EARLY PRISONS IN THE PHILIPPINES:
During the Pre-Spanish period, prison system in the Philippines was tribal in nature. Village
chieftains administered it. It was historically traced from the early written laws.
It was established in 1847 pursuant to Section 1708 of the Revised Administrative Code
and formally opened by Royal Decree in 1865; the first Bilibid Prison was constructed and
became the central place of confinement for Filipino Prisoners by virtue of the Royal Decree of
the Spanish Crown.
In 1936, the City of Manila exchanges its Muntinlupa property with the Bureau of Prisons
originally intended as a site for boys' training school. Today, the old Bilibid Prison is now being
used as the Manila City Jail, famous as the "May Halique Estate".
THE SEVEN OPERATING CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES
Prior to the establishment of Bilibid Prison, prisoners were confined in jails under the
jurisdiction of Commandancias where law enforcement units were stationed. Commandancias
were established in practically every province of the country.
1. BILIBID PRISONS
a. OLD BILIBID PRISON (CARCEL Y PRESIDIO CORRECTIONAL) - the main insular penitentiary
during the Spanish regime. This was constructed in 1847 and was formally inaugurated in 1865
by virtue of the Royal Decree of the Spanish Crown. This was located at Azcaraga St. (now
Recto Ave.) then famous "May Haligue Estate" at nearby Central Market at Oroquieta St. This
was constructed in radical spokes-of-a-wheel form with a tower in the center spoke for easy
command and control.
COMPOSED OF 2 COMPOUNDS:
1. CARCEL-600 INMATES' CAPACITY
2. PRESIDIO-527 INMATES' CAPACITY
Commonwealth Act No. 67 was enacted appropriating one million (P1,000.000.00) pesos for
the construction of a new national prison in the southern suburb of Muntinlupa, Rizal in 1935.
The old prison was transformed into a receiving center and a storage facility for farm produce
from the colonies
In 1936, the City of Manila exchanged its Muntinlupa property with that of the Bureau of Prison
lot, the Muntinlupa property was intended as a site for Boys Training School, but because it was
too far, the City preferred the site of the Old Bilibid Prison, the present site of Manila City Jail
(BJMP).
b. NEW BILIBID PRISON, Muntinlupa City (Approximately 552 hectares) - this is where the
Bureau of Corrections Central Office is situated. The New Bilibid Prison has a capacity of 3,000
Prisoners. Within the complex are the three (3) security camps administered by a Penal
Superintendent and assisted by an Assistant Superintendent in each camp.
THE THREE (3) SECURITY CAMPS
MAXIMUM SECURITY COMPOUND (Main Building) is for prisoners whose sentences are 20
years and
a. above, life termers or those under capital punishment, those with pending cases, those
under disciplinary punishment, those whose cases are on appeal, those under detention, and
those that do not fall under medium and minimum- security status.
= wears tangerine shirt
= not allowed to do furlough
This type of institution is characterized by thick all enclosures, 18 to 25 feet high. On top of
the wall are catwalks along which the guards patrol at night. At corners and strategic places are
tower posts manned by heavily armed guards.
b. MEDIUM SECURITY COMPOUND (also known as Camp Sampaguita) is for prisoners whose
sentences are below 20 years (computed from the minimum sentences per classification
interpretation) and those classified for colony assignment.
This type of institution is usually enclosed by two layers of wire fence. The inner fence is 12
to 14 feet high with curb and the outer fence is 8 to 12 feet high. The two fences are from 18 to
20 feet apart. Usually, the top portion of the fence is provided with barbed wire.
C. MINIMUM SECURITY COMPOUND (also referred to as Camp Bukang Liwayway) is an open
camp with less restrictions and regimentation. This is for prisoners who are 65 years old and
above, medically certified as invalids and for those prisoners who have six months or less to
serve before they are released from prison.
• The lethal injection chamber is also located here.
• This type of institution is usually without a fence and if there is one, its purpose is to keep
away the civilian population from entering the institution rather than preventing escapes.
The New Bilibid Prison specializes in the industrial type of vocational training. It operates a
furniture shop, shoe repair shop, blacksmith and tinsmith shop, auto mechanics and
automobile body building shop, tailoring, electronics, watch-repair, carpentry and rattan
furniture shop. It is also engaged in track gardening, poultry, piggery and animal husbandry.
2. SAN RAMON PRISON AND PENAL FARM, Zamboanga del Sur - founded by Capt. Ramon
Blanco, a member of the Spanish Royal Army and named the prison facility after the patron
saint. This was initially intended for the confinement of political prisoners during Spanish era.
It was closed during the Spanish-American War and was reopened during the American
occupation. It has three facilities (maximum, medium, minimum). The penal CEN reservation of
28,072 hectares. It would reach a total land area of 40,000 hectares in the late 1950s. Located
on the westernmost part of the archipelago far from the main town to confine incorrigibles
with little hope of rehabilitation. The area was expanded to 41,007 hectares by virtue of
Executive Order No. 67 issued by Governor Newton Gilbert on October 15, 1912. farm was
designed to promote agro-industrial activities.
On August 21, 1869, the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City was
established to confine Muslim rebels and recalcitrant political prisoners opposed to the
Spanish rule. The facility which faced the Jolo sea had Spanish-inspired dormitories and was
originally set on a 1,414-hectare sprawling estate.
Land area: Currently approximately 1,546 hectares
Principal product: Copra, rice, coffee, etc.
Year established: 1869-1870
²nd oldest prison after Old Bilibid Prison
San Ramon has an average population of 1,200 prisoners
3. IWAHIG PRISON AND PENAL FARM (Luhit), Puerto Princesa, Palawan
The Americans established in 1904 the LUHIT PENAL SETTLEMENT (now Iwahig Prison and
Penal Farm) on a vast reservation of 28,072. It will reach a total land area of 40,000 hectares in
the late 1950s. Located on the Westernmost part of the archipelago far from the main town to
confine incorrigible with little hope of rehabilitation. The area was expanded to 41,007
hectares by virtue of Executive order No. 67 issued by Governor Newton Gelbert on October
15, 1912.
ENVISIONED BY: Gov. Luke E. Wright
ORDERED BY: Gov. William Cameron Forbes
- Envisioned as an institution for incorrigible criminals. The first contingent of prisoners who
were confined here revolted against the authorities.
- On November 1, 1905, under the Reorganization Act 1407, the policy was changed, instead of
putting hardened criminals, well behaved and obedient inmates were sent to the colony
- The farm is predominantly designed for agro-industrial activities. Within its area are four (4)
sub-colonies:
1. Central sub-colony
2. Sta. Lucia sub-colony
3. Montible sub-colony
4. Inagawan sub-colony
- All these colonies are administered by a Penal Supervisor
- It administers the Tagumpay Settlement which is approximately 1,000 hectares with six
hectares homestead lots distributed to inmates who desired to live in the settlement after
service of sentence.
- One of the best open institutions in the world.
Date established: Nov. 16, 1904
By virtue of: Reorganization Act of 1407
Land area: Approximately 36, 000 hectares - 41,007 (1912)
Principal product: rice, corn, copra and other forest product
-Largest penal colony
- Prison without walls
- The most open prison facility
- The best and the finest prison
4. CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION FOR WOMEN, Mandaluyong City
- The only female institution in the Philippines
- Since 1934, a female Superintendent was assigned to supervise the prison facility.
- LOCATED AT WELFARE VILLE MANDALUYONG CITY
Year established: 1931
By virtue of: Act 3579 which was passed on Nov. 27, 1929
Vocational activities: Dress making, beauty culture, handicrafts
Capacity: 200
Trivia:
TES 2022
First Women's Prison - opened in Indiana in 1873. It is based on the reformatory model.
5. LEYTE REGIONAL PRISON, Abuyog, Southern Leyte
Date established: Jan. 16, 1973
Under Proclamation No. 1101
- It is a prison facility which has a receiving and process station.
- It has three security facilities - maximum, medium, minimum.
- Because of its terrain, prison agro-industrial activities could not be fully developed.
- Youngest prison
- Built during martial
- law - Ferdinand Marcos.
- Fastest growing prison
- Maximum capacity - 500 prisoners
6. SABLAYAN PRISON AND PENAL FARM, Sablayan, San Jose, Mindoro Occidental
With four sub-colonies within the prison compound:
1. Central sub-colony
2. Pusog sub-clony
3. Pasugui sub-colony
4. Yapag sub-colony
This penal farm is intended for agro-industrial activities
Land area: Approximately 16, 408.5 hectares
By virtue of: Proclamation no. 72 Date established: Sept. 26, 1954
Principal product: Rice
NEAREST PENAL COLONY IN MANILA
7. DAVAO PRISON AND PENAL FARM, Tagum, Davao del Norte
The Davao Penal Colony was established on January 21, 1932 in accordance,
with Act No. 3732 and Proclamation No. 414, series of 1931. With two sub-colonies:
1. Panabo sub-colony
2. Kapalong sub-colony
- It administers the Tanglaw Settlement for those inmates who desire to live within the
compound.
- 30,000 HECTARES
- First headed by: GEN. PAULINO SANTOS
- RICHEST AND HIGHEST INCOME EARNER
- BIGGEST BANANA AND ABACA PLANTATION
NON-OPERATIONAL PRISONS IN THE PHILIPPINES
1. FORT BONIFACIO
A committee report submitted to then President Carlos P. Garcia described Fort Bonifacio,
formerly known as Fort William McKinley as a military reservation located in Taguig which was
established after the Americans came to the Philippines. The prison was originally used as a
detention center for offenders of US military laws and ordinances.
2. CORREGIDOR PRISON
In 1908 during the American regime, some 100 prisoners were transferred from the Old
Bilibid Prison to Corregidor Island to work under military authorities. This move was in
accordance with an order from the Department of Instructions which approved the transfer of
inmates so they could assist in maintenance and other operations in the stockade.
3. BONTOC PRISON
The Philippine Legislature during the American regime passed Act No. 1876 providing for
the establishment of a prison in Bontoc, Mountain Province. The prison was built for the
prisoners of the province and insular prisoners who were members of the non-Christian tribes
of Mountain Province and Nueva Vizcaya.
ADMISSION PROCEDURES IN PRISON
1. RECEIVING - the new prisoner is received at the Reception and Diagnostic Center (RDC). The
new prisoner usually comes from a provincial or city jail where he was immediately committed
upon conviction by the court and escorted by the escort platoon during his transfer to the
National Prison.
2. CHECKING OF COMMITMENT PAPERS - the receiving officer checks the commitment papers
if they are in order and that is, if they contain the signature of the judge or the signature of the
clerk of court and the seal of the court.
3. IDENTIFICATION / BOOKING the prisoner's identity is established through the picture and
fingerprint appearing in the commitment order. This is to ensure that the person being
committed is the same as the person being named in the commitment order.
SEARCHING / SHAKEDOWN - this step involves the frisking of the prisoner and searching his
personal things. Weapons and other items classified as contrabands are confiscated and
deposited to the property custodian.
Other properties are deposited with the trust fund officer under recording and receipts.
a. Pat-patting of subjects clothing
b. Rub-patting of body over the clothing including the groin, buttocks and breast
c. Strip - naked search
d. Body cavity search - expose body cavities like anus and vagina to look for contrabands.
the prison before he will be assigned to the RDC or the quarantine unit.
5. BRIEFING AND ORIENTATION - the prisoner will be briefed and oriented on the rules and
regulations of 6. Issuance of Clothes and Equipment - from the receiving office, the new
prisoner goes to the supply room where he receives his prison uniform, mosquito net and
beddings.
7. Assignment to Quarters - after the prisoner is issued his clothings and beddings, he is sent to
the quarantine unit. The quarantine may be a unit of the prison or a section of the Reception
Center.
BUCOR'S DIRECTORATE FOR RECEPTION AND DIAGNOSTICS
(FORMERLY RECEPTION AND DIAGNOSTIC CENTER) RA 10575
This is a special unit of prison (Camp Sampaguita) where new prisoners undergo
diagnostics examination, study and observation for the purpose of determining the programs of
treatment and training best suited to their needs FOR A TOTAL PERIOD OF 60 DAYS and the
institution to which they should be transferred.
It is composed of the following staff members:
1. The Psychiatrist - responsible in the examination of the prisoner's mental and emotional
make-up.
2. The Psychologist - responsible to conduct study on the character and behavior of the
prisoners.
3. The Sociologist - study the social case situation of the individual prisoner. 5. The Vocational
Counselor - to test the prisoner's special abilities, interest and skills and recommends for the
4. The Educational Counselor - conducts orientation classes in order to change inmates'
attitude towards education and recommends educational program for the prisoner.
vocational course best suited to the prisoner.
6. The Chaplain - encourages the prisoner to participate in religious activities. 7. The Medical
Officer - conducts physical examination and recommends medical treatment of prisoners.
8. Custodial-Correctional Officer-recommends the transfer and type of custody of inmates.
THE QUARANTINE CELL OR UNIT
This may be a unit of the prison or a section of the RDC where the prisoner is given
thorough physical examination including blood test, x-rays, vaccinations and immunity for 5 to
10 days. This is for the purpose of ensuring that the prisoner is not suffering from any
contagious disease which might be transferred to the prison population.
THE NATIONAL CORRECTIONS CONSCIOUSNESS WEEK
Every last week of October
By virtue of Proclamation Number 551 signed on March 15, 1995 issued by former President
Fidel V. Ramos
WHAT IS A JAIL?
JAIL - It is a place for locking-up of persons who are convicted of minor offenses or felonies who
are to serve a short sentence imposed upon them by a competent court or for confinement of
persons who are awaiting trial or investigation of their cases.
It is a place of confinement for inmates under investigation, awaiting or undergoing trial or
serving sentence.
It is a building or place of confinement of arrested or sentenced persons. It is usually made up
of cells which are made up of small rooms or enclosures where prisoners are actually kept or
confined (People vs. Caricaban, 13672-CR, Sept. 9, 1965)
ORIGIN OF THE WORD JAIL
It is said to have been derived from the Spanish word JAULA/CAULA which means a CAGE.
It is also said to have been derived from the French word GAOL pronounced as "geole", a place
for the arrested criminals.
Types of Jails:
1. Lock-up Jails - It is a security facility common to police stations used for temporary
confinement of an individual held for investigation.
less than three years.
services and constructive leisure time activities.
2. Ordinary Jails - It is the type of jail commonly used to detain a convicted criminal offender to
serve sentence
3. Workhouses, Jail Farms or Camps - facilities that house minimum custody offenders who are
serving short sentences or those who are undergoing constructive work programs. It provides
full employment of prisoners, remedial
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)
The BJMP exercises supervision and control over all cities and municipal jails throughout
the country. The enactment of Republic Act No. 6975 created the BJMP and further amended
by RA 9263 of the BFP and BJMP Professionalization Act of 2004. It operates as a line bureau
under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
J/DIR. CHARLES MONDEJAR - The first chief of the BJMP way back its establishment.
MISSION
To enhance public safety by ensuring humane safekeeping and development of Persons
Deprived of Liberty (PDL) in all district, city, and municipal jails for their integration to society.
VISION
A premier institution highly regarded by society for the secure and humane treatment of
Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) by its competent and motivated corps.
Objectives of the BJMP:
1. To improve the living conditions of the offenders in accordance with the accepted standards
set by the United Nations.
2. To enhance rehabilitation and reformation of offenders in preparation for their eventual
reintegration into the mainstream of society upon their release. 3. To professionalize jail
services.