Question & AnswerQ&A (BJMPNHQDL MEMO CIRCULAR NO. 2014-005)
The rationale is to maintain and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of jail officers to guarantee their safety while ensuring the use of firearms is accompanied by respect for human rights and lawful performance of duties.
This policy applies to all jail officers who are issued firearms within the BJMP, covering the issuance and distribution of firearms.
The objectives are to ensure that all firearms issued are properly monitored and used according to their purpose and that all issuances comply with existing laws and treaties.
Personnel performing escorting duties are given preference over those performing custodial and office functions.
Grounds include negligence in firearm loss, suspicion or evidence of illegal drug use, failure in neuro-psychiatric exams, preventive suspension, suspicion of sympathizing with anti-government forces, failure in marksmanship tests, and other actions prejudicial to public and national security.
They must maintain intact regional records and account books for firearms, documenting issuance details, serial numbers, and personnel assignments.
The officer must turn in the firearm to the NHQ-SAO and/or RSAO, secure a Property Turned-in Slip and Certificate of Non-Property Accountability, then secure a Command Clearance from the losing region to carry firearms to the next assignment.
They shall be charged administratively and/or criminally in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
The policy took effect fifteen days after its nationwide dissemination as stated in the effectivity clause.
Any unaffected section not modified or declared invalid remains in full force and effect according to the separability clause.