CORRECTIONAL AGENCIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

1. Institutional Corrections Agencies

a. Bureau of Corrections – an agency under the Department of Justice (DOJ) that is charged with custody
and rehabilitation of national offenders, that is, those sentenced to serve a term of imprisonment of
more than three (3) years. It exercises control and supervision of all the corrections/prisons facilities
nationwide.

b. Provincial Jails – a jail for the safekeeping of prisoners at the capital of each province, and in the
absence of special provision all expenses incident to the maintenance thereof and of maintaining
prisoners are borne by the province.

c. Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) – created by virtue of Republic Act 6975, exercise
supervision and control over all district, city and municipal jail nationwide. Formally established on
January 2, 1991.

CLASSIFICATION OF PRISONERS

1. Detention Prisoners

a. Persons held for security reasons

b. Persons held for investigation

c. Persons waiting for final judgment

d. Persons waiting for trial

2. Sentenced Prisoners – prisoners who convicted by judgment by competent court.

2.1 Municipal Jail Prisoner – sentenced to serve a prison term for 1 day to 6 months.

2.2 City Jail Prisoner – sentenced to serve imprisonment for 1 day to 3 years

2.3 Provincial Jail – sentenced to 6 months one day to 3 years

2.4 National or insular Prisoners – Sentenced to 3 years 1 day to Reclusion Perpetua or Life
Imprisonment.

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