. Director and Assistant Director of the Bureau
Section 2. Functions of Director
Section 3. Functions of Assistant Director
Section 4. Organizational structure of Bureau
Section 5. Medical officer of a prison and penal/regional prison
Section 6. Social worker
Section 7. Chaplaincy service
Section 8. Duties of chaplains
Section 9. Recognition of religious group
Section 10. Release of information
Section 11. Press pools
Section 12. Composition of pres pool

PART II. DUTIES OF MEMBERS OF CUSTODIAL FORCE

Section 1. Correctional objectives
Section 2. Duties of custodial officers
Section 3. Administrative liability of a guard

PART III. CUSTODIAL SECURITY PROCEDURES

Section 1. Security conditions of confinement facility
Section 2. Perimeter fences
Section 3. Vehicle control
Section 4. Vehicular access to prison compounds
Section 5. Inmate head count
Section 6. Procedure for inmate count
Section 7. Location of armory
Section 8. Security measures while serving/delivering meals
Section 9. Visitors control; body search of visitors
 Section 10. Filing of criminal/administrative charges
Section 11. Bringing out food and prison issue
Section 12 Control of prison keys

PART IV. SECURITY PROCEDURES DURING EMERGENCIES, RIOTS, ESCAPES OR

MAJOR DISTURBANCES
Section 1. Emergency control center
Section 2. Riots and other prison disturbances
Section 3. Sounding of alarm
Section 4. Procedure during riots and disturbances
Section 5. Procedure during an escape or jailbreak
Section 6. Emergency plans for calamities etc
Section 7. Features of emergency plans
Section 8. Fire prevention
Section 9. Contingency plan

PART V. ESCORT PROCEDURES

Section 1. Primary duties of escort guards
Section 2. Distance of guard from inmates
Section 3. Basic escort procedures
Section 4. Escort procedures for court appearance
Section 5. Appearance in Metro Manila courts
Section 6. Turnover of inmate to local jail
Section 7. Acknowledgment of turnover of inmate
Section 8. Postponement/resetting of hearing
Section 9. Procedure if escort guard becomes sick
Section 10. Fake or spurious subpoena
Section 11. Certificate of appearance
Section 12. Procedure during outside movement of inmate
Section 13. Other Security procedures
Section 14. Outside work detail of medium Security inmates

PART VI. EXECUTION OF DEATH PENALTY

Section 1. Death penalty, how executed
Section 2. Policy
Section 3. Services and privileges given to a death convict
Section 4. Holding cell
Section 5. Death watch
Section 6. Religious service
Section 7. Exercise
Section 8. Meal Services
Section 9. Visitation
Section 10. Telephone privileges
Section 11. Log book for mail of death convict
Section 12. Notification and execution of the sentence and assistance to the convict
Section 13. Suspension of execution of the death sentence
Section 14. Place of execution
Section 15. Execution procedure
Section 16. Quantity and safekeeping of drugs purchased
Section 17. Administering of lethal drugs
Section 18. Identity of relatives of death convict and of person administering lethal
injection
Section 19. Persons who may witness execution
Section 20. Selection and composition of media witnesses
Section 21. Expulsion of witness
Section 22. Non-recording of execution
Section 23. Time for burial

PART VII. FINAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Repealing clause
Section 2. Separability clause
Section 3. Effectivity
 BOOK I

PART –I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Purpose of confinement – A person is committed to prison –

a. to segregate him from society; and
b. to rehabilitate him so that upon his return to society he shall be a responsible
and law-abiding citizen.

SECTION 2. Basic Principles – The rules on the admission, custody and treatment of
inmates –
a. seek to promote discipline and to secure the reformation and safe custody of
inmates.
b. shall be applied impartially, without discrimination on grounds of race, color, sex,
language, religion or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or
other status.
c. shall be enforced with firmness but tempered with understanding.

SECTION 3. Definition of terms – As used herein, unless the context otherwise

requires –
a. “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
Ihawig Prison and Penal Farms;
b. “Competent authority” shall refer to the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals,
Regional Trial Court, Metropolitan 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;
c. “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); or regardless of the length of the sentence
imposed by the court, to one sentenced fro 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 refer to a “detainee”.
d. “Detainee” is a person who is confined in prison pending preliminary
investigation, trial or appeal; or upon legal process issued by competent
authority;
e. “Death Convict” refers to an inmate in whose death penalty imposed by a
Regional Trial Court is affirmed by the Supreme Court en banc,
f. “Bureau” refers to the Bureau of Corrections;
g. “Director” refers to the Director of the Bureau;
h. “Department” refers to the Department of Justice;
i. “Secretary: refers to the Secretary of Justice;
j. “Superintendent” refers to the one in charge of a prison;
k. “Guard” refers to a member of the custodial force of a prison;
l. “Board” refers to the Board of pardons and Parole;
m. “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 of the appellate court, if any;
n. “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
for sentence, the date he was received for confinement, the date of expiration of
his sentence, the number of previous convictions, if any, and his behavior or
conduct while in prison.

SECTION 4. Status of Inmate as affected by appeal. – Pending an appeal, the status

of an inmate shall not be changed. Whenever upon appeal, the sentence of an inmate is
reduced to a maximum term of imprisonment of less than three (3) years or to a fine that
does not exceed one thousand pesos (P1,000), the inmate shall be transferred to the
custody of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology or to the Provincial Government
concerned for service of sentence. In such case, the maintenance of the convict shall be
transferred to the appropriate jail institution from the date of judgment of the higher court
and shall not be retroactive.
 SECTION 5. Status of an inmate as affected by parole, allowance of good behavior,
etc. – The provisions of law relative to parole, conditional pardon and the diminution of
sentences for good behavior shall not construed to change the status of an inmate or to
affect the liability for his maintenance.

PART II. ADMISSION AND CONFINEMENT OF INMATES

CHAPTER 1. RECEPTION AND DIAGNOSTIC CENTER

SECTION 1. Reception and Diagnostic Center; functions. – There shall be

aReception and Diagnostic Center in every prison which shall receive, study and classify
inmates and detainees committed to the Bureau.

SECTION 2. Quarantine – Upon admission in the Reception and Diagnostic Center,

an inmate shall be placed in quarantine for at least five (5) days during which he shall be
a. 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;
b. oriented with prison rules; and
c. interviewed by a counselor, social worker or other program staff officers. The
interview shall be conducted in private.

SECTION 3. Assignment of inmate – After the quarantine period, the inmate shall
remain in the Reception and Diagnostic Center for a period not exceeding fifty-five (55)
days where he shall undergo psychiatric, psychological, sociological, vocational, educational
and religious and other examinations. The results 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 Reception and Diagnostic Center.

SECTION 4. Inmate Record – The Reception and Diagnostic Center 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.

CHAPTER 2. ADMISSION OF INMATES

SECTION 1. Admission – An inmate shall be admitted in the Reception and

Diagnostic Center of a prison upon presentation of the following documents:
a. Mittimus/Commitment Order of the court;
b. Information and Court decision in the case;
c. Certificate of Detention , if any and
d. Certification that the case is not on appeal.
A female inmate shall be received only at the CIW.

SECTION 2. Form of mittimus/commitment order - The mittimus/commitment order

shall be under the signature of the judge and shall bear the seal of the court attested by the
clerk of court thereof.

SECTION 3. – Registration Book – A prison shall keep a bound registration book

wherein all commitments shall be recorded chronologically. The register shall contain the
following entries:
a. Name of inmate;
b. Reason for commitment and the authority therefore;
c. Sentence;
d. Date and hour of admission; and
e. Date and hour of discharge or transfer and basis therefore.

SECTION 4. 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.

SECTION 5. Hairpieces - An inmate may not wear a wig or artificial hairpiece, unless
medical authorization to do so is approved by the Superintendent.

SECTION 6. Place for admission – The admission of an inmate shall be made in an

area that is physically separated from the general prison population.
 SECTION 7. 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 are authorized hereunder. A list of all articles taken from the inmate shall be
entered in the inmate’s record and receipted for 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 drug or medicine, the medical officer on duty shall decide
on its disposition.

SECTION 8. 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 posses under prison rules shall be considered contraband
items and confiscated.

SECTION 9. 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:
a. One (1) blanket;
b. One (1) mat;
c. One (1) pillow with pillow case;
d. One (1) mosquito net;
e. One (1) set, mess kit; and
f. One (1) pair, slippers.
The inmate shall be held responsible and accountable for the items issued to him.

SECTION 10. 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 television 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.

SECTION 11. Wearing of jewelry – An inmate may not wear jewelry items. He may,
however allowed to wear an inexpensive watch and the like.

CHAPTER 3. CLASSIFICATION OF INMATES

SECTION 1. Classification Board - Every prison shall have a Classification Board that
shall classify inmates in accordance with this Chapter. The Board shall be composed of the
following:
Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superintendent
Vice-chairman . . . . . . . . . . Chief, Reception and Diagnostic Center
Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Medical Officer; Chief, Education Section;
Chief, Agro-Industries Section
Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chief Overseer

SECTION 2. Inmates; how classified - Inmates shall be classified as to security

status and as to entitlement to prison privileges.

SECTION 3. Classification of inmates as to security risk – An inmate shall be

assigned to any of the following groups:
a. Maximum security – This shall include highly dangerous or high security risk
inmates as determined by the Classification Board who require a high degree of
control and supervision. Under this category are –
i. those sentenced to death;
ii. those whose minimum sentence is twenty (20) years imprisonment;
iii. 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;
iv. those with pending cases;
v. recidivists, habitual delinquents and escapees;
vi. those confined at the Reception and Diagnostic Center;
vii. those under disciplinary punishment or safekeeping; and
viii. those who are criminally insane or those with severe personality or emotional
disorders that make them dangerous to fellow inmates or the prison staff
 b. Medium Security – This shall include those who cannot be trusted in less-secured
areas and those whose conduct or behavior require minimum supervision. Under
this category are –
i. those whose minimum sentence is less than twenty (20) years imprisonment;
ii. remand inmates or detainees whose sentences are below twenty (20) years;
iii. those who are eighteen (18) years of age and below, regardless of the case
and sentence;
iv. 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;
and
v. 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.

c. Minimum Security – This shall include those who can be reasonably trusted to
serve their sentence under less restricted conditions. Under this category are –
i. those with severe physical handicap as certified by the chief medical officer of
the prison;
ii. those who are sixty-five (65) years old and above, without pending case and
whose convictions are not on appeal;
iii. those who have served one-half (1/2) of their minimum sentence or one-
third (1/3) of their maximum sentence, excluding Good Conduct Time
Allowance (GCTA) as provided in Chapter 4, Part III hereof; and
iv. those who have only six months more to serve before the expiration of their
maximum sentence.

SECTION 4. Color of uniform as to security classification - The color of the uniform

of an inmate shall be based on his security classification, as follows:
a. Maximum security – tangerine
b. Medium security – blue
c. Minimum security – brown
d. Detainee – gray

SECTION 5. Classification of inmates as to entitlement to privileges - Inmates shall

be classified as follows to determine their entitlement to prison privileges:
a. Detainee;
b. 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;
c. Second Class inmate – a newly arrived inmate demoted from first class; or one
promoted from the third class;
d. 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;
e. Colonist.

SECTION 6. Colonist – The Director may, upon the recommendation of the

Classification Board, classify an inmate who has the following qualifications as a colonist:
a. be at least a first class inmate and has served one (1) year immediately
preceding the completion of the period specified in the following qualifications;
b. has served imprisonment with good conduct for a period equivalent to one fifth
(1/5) of the maximum term of his prison sentence, or seven (7) years in the case
of a life sentence.

SECTION 7. Privileges of a colonist – A colonist shall have the following privileges:

a. credit of an additional GCTA of five (5) days for each calendar month while he
retains said classification aside from the regular GCTA authorized under Article 97
of the Revised Penal Code;
b. automatic reduction of the life sentence imposed on the colonist to a sentence of
thirty (30 ) years;
c. 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;
 d. 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
e. to wear civilian clothes on such special occasions as may be designated by the
Superintendent.

SECTION 8. Inmates who are spouses – Husband and wife inmates may be allowed
to serve their sentence together in a prison and penal farm as soon as both are classified as
colonists.

SECTION 9. 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.

CHAPTER 4. CONFINEMENT AND ACCOMODATIONS OF INMATE

SECTION 1. Place of confinement – An inmate shall only be confined in a place

declared by the President of the Philippines by Executive Order to be a place 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.

SECTION 2. 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.

SECTION 3. Separate facilities – Where facilities permit, there shall be separate

dormitories to house inmates under the following categories:
a. Finally sentenced inmates;
b. Death convicts;
c. Inmates who, by reason of their criminal record, are likely to exercise a negative
influence on other inmates;
d. Detainees;
e. Youth offenders or those below eighteen years of age;
f. First Offenders;
g. Habitual Delinquents, recidivists, escapees;
h. Infirm, aged, invalids and other finally convicted inmates whose physical
condition seriously impairs their mobility;
i. Those suffering from mental disease or abnormality, including sexual deviates;
j. Female offenders;
k. Drug dependents;
l. Foreign Nationals; and
m. Members of cultural minorities.

SECTION 4. Prison accommodations standards

a. All accommodations for the use of inmates shall meet requirements of sanitation
and hygiene with emphasis on adequate ventilation, living space and lighting.
b. Bathrooms and washing areas shall be provided in every prison facility.
c. All areas regularly used by inmates shall be properly maintained and kept clean
at all times.
d. 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 at least one a
month.
e. Cleanliness shall be maintained at all times in all dormitories or cells specially
toilet and baths.
f. As often as it is necessary, an inmate shall send his dirty clothes to the laundry.
g. 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.
h. Inmates shall be served meals three (3) times a day. Breakfast shall be served
not more than fourteen (14) hours after the previous day’s dinner.

SECTION 5. Youth camps – The Bureau shall maintain agricultural and forestry
camps where youth offenders may serve their sentence in lieu of confinement in a prison.

CHAPTER 5. TRANSFER OF INMATES

SECTION 1. Transfer of inmate to another prison – An inmate may be transferred

by the Director upon the recommendation of the Superintendent concerned to another
prison facility to bring said inmate closer to his family or as part of his rehabilitation
program.

SECTION 2. Transfer of insane inmates – An inmate who has been confirmed to be

mentally abnormal or insane may be transferred to a mental hospital with the approval of
the Director.

SECTION 3. Transfer of inmate to a stockade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

(AFP) – The confinement of an inmate may be transferred to an AFP stockade provided the
inmate is certified as minimum security risk and does not belong to any of the following
categories:
a. Inmate serving a life term or sentenced to death;
b. Inmate with a previous record of escape;
c. Recidivist;
d. Inmate serving sentence for a crime involving moral turpitude;
e. Female inmate;
f. Inmate who had previously been transferred to an AFP stockade and was
returned to prison for cause;
g. Inmate who is more than fifty (50) years old or who can no longer perform
manual work;
h. Inmate who is a permanent resident of a place within a radius of one hundred
(100) kilometers from the stockade where he is being transferred; or
i. Inmate with a pending case or who is a witness in any pending criminal case.

SECTION 4. Transfer of inmate not eligible to be a colonist to a prison and penal

farm – Upon the recommendation of the Classification Board, the Director may also transfer
to a prison and penal farm an inmate who, although not eligible for classification as a
colonist, is:
a. physically and psychologically fit to absorb the rehabilitative program in the
colony, or
b. that such inmate is the therapeutically indicated.

SECTION 5. Transfer to a provincial jail and vice versa – The President of the
Philippines may direct, as the occasion may require, the transfer of inmates from a national
prison to a provincial jail, or vice versa. The expense for such transfers shall be borne by
the Bureau except the cost of escort service which shall be provided by the Philippine
National Police.

SECTION 6. Mental and physical examination of inmate to be transferred – The

inmate shall be given a mental and physical examination prior to his transfer.

CHAPTER 6. OUTSIDE MOVEMENT OF INMATES

SECTION 1. Movement of inmate outside confinement facility – The Superintendent

of a prison may authorize an inmate to be taken out of prison in the following instances:
a. to appear in court or other government agency as directed by competent
authority;
b. for medical examination/treatment or hospitalization in an outside clinic or
hospital; or
c. to view the remains of a deceased relative.

SECTION 2. 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.

SECTION 3. 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.

SECTION 4. 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.

SECTION 5. Court appearance of 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
proceeding within the premises of the said prison.
 SECTION 6. 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 the death certificate, the
burial permit and the documents specified hereunder:
a. Wife or husband (marriage certificate)
b. Child (birth certificate of child and marriage certificateof the inmate);
c. Brother/sister (birth certificate of brother/sister and birth certificate of the
inmate);
d. Father/mother (birth certificate of the inmate);
e. Grandchild (birth certificate of grandchild and of the latter’s parent who may be
son or daughter of the inmate);
f. Grandparent (birth certificate of the inmate and of his/her parent who is the
son/daughter of the deceased grandparent).

SECTION 7. 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 two (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 favorable recommendation of the
Superintendent thereof and the Director, shall be forwarded to the Secretary for final action
at least one (1) working day before the privilege is to be enjoyed.

SECTION 8. Duration of privilege - The inmate may be allowed more or less three
(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.

SECTION 9. Distance of travel – The privilege mat be enjoyed only if the deceased
relative is in a place within a radius of thirty (30) kilometers by road from the prison. Where
the distance is more than thirty (30) kilometers, 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.

PART III. RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF AN INMATE

CHAPTER 1. RIGHTS OF AN INMATE

SECTION 1. Rights of an inmate – An inmate shall have the following basic rights:
a. to receive compensation for labor he performs;
b. to be credited with time allowances for good conduct and loyalty;
c. to send and receive mail matter;
d. to practice his religion or observe his faith;
e. to receive authorized visitors;
f. to ventilate his grievances trough proper channels; and
g. to receive death benefits and pecuniary aid for injuries.

SECTION 2. Privileges of an inmate - The following privileges shall be extended to

an inmate:
a. Attend or participate in any entertainment or athletic activity within the prison
reservation;
b. Read books in the library;
c. Smoke cigar and cigarettes, except in prohibited places;
d. Participate in civic, religious and other activities authorized by prison authorities;
and
e. Receive gifts and prepared food from visitors subject to inspection.

SECTION 3. 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.

CHAPTER 2. PRISON LABOR

SECTION 1. Prison labor of finally convicted inmate – A finally convicted able-bodied

inmate may be required to work at least eight (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.

SECTION 2. Prison labor of a detainee – A detainee may not be required to work in

prison. However, he may be made to police his cell and perform such other labor as may be
deemed necessary for hygienic or sanitary reasons.
 SECTION 3. 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 ha may have undergone
preventive imprisonment if he agrees in writing to abide by the same disciplinary rules
imposed on convicted previously twice or more times of any crime.
If the detainee agrees, he shall be asked to manifest agreement in writing.

SECTION 4. 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
inmates.
In such case, the detainee shall be credited in the service of his sentence with four-
fifths (4/5) of the time during which he has undergone preventive imprisonment.

SECTION 5. Agreement or Certification as part ofprison record – The Agreement or

certification mentioned above shall form part of the prison record of the detainee.

SECTION 6. 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.

SECTION 7. Old inmate – An inmate over sixty (60) years of age may be excused
from mandatory labor.

SECTION 8. Place of work 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.

SECTION 9. Work programs - Work programs shall be conducted in prison to

promote good work habits and self-esteem among inmates and not as a means to exploit
cheap prison labor as a punishment for deviant behavior.

CHAPTER 3. COMPENSATION CREDITS

SECTION 1. Inmate compensation – Six (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:
a. He maintains good conduct; and
b. He shows interest and a definite degree of progress in the particular
work assigned to him.

SECTION 2. Compensation credits – Compensation credits shall be allowed in the

payment of those classified on workmanship as may be prescribed by the Director.

SECTION 3. 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 the inmate’s Trust Fund.

SECTION 4. 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 damaged resulting from the inmate’s misconduct or willful
negligence. One- half (1/2) 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 release only. In
exceptional cases, however, upon satisfactory showing of a necessity for withdrawal, the
Director or the Superintendent may authorize the disbursement of any part of the amount
retained.

SECTION 5. 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.

SECTION 6. Withdrawal of earnings – The inmate may, at any time, withdraw from
his compensation earnings in an amount not exceeding one-half (1/2) of his total earnings.
However, in cases of urgent need and at the discretion of the Superintendent, the whole of
his earnings may be withdrawn. But he may, at any time, withdraw any part or all monies
receive from other sources.

SECTION 7. Payment of trust deposit amount to released inmate – Upon the

inmate’s discharge from prison he shall be given the full balance of his deposit.

CHAPTER 4. TIME ALLOWANCE FOR GOOD CONDUCT AND LOYALTY

SECTION 1. Who may grant Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) – The Director
may grant a GCTA to an inmate who displays good behavior and who has no record of
breach of discipline or violation of prison rules and regulations.

SECTION 2. Effects of GCTA – The Good conduct or behavior of an inmate shall

entitle him to the following deduction from the period of his sentence:
a. During the first two(2) years of his imprisonment, he shall be allowed a
deduction of five (5) days for each month of good behavior;
b. During the third to fifth year years, inclusive, of his imprisonment, he shall be
allowed a deduction of eight (8) days for each month of good behavior;
c. During the following years until the tenth year, inclusive, of his imprisonment, he
shall be allowed a deduction of ten (10) days for each month of good behavior;
and
d. During the eleventh and successive years of his imprisonment, he shall be
allowed a deduction of fifteen (15) days for each month of good behavior.

SECTION 3. Computation of GCTA – Calendar months and years are considered

reference to sentences and time served, while thirty (30) days constitute a month in
computing GCTA credits.

SECTION 4. GCTA of a detainee – A detainee shall only b 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 imposed upon him if
he is convicted.

SECTION 5. GCTA of a life termer – An inmate sentenced to life imprisonment shall

not be granted GCTA while his sentence is on appeal.

SECTION 6. Revocation of GCTA – GCTA once granted shall not be revoked without
just cause.

SECTION 7. Restoration of GCTA – The GCTA which an inmate is deprived of

because of misconduct may be restored at the discretion of the Director upon the
recommendation of the Superintendent.

SECTION 8. Special time allowance for loyalty – A deduction of one-fifth (1/5) of the
period of his sentence shall be granted to an inmate who, after evading the service of his
sentence on the occasion of a disorder resulting from a conflagration, earthquake,
explosion, or similar catastrophe, or during a mutiny on which he has not participated, gives
himself up voluntarily to the authorities within forty-eight (48) hours following the issuance
of a proclamation announcing the passing away of such a calamity.

CHAPTER 5. INMATE COMMUNICATION

SECTION 1. Right to communicate – An inmate 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.

SECTION 2. Censorship of mail matter - All 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.

SECTION 3. Guidelines on censorship of mail matter - The sending and receiving of

mail by all inmates shall be governed by the following guidelines:
a. Inmate mail shall be secured until such time that the censors are ready to
examine them.
b. Inmate mail shall be opened and searched by qualified, trained and authorized
personnel.
c. Greeting cards shall be carefully examined and fillers of any kind found therein
shall be collected for laboratory examination.
d. Photographs shall be marked on the reverse side and replaced in the envelope.
 e. In censoring mail, prison slang, unusual nicknames and sentences with double
meaning shall be carefully studied and deciphered.
f. 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.
g. The contents of an inmate’s mail shall be confidential and shall not be discussed
with other prison personnel.

SECTION 4. 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 not 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.

SECTION 5. 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 twenty-four (24) hours after it is received in
prison.

SECTION 6. Expenses for special delivery of mail – Inmates shall be allowed to send
letters by registered, certified, stamped or special delivery at their expense.

SECTION 7. Sending of money – Inmates may receive or send money through the
prison postal service under the supervision and assistance 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 Sec 6, Chapter 3 of these
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.

SECTION 8. 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.

SECTION 9. Use of telephone – All offenders who demonstrate good behavior shall
earn one telephone call to an authorized individual every ninety (90) days. In such case, the
telephone call shall be monitored and shall have a duration not exceeding five (5) minutes.
When making the call, the inmate shall identify himself as an inmate.

SECTION 10. 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.

SECTION 11. Stateless inmates – A national of a state without a 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
interests or any national or international tasked to protect such person.

CHAPTER 6. INMATE MANUSCRIPTS

SECTION 1. Definition of manuscript – As used herein, “manuscript” means fiction,

nonfiction, poetry, music and lyrics, drawings and cartoons, and other writing of a similar
nature.

SECTION 2. Manuscript preparation – An inmate may mail a manuscript as general

correspondence in accordance with existing rules. He may not, however, circulate his
manuscript inside the prison.

SECTION 3. Mailing of inmate manuscripts – An inmate may mail a manuscript as

general correspondence in accordance with existing rules. He may not, however, circulate
his manuscript inside the prison.

SECTION 4. 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.

CHAPTER 7. EXERCISE OF RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AND PRACTICES

SECTION 1. Religious Freedom – The religious beliefs and moral precepts of an

inmate shall be respected.
 SECTION 2. 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.

SECTION 3. 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.

SECTION 4. Worship services – Attendance by an inmate of worship services and

similar religious activities shall be on a voluntary basis.

SECTION 5. Sponsor 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.

SECTION 6. Privileged communication – All personal communications of an inmate

to a chaplain or priest either as a formal act of religion or 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.

SECTION 7. 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.

CHAPTER 8. MARRIAGE OF INMATES AND DETAINEES

SECTION 1. 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 to the protection of the public.

SECTION 2. 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.

SECTION 3. 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 Bureau funds for an inmate marriage.

SECTION 4. 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.

SECTION 5. Marriage ceremony, where solemnized – The marriage ceremony of an

inmate or detainee shall be solemnized in prison.

SECTION 6. Solemnizing official – Unless otherwise requested by the inmate or

detainee, the marriage ceremony shall be performed by a chaplain of the Bureau.

SECTION 7. Presence of media – The Superintendent shall require that a marriage

ceremony at the prison be a private ceremony conducted without media publicity.

SECTION 8. Prohibition against prison official acting as sponsor – A prison official,

employee or guard, his wife or children, shall not act as a sponsor or witness in the wedding
of an inmate.

CHAPTER 9. VISITING RIGHTS

SECTION 1. Visiting rights – An inmate shall have the right to be visited by his
family and reputable friends at regular intervals.

SECTION 2. 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’s 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.
 SECTION 3. Visiting days and hours – An inmate may be visited from Sundays to
Thursdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm visitors shall not be allowed to stay overnight in
prison. There shall be no visits on Fridays and Saturdays.

SECTION 4. 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.

SECTION 5. 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.

SECTION 6. 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.

SECTION 7. 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.

SECTION 8. Visit of legal counsel – An inmate may be visited by his legal counsel of
record at reasonable hours of the day or night.

SECTION 9. 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.

CHAPTER 10. VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS

SECTION 1. Volunteer community service projects, concept – The Director may,

upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, authorize an inmate to participate in a
volunteer community service project. As used herein, a volunteer community service project
is one that is sponsored and developed by a local government unit or by a nonprofit
charitable organization; and is designed to provide for the public good in keeping with the
overall goals of the community, such as community-wide beautification or public safety. The
sponsoring organization shall certify to the Bureau that its community service project will
not displace regular employees, supplant employment opportunities ordinarily available
within the sponsoring organization, or impair contracts fro services.

SECTION 2. Nature of volunteer community service projects – A volunteer

community service project is not a work assignment. An inmate who chooses to participate
therein does so voluntarily, and may not receive compensation for participation in the
project.

SECTION 3. Request to participate in community activity – An inmate may volunteer

to participate in community service project by submitting a written request to the
Superintendent. The inmate must gave a minimum security classification and be otherwise
eligible for the conditions of the project. The decision of the Superintendent to approve or
disapprove an inmate’s request shall be final.

CHAPTER 11. INMATE GRIEVANCE

SECTION 1. 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 seventy-two
(72) hours from receipt thereof.

SECTION 2. 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.

SECTION 3. 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.
CHAPTER 12. PECUNIARY AID TO INMATES

SECTION 1. 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.

SECTION 2. Amount of pecuniary aid – The amount of pecuniary aid shall be fixed
by the director and approved by the Secretary.

SECTION 3. 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.

PART IV. DISCIPLINE AND PUNISHMENT OF INMATES

CHAPTER 1. DISCIPLINE OF INMATES

SECTION 1. Disciplinary controls, purpose. – Efforts shall be made to instill in the

minds of all inmates the concept that self-discipline is an essential characteristic of a well-
adjusted person.

SECTION 2. 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 firmness and justice.

SECTION 3. Due process accorded to an inmate. – Every breach of discipline shall

be reported to proper prison 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 its non-observance.

SECTION 4. Prohibited acts. – The following acts shall subject an inmate to

disciplinary action:
a. Participating in illegal sexual acts or placing himself in situations or behavior that
will encourage the commission of illegal sexual acts;
b. Openly or publicly displaying photographs, pictures, drawings, or other pictorial
representations of persons engaged in sexual acts, actual or simulated,
masturbation, excretory functions or lewd or obscene exhibitions of the genitals;
c. Possessing articles which pose a threat to prison security or to the safety and
well-being of the inmates and staff;
d. Giving gifts, selling or engaging in barter with prison personnel;
e. Maligning or insulting any religious belief or group;
f. Rendering personal services to or requiring personal services from fellow inmate;
g. Gambling;
h. Exchanging his uniform with another inmate or wearing a uniform other than
those officially issued to him;
i. Using profane, vulgar or obscene language or making loud or unusual noise of
any kind;
j. Loitering in the prison compound or reservation;
k. Giving a gift or providing material or other assistance to fellow inmates or to the
prison administration in general;
l. Engaging in any private work for the benefit of a prison officer or employee;
m. Controlling the activities of other inmates except in organizations or groups
recognized by prison authorities;
n. Tattooing himself or allowing himself to be tattooed 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;
o. Disobeying legal orders of prison authorities promptly and courteously;
p. Threatening, orally or in writing, the life of any employee or prison official;
q. Possessing any communication device like cellular telephone, pager or radio
transceiver;
r. Constructing, renovating or repairing, with personal funds, a prison building or
structure;
s. Making frivolous or groundless complaints; and
t. 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.
 SECTION 5. Business activity of inmate. – An inmate shall not engage in business
activities or profession except when authorized to do so in writing by the Director or the
Superintendent. An inmate who was engaged in a business or profession prior to
commitment is expected to assign authority for the operation of such business or profession
to a person in the community. For this purpose, a business activity shall be used to mean
any revenue-generating or profit-making endeavor.

CHAPTER 2. PUNISHMENT

SECTION 1. 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.

SECTION 2. Procedure in disciplinary cases. – The procedure in handling disciplinary

cases shall be as follows:
a. 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.
b. 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.
c. The Board of Discipline shall hold sessions as often as necessary. It shall decide
cases referred to it within five (5) working days after the termination of hearings.
d. The hearing shall be summary in nature and shall not be bound by the technical
rules of evidence.
e. The inmate charged with the offense shall be allowed to present evidence in the
hearing.
f. The decision of the Board of Discipline shall be subject to review and approval by
the Superintendent.
g. A decision approved by the Superintendent shall be final.

SECTION 3. Protection of inmate from institutional abuse. – An inmate shall be

treated with respect and fairness by prison employees. He shall be protected against the
following:
a. The imposition of any cruel, unusual or degrading act as a form of disciplinary
punishment;
b. Corporal punishment;
c. 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;
d. Deprivation of clothing, bed and bedding, light, ventilation, exercise, food or
hygienic facilities; and
e. Forced labor.

SECTION 4. Imposable punishment. – The Board of Discipline shall be authorized to

impose any of the following disciplinary measures on an errant inmate:
a. Caution or reprimand.
b. Cancellation of recreation, education, entertainment and visiting privileges.
c. Deprivation of GCTA for a specific period.
d. Change of security status to the next higher category e.g., from medium to
maximum.

SECTION 5. 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 one (1) to two (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 metal health.

SECTION 6. 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.

SECTION 7. 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.

SECTION 8. 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 –
 a. To prevent an escape during an inmate’s transfer or movement; or
b. To prevent an inmate from harming himself or others, or from destroying public
or private property.

SECTION 9. 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.

SECTION 10. 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.

CHAPTER 3. INMATE INTERVIEW

SECTION 1. Request for inmate interview. - A representative of the news media

may file a written request with the Superintendent for a personal interview of an inmate.
The request shall be filed at least three(3) days before the proposed interview.

SECTION 2. 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 the interview.

SECTION 3. 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.

SECTION 4. Action on request for interview. – The Superintendent shall act on the
request for interview within twenty-four(24) hours from receipt thereof, provided that a
request to interview an NBP or CIW inmate shall require the favorable recommendation of
the Director and the approval of the Secretary.

SECTION 5. Denial of request for interview. – The Superintendent may deny the
request for interview in any of the following instances:
a. The media representative, or news organization making the request does not
agree to abide by the conditions prescribed under these Rules or by the
Superintendent for the conduct of the interview.
b. The inmate is physically or mentally unable to participate. This must be
supported by the prison medical officer’s statement(a psychologist may be used
to verify mental incapacity).
c. the inmate is below eighteen(18) years old and written consent has not been
obtained from the inmate’s parent or guardian.
d. The inmate is the accused or is otherwise involved in a pending criminal case.
e. 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.

SECTION 6. 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.

SECTION 7. 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.

SECTION 8. Filming of interview. – If photographs or film or 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.

SECTION 9. 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.

SECTION 10. 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.

SECTION 11. Interview of death convict. – Television, radio and other media
interviews of a death convict is prohibited.
 PART V. REHABILITAION AND TREATMENT OF INMATES

CHAPTER 1. PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS:

SECTION 1. Conduct of rehabilitation and treatment programs. – The Bureau shall

undertake rehabilitation programs to help an inmate lead a responsible, law abiding and
productive life upon release. Efforts shall be made to ensure an optimum balance between
the security of the prison and the effectiveness of treatment programs. Inmate and public
safety, and the requirements for effective custody, shall, however, take precedence over all
other activities at all times and shall not be compromised.

SECTION 2. Rehabilitation and treatment programs. – Rehabilitation and treatment

programs shall focus on providing services that will encourage and enhance the inmate’s
self-respect, self-confidence, personal dignity and sense of responsibility.

SECTION 3. Guidance for rehabilitation and treatment programs. – The following

guidelines shall be observed in the establishment of rehabilitation and treatment programs
for inmates –
a. Corrective and rehabilitation services shall include religious guidance;
psychotherapy; socialization; health and sanitation; vocational training; mental,
physical and sports development; and value formation and education.
b. Programs and activities for offenders with special needs shall be placed under
the supervision of a social welfare officer in coordination with other correctional
officers with special skills and specialized training.
c. A regular calendar of activities shall be observed.
d. The Superintendent shall be periodically informed being implemented.
e. There shall be a special wing for neuro-psychiatric patients in a prison hospital to
be placed under the special supervision of a medical officer. The latter shall
submit a weekly report on the patients therein and may recommend the
necessary transfer of a mental patient to a better-equipped government hospital.

CHAPTER 2. INMATE SERVICES

SECTION 1. Inmate services. - As part of the prison rehabilitation and treatment

program, the inmate shall be guaranteed access to health, educational, religious, and
related rehabilitation services.

SECTION 2. Health services. – Health care and services shall be given to inmates
similar to those available in the free community and subject to prison regulations. A prison
shall have at least one qualified medical doctor and a dentist.

SECTION 3: Medical consultation and visiting hours. – Medical consultation and

visiting hours shall be established by the Superintendent in consultation with the medical
staff.

SECTION 4. Basic guidelines on medical consultations. - the following guidelines

shall be observed whenever an inmate visits a prison hospital/clinic for consultation and/or
treatment-
a. The inmate shall be in proper uniform during consultations.
b. He shall be attended to on a “first-come ,first-served” basis.
c. The number of inmates allowed at the hospital/clinic for consultation/treatment
shall depend on the number of available doctors.
d. An inmate shall be subjected to a body search upon entering and leaving the
prison/clinic.
e. In emergency cases, only the medical staff and the patient shall be allowed
inside the emergency room.
f. An inmate shall not loiter in the hospital/clinic or leave the same without
permission from the medical staff.
g. 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.
h. Children below twelve (12) years of age shall not be allowed to stay inside a
hospital ward or treatment room.
i. Patients in the hospital shall not be required to stand for checking.

SECTION 5. 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.

SECTION 6. 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 one (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.

SECTION 7. 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 r physical health has been or will be injuriously affected by continued
imprisonment or any condition of confinement.

SECTION 8. 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.

SECTION 9. 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.

SECTION 10. 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 be accompanied by a member of the
prison’s medical staff.

SECTION 11. 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 one
(1) day before the proposed referral.

SECTION 12. 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.

SECTION 13. Outside referral for dental work. - Except in emergency cases, no
dental work for an inmate shall be done outside the prison, and in cases of restoration work,
expenses shall be borne by the inmate.

SECTION 14. 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, or for the utilization 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:
a. the organ or body part or parts being donated shall be detached after the death
of the inmate;
b. 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.
c. the donation is approved by the proper court.

SECTION 15. 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.

SECTION 16. Burial of convict. – In no case shall the burial of a convict be held with
pomp.
 SECTION 17. Adult education. – All illiterate inmates shall attend adult education
classes. Literate inmates may attend classes corresponding to their educational level.

SECTION 18. Educational programs for inmates. – A prison may offer any or all of
the following educational programs:
a. Elementary education;
b. 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
been earned;
c. College education; and
d. Vocational training.

SECTION 19. 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.

SECTION 20. 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.

CHAPTER 3. INMATE ORGANIZATIONS

SECTION 1. Purpose and scope. - The Bureau shall allow inmates to participate in
approved inmate organizations for recreational, social, civic, and benevolent purposes.

SECTION 2. Application for recognition of an inmate organization. - An inmate may

file a written request for recognition of a proposed inmate organization to the
Superintendent.

SECTION 3. Approval of an inmate organization. - The Superintendent may

approve an inmate organization if he finds that –
a. the organization has a constitution and bylaws duly approved by its members;
the constitution and bylaws must include the organization’s purpose and
objectives, the duties and responsibilities of its officer(s), and the requirements
for activities reporting sand operational review; and
b. the organization does not operate in opposition to the security, good order, or
discipline of the prison.

SECTION 4. Supervision of inmate organization. - The Assistant Superintendent

shall be responsible for monitoring the activities of the prison’s inmate organizations.

SECTION 5. Dues. - The inmate organization may not collect dues from its
members.

SECTION 6. 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:
a. Name of the organization;
b. Nature or purpose of the activity;
c. Date, time, and estimated duration of the activity;
d. Estimated cost, if any;
e. Information concerning guest participation; and
f. Other pertinent information requested by the Superintendent.

SECTION 7. Approval of activity. – The Superintendent may approve an activity of

an inmate organization if the same:
a. does not conflict with scheduled inmate work or program activities;
b. has confirmation of staff supervision;
c. can be appropriately funded when applicable; and
d. does not conflict with security, good order, or discipline of the prison.

SECTION 8. 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.
 SECTION 9. Records of inmate organization. - Each inmate organization shall be
responsible for maintaining accurate records of its activities.

SECTION 10. 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.

SECTION 11. Withdrawal of approval of an inmate organization. - The

Superintendent may withdraw approval of an inmate organization for reasons of the
security, good order, and discipline of the prison, or for serious or continuous violation of
prison rules and /or policies.

SECTION 12. 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.

PART VI. RELEASE OF INMATE

SECTION 1. Basis for release of an inmate. – An inmate maybe released from prison:
a. upon the expiration of his sentence;
b. by order of the court or of competent authority; or
c. after being granted parole, pardon or amnesty

SECTION 2. Who may authorize release. – The following are authorized to order or approve
the release of inmates:
a. the Supreme Court or lower courts, in cases of acquittal or grant of bail;
b. the President of the Philippines, in cases of executive clemency or amnesty;
c. the Board of Pardons and Parole, in parole cases; and
d. the Director, upon the expiration of sentence of the inmate .

SECTION 3. Approval by Director of release. – An inmate shall only be released by the

Superintendent with the approval of the Director.

SECTION 4. 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 said admission.

SECTION 5. 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 the 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.

SECTION 6. 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 institution.

SECTION 7. 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 thirty(30) days
before the approximate date of release, the Director shall furnish the Commissioner of
Immigration with certified copies of the Court decision in the case of the alien inmate, a
synopsis of his prison record, and the expected date of release.

SECTION 8. 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 thirty (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 pending criminal case for disposition.

SECTION 9. Prohibited release of inmates before and after election. – The Director shall not
order or allow an inmate to leave prison sixty (60) days before and thirty after an election
except for valid or legal reasons.
SECTION 10. Separation and Placement Center. - An inmate shall, thirty (30) days before
his scheduled date of release, be transferred to the Separation and Placement Center to
prepare him for re-entry into free society, provided he is not under punishment or an
escape risk, and is cleared of his government property accountability.

SECTION 11. Pre-release seminar. – All inmates eligible for release shall undergo a one-
day seminar in preparation for his life outside prison.

SECTION 12. Assistance to inmate to be released. – Upon release of the inmate, he shall
be supplied by the Bureau with transportation to his home, including a gratuity to cover the
probable cost of subsistence en route, and if necessary, a suit of clothes.

SECTION 13. Transmittal of carpeta and prison records. – In executive clemency and
parole cases, the Director shall forward the carpeta and prison record of an inmate to the
Board within the following periods:
a. for commutation of sentence – at least one(1) month before the expiration of
one-third(1/3) of the minimum period of the inmate’s indeterminate sentence
and in special cases, at least one(1) month before the periods specified by the
Board.
b. For conditional pardon – at least one (1) month before the expiration of one-half
(1/2) of the minimum period of the inmate’s indeterminate sentence and in
special cases, at least one(1) month before the periods as the board may specify.
c. For parole – at least one (1) month before the expiry date of hid minimum
sentence.

BOOK II : CODE OF ORDERS

PART 1. ORGANIZATION OF BUREAU, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF

CORRECTIONS OFFICIAL

SECTION 1. Director and Assistant Director of the Bureau. – The bureau is headed
by the Director of Corrections who is assisted by two (2) Assistant Directors, one
Administration and Rehabilitation and one for Prisons and Security. The Director and
Assistant Directors of the Bureau shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines upon
recommendation of the Secretary.

SECTION 2. Functions of Director. – The Director shall have the following functions:
a. Act as adviser of the Secretary on matters relating to the formulation and
execution of penal policies, plans, programs, and projects;
b. Administer and execute the laws relating to prisons and its inmates and enforce
the rules and regulations governing the operations and management of prisons;
c. Exercise administrative supervision of prisons;
d. Recommend to the board of pardons and parole inmates who are qualified for
the grant of parole, pardon and other forms of executive clemency;
e. Exercise supervision and control over the constituent units and personnel of the
Bureau; and
f. Issue directives and instructions in accordance with laws, rules and regulations
that will effectively and efficiently govern the activities of the Bureau and its
personnel.

SECTION 3. Functions of Assistant Director. - The Assistant Director shall have the
following functions:
a. Assist the Director in the formulation and implementation of the Bureau’s
objectives and policies;
b. Coordinate and ensure the economical, efficient and effective administration of
the programs and projects of the Bureau;
c. Assume the duties of the Director in the latter’s absence; and
d. Performs such other function as may be assigned by the Director.

SECTION 4. Organizational structure of Bureau. – The Bureau shall carry out its
functions through the following prisons and administrative divisions:
a. Prisons:
i. New Bilibid Prison(NBP), Muntinlupa City
ii. Correctional Institution for Women , Mandaluyong City
iii. Leyte Regional Prison , Abuyog, Leyte
iv. Davao Prison and Penal Farm, Panabo, Davao del Norte
v. San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm, Zamboanga City
vi. Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm, Sablayan, Mindoro Occidental
vii. Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
b. Staff Offices:
i. Administrative Division
 ii. Management Division
iii. General Services Division
iv. Accounting Division
v. Supply Division
vi. Budget and Finance Division
vii. Medical Coordinator’s Office
viii.Legal Office
ix. Reception and Diagnostic Center

SECTION 5. Medical officer of a prison and penal/regional prison. – There shall be a

prison medical officer who shall inspect/supervise the following:
a. quantity, quality , preparation and serving of food rations of inmates;
b. hygiene and cleanliness of the prison and its surroundings;
c. sanitation, lighting and ventilation of the prison; and
d. observance of the rules concerning physical education and sports.

SECTION 6. 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.

SECTION 7. Chaplaincy service. – There shall be a prison chaplaincy service which

shall promote religious education, worship services, guidance and counseling 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.

SECTION 8. 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:
a. Provide individual and personal counseling;
b. Lead worship and prayer gatherings of his or her own faith traditions;
c. Supervise religious inmate services and meetings; and
d. Respond to identified spiritual and religious needs of inmates.

SECTION 9. 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.

SECTION 10. 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:
a. Name;
b. Prison number;
c. Place of confinement;
d. Age;
e. 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.

SECTION 11. Press pools. – The superintendent may establish a press pool
whenever the frequency of requests for interviews 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
representatives may be admitted to prison as a pool to conduct the interviews under the
specific guidelines established by the Superintendent.

SECTION 12. Composition of press pool. – The members of the press pool shall be
selected by their peers and shall consist of not more than two (2) representatives from each
of the following groups:
a. The national and international news services;
b. The television and radio networks and outlets; and
c. The news magazines and newspapers.
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.
 PART II : DUTIES OF MEMBERS OF CUSTODIAL FORCE

SECTION 1. Correctional objectives. – in the performance of their duties, prison

officers and guards shall observe the following objectives:
a. The social re-orientation of the inmates for successful participation in modern
community life after release; and
b. 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.

SECTION 2. Duties of custodial officers. – To carry out the objectives mentioned

above, custodial officials and guards shall perform the following duties:
a. Superintendent
i. He is charged with the supervision of the entire prison.
ii. He shall strictly enforce all laws and rules and regulations relating to prisons.
iii. 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.
iv. He shall utilize the labor of all the inmates to serve the best interest of the
public service. He shall promote the useful employment and industrial training
of inmates.
v. 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 inmate, fires, accidents, or any important occurrence.
vi. He shall observe the conduct of the prison officers and guards and require
faithful execution of their duties.
vii. 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.
viii.He shall look after the health and well-being of prison officers and guards.
ix. He shall reside in the quarters assigned to him and shall not stay out
overnight unless the Assistant Superintendent is present.
x. 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.
xi. 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.
xii. He shall see to it that all inmates are treated with strict impartiality.
xiii. 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.
xiv.He shall give all necessary directions for the reception and release of inmates.
xv. 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.

b. The Assistant Superintendent

i. 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.
ii. He shall discharge the duties of the Superintendent during the absence of the
latter.
iii. He shall see to it that prison regulations and orders are carried out and that
due order and discipline are enforced.
iv. He shall act as Chairman of the Board of Officers in the hearing of
administrative cases against prison employees and guards.
v. He shall ensure that guards are properly dressed and armed before going to
their posts.
vi. He shall give constant attention to the security of the prison.
vii. 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.
viii.He shall detail any officer or guard on a post to perform any other duty which
may be required from time to time.
ix. He shall supervise the search for contraband and assure himself that the
prison is secure.
 x. He shall visit all inmates under observation 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.
xi. 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.
xii. He shall inform the Superintendent of all matters relating to the prison if he
has dealt with them himself. Nothing shall considered as trivial.
xiii. He shall instruct, when necessary, all custodial officers and guards in any
post on their duties.
xiv.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 whom he consider to be sick or of unsound mind.

c. Chief Overseer:
i. 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 their assigned duties. He shall
promptly report in writing to the Superintendent any observed delinquency or
instance of neglect on the part of the keeper.
ii. 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.
iii. He shall see to it that the morning and evening counts of inmates by the
keepers are promptly and correctly made.
iv. He shall see to it that all keepers, upon their entrance into the prison for
duty, are in the prescribed uniform.
v. He shall keep a record of the assignment of inmates in confinement.
vi. He shall record all breaches of discipline committed by inmate.
vii. In the NBP, he shall select qualified inmates for assignment to a prison and
penal farm or regional prison as the Superintendent may direct.
viii.He shall supervise the requisition and issue of clothing or equipment to
inmates.
ix. He shall attend to the basic needs of the inmates.
x. He shall supervise the work of the Mailing Section and the censorship of
letters and other mail matters of inmates.

d. Commander of the Guards:

i. He shall be in charge of the prison custodial force and execute orders and
instructions of the Director and the Superintendent.
ii. He shall train and instruct new guards on their duties, and shall be
responsible for the discipline and behavior of the guards under him.
iii. He shall supervise the duty assignments of personnel under him and shall act
as the secretary of the Board of Officers in hearing administrative cases
against any prison employee or guard.
iv. The protection, peace and order of the prison compound and of the prison
reservation shall be his concern.
v. He shall help conduct preliminary investigations and make reports of all
untoward incidents inside the prison reservation, and perform such other
assignments that may be given to him by the Superintendent.
vi. He shall act as prison ordinance officer and shall be held responsible for the
safekeeping and maintenance of all firearms and ammunition in the prison
armory.
vii. He shall look into the welfare of the guards as a whole.

e. Inspector of the Guard:

i. The senior inspector shall serve as alternate Officer of the Day and under the
orders of the Superintendent, have supervision over the zone inspector,
keepers and guards on duty, and of the policing the prison and performing
such other duties as may be assigned to him by the Superintendent.
ii. The inspector-at-large shall inspect all guards entering upon a tour of duty,
and shall see to it that they are properly equipped, in the prescribed uniform,
and that they comply strictly with such verbal instructions as are given to
them by the Superintendent and the Officer of the Day.
iii. The inspector-at-large shall be responsible for the discipline, orderliness and
sanitation of his zones within the prison compound and see to it that all prison
rules and regulations are strictly enforced.

iv. All inspectors shall conduct an hourly inspection of all buildings in the prison
compound where there maybe any danger from fire at night, and as often
during the day as may consistent with their duties.
f. Guard:
i. 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 guard’s quarters.
ii. No one shall be allowed to enter the guard’s 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.
iii. 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.
iv. There shall be three (3) shifts for guards with each guard having s tour of
eight (8) hours. One third (1/3) of the guards in each shifts 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.
v. 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.
vi. 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.

g. Keeper:
i. 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.
ii. He shall have the flooring of his brigade scrubbed at least twice a week and
that of the bottom landing, daily.
iii. He shall ensure that all cells are clean and that the toilets and bathrooms are
thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned everyday.
iv. He shall exercise utmost diligence in searching for contraband articles.
Nothing must be overlooked nor taken for granted as correct.
v. He shall examine all belts, bars, locks and doors of the brigade and satisfy
himself as to their security.
vi. He shall be under the direct supervision of the Chief Overseer and the Officer
of the Day and the Inspector on Duty.
vii. He shall superintend the policing of brigades and parts of the prison yard
which are in the immediate vicinity of his brigade.
viii.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.
ix. 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.
x. He shall supervise the proper and equitable distribution of food to the
inmates in a brigade.

h. Yard Guard:
i. He shall see to it that the work assigned to inmates occupying the yards is
properly performed.
ii. He shall see to it that the yards are clean and in sanitary condition, and that
all conveniences and facilities are in order.
iii. He shall pay particular attention to yards occupied by inmates under training,
drilling or performing a special work assignment.
iv. When necessary to unlock any yard gate or door, he must not leave the gate
or door until he has locked it again.
v. 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.

vi. 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.
i. Gate Guard:
i. He shall always be mindful of the importance of his post and strictly
discharge his assigned duties.
ii. 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.
iii. He shall open and close a gate or door as quietly as possible.
iv. 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.
v. He shall enter all articles received at the gate in the book provided therefore
and shall satisfy himself that no contraband is allowed entry.
vi. At the control gate, the front door shall never be opened while the other door
is open or vice versa.
vii. He shall not allow an inmate, even one due for release, to pass through that
gate unless authorized by the Officer of the Day.
viii.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.
ix. He shall see to it that all inmates are properly searched in going in or out of
prison.
x. 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.

j. Guards at the Main Gate or Outpost:

i. He shall closely observe civilians entering the prison reservation, make
inquiries as to the purpose of their visit.
ii. 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.
iii. 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.
iv. 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.
v. 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 poses security risks.

k. Pointers for all Guards:

i. 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.
ii. 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.
iii. 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.
iv. He shall stand at attention and salute the National Colors or standards not
cased, and when the national anthem is played.
v. He shall be neat in appearance. If in uniform, the same shall be neat, well-
pressed, and worn smart. 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 haircut.
vi. He shall read the prison bulletin board preferably before his tour of duty.
vii. He shall familiarize himself with the proper operation and maintenance of the
firearm and instruments of restrain he maybe called upon to use.
viii.He shall not lend the firearm issued to him to anyone or borrow someone
else’s firearm, except when authorized to do so.
ix. 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.
x. He must avoid unnecessary firing of his firearm.
xi. 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.
 xii. He shall be at 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.
xiii. 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.
xiv.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 proper authority at the first available opportunity.

SECTION 3.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.

PART III. CUSTODIAL AND SECURITY PROCEDURES

SECTION 1. 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 defect or deterioration
in the security system to their immediate supervisor.

SECTION 2. 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.

SECTION 3. 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.

SECTION 4. 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.

SECTION 5. 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.

SECTION 6. 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.

SECTION 7. Location of armory. – The prison armory shall be located outside of the
main prison and the inmates’ work / activity area.

SECTION 8. Security measures while serving/delivering meals. – If meals are

served in a dinning room or similar facility, the following security measures shall be
observed:
a. Inmates shall be marched in column 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.
b. A roving supervisor shall be establish order in the dinning 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.

SECTION 9. 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.

SECTION 10. 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.

SECTION 11. Bringing out of food and prison issue. – Visitors shall not allowed to
bring out food or other articles issued for the consumption or use of inmates.

SECTION 12. 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.

PART IV. SECURITY PROCEDURES DURING EMERGIENCIES, RIOTS, ESCAPES OR

MAJOR DISTURBANCES

SECTION 1. 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.

SECTION 2. 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.

SECTION 3. 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.

SECTION 4. 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 top 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 head gear, 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-in-charge 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 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 2nd 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 1 st
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, if any, may be
restored 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 3 rd Group
maybe 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 maim 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.

SECTION 5. 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.
a. 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.
b. 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.
c. 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.
d. Radio and television stations and other news media shall also be notified of the
escape and, if possible, provided with photographs of the escapee.
e. 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.
f. 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.
g. If any prison officer or employee is held hostage by the escapee, reasonable
caution to insure safety shall be taken. If the Superintendent who is taken
hostage, the Assistant Superintendent shall assume command.
 h. 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.
i. 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.

SECTION 6. 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.

SECTION 7. 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 fire-fighting 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 instrument of restraint.
ix. When the all-clear alarm is sounded, first aid shall be administered to the
injured inmates and a physical count of inmates shall be made. Security
check of the prison to determine the extent of the damage shall also be done.
x. If the security conditions allow, the evacuated inmates shall be returned to
the prison. Otherwise, they shall be retained in the detention place where
they were evacuated or transferred to another penal establishment as the
Governor may decide.
xi. A thorough investigation of the causes of the fire shall be conducted by the
Superintendent and the report thereon submitted to the Governor and the
local Fire Department.

SECTION 8. 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 fire-fighting
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 Control Center in case
of nocturnal fires.
 f. Government equipment shall be marked with tags or symbols for easy
identification and priority evacuation in case of a fire or other emergency.

SECTION 9. Contingency plan. – In any major prison disturbance, the

Superintendent shall personally take immediate control and implement a standing
contingency plan to repel the aggression and stabilize the situation. Drills shall be conducted
from time to time to familiarize personnel with their duties under said plan.

PART V. ESCORT PROCEDURES

SECTION 1. Primary duties of escort guards. – Escort guards shall exercise extreme
caution at all times and shall 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 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.

SECTION 3. 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 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.

SECTION 4. 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 proportionally 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 appearances 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.

SECTION 7. 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/rest 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.
 SECTION 10. 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.

SECTION 12. 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 the 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 thereof and who shall return the money to
the inmate upon his return. If the inmate is to be confined and needs money
for medicines or food, the money therefore 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.
b. 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 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.
c. 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 disembarked 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 with the custodian until formally
received by another custodian.

SECTION 13. 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 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.
b. 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 the 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.

PART VI. EXECUTION OF DEATH PENALTY

SECTION 1. 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 the proceedings 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.

SECTION 4. 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

maybe visited by a priest or minister of 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.

SECTION 8. 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
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. Logbook for mail of death convict. – The 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 logbook shall also be kept for mail matters of the death convict, noting therein the
date and time of their receipt and disposition.

SECTION 12. 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 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.

SECTION 13. 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 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 maybe designated by the Director. Said
place shall be closed to public view.

SECTION 15. 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.

SECTION 16. Quantity and safekeeping of drug 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 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.

SECTION 17. 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(4), 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 Senate Committee on Peace and Order or their
representatives.
g. Undersecretary of Justice in-charge of Corrections.
h. Chairman, Commission on Human Rights or representative.
i. Police chief of the locality where the crime was committed.
j. Ten(10) media witnesses.

A person below eighteen (18) years of age shall not be allowed to witness the
execution.

SECTION 20. Selection and composition of media witness. – The media witnesses
shall be drawn from the following sectors :
a. two(2) from newsprint(broadsheet);
b. two(2) from newsprint (tabloid);
c. two(2) from TV;
d. two(2) from radio; and
e. two(2) from foreign press.

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 any private person or group.

SECTION 23. Time for burial. – The burial of a death convict shall be held
immediately after execution in a common graveyard for inmates. In case the cadaver of the
convict is claimed by his relatives, his burial shall held not later than three(3) days after his
body was released.

PART VII. FINAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Repealing clause. – any or all rules or parts thereof which are
inconsistent with the provisions of this manual are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 2. Separability clause. – The provisions of this manual are hereby declared
to be separate. If one or more of its provisions are held invalid, the validity of the other
provisions shall not be affected thereby.

SECTION 3. Effectivity. – This manual shall become effective fifteen (15) days after
its publication in a newspaper of general publication.

Done in the City of Muntinlupa this 30 th day of March 2000.

(SGD) .
PEDRO G. SISTOZA
Director .

APPROVED:

(SGD)
ARTEMIO C. TUQUERO
Secretary