QuestionsQuestions (BJMP-NHQ STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES BJMP-CRS 2012-001)
It explains that jails are highly secured government facilities, and that security information could be accessed through recorded data. The SOP is issued to strengthen security measures, protect inmates and personnel, and prevent threats or breaches facilitated by photo/video/audio recording devices.
To prevent potential threats to the security of the facility, and to protect inmates’ rights from harassment and unwanted criticism.
It applies to films, telenovelas, mini-series, soap operas, music videos, documentaries, corporate videos/advertisements, and student or amateur films for commercial and non-commercial use, including news coverage and other current affairs items.
No camera of any type or any recording device/gadget shall enter jail premises except the duly-issued jail camera, or unless covered by an application letter approved by the court and accompanied by an undertaking to comply with Supreme Court guidelines.
Personnel and visitors, including media members with similar items, must deposit the items to the sentinel on duty prior to their entry.
If such items are brought in and confiscated, the person is deemed to have waived the right to the item and its content for inspection and review in favor of the BJMP.
The prohibition must be reiterated during Personnel Information and Education (PI and E) sessions in every jail and must appear on their weekly accomplishment reports.
A printed statement prohibiting entry of the mentioned recording items must be visible among visitors at the entrance, with each letter at least one inch in size, and translated to local dialects.
A sanctioned visitor must execute an undertaking that they will faithfully comply with the rules and regulations of the facility as a requirement for lifting of their penalty.
They must be properly marked prior to turnover to the Supply Officer or Desk Officer for proper disposition or secured safekeeping inside a secured cabinet of the jail unit.
The Jail Intelligence Office must carefully review any recorded data on the items in the presence of the owner and the Warden or the duty Officer of the Day.
The item must be returned to the owner.
The data found must be removed and transferred immediately to office files for further review.
Through the Jail Intelligence Unit, the Warden must submit a report of the incident to the Office of the Regional Director, with an advance copy furnished to the Directorate for Intelligence, National Headquarters.
The confiscated items must be returned to their rightful owner.
They must secure clearance from their respective Regional Directors first. The Warden must request in writing and state the justifications necessitating entry of photo/video/audio recording devices.
The Warden must ensure that no images, scenes, or related data detrimental to the image of the bureau will be taken.
The Warden or the duty Officer of the Day has authority to review and edit the data and actual footages.
They must present themselves first to the Warden or duty Officer of the Day before conducting any activity, including the recording device they will use, except for members of the Command Group, directors/directorates, Chief of Offices of NHQ, Regional Directors, Jail Provincial Administrator, and Intelligence Officers.
Personnel may be charged administratively and/or criminally as deemed necessary. Visitors who violate provisions (e.g., bringing prohibited items) shall be banned for at least six (6) months for further entry to any BJMP facility.