QuestionsQuestions (MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR BJMP-LSO-)
It prescribes the guidelines on the purchase, installation, and use of cell phone signal jamming devices in jails to disable cell phone use inside jail facilities.
As radio instruments used to prevent cellular or mobile phones from receiving signals from or transmitting signals to base stations.
Because cell phones may not be classified as illegal per se under Philippine laws but are forbidden by jail rules; the objective is to ensure no such contraband is present in jails through controlled measures like jamming.
It prohibits the sale, purchase, importation, possession, or use of cellular mobile repeater including cellular mobile jamming devices, except as authorized by the NTC.
Duly licensed Cellular Mobile Telephone System (CMTS) operators, the NDRRMC, and other government agencies/instrumentalities performing functions vital to national security or safety, as authorized by the NTC.
They must seek authorization from the NTC for the purchase of cell phone signal jamming devices to be used inside jail facilities.
Permit to Import (if applicable), Permit to Possess, Type Acceptance/Approval Certificate, and Grant of Equipment Conformity Certificate.
The supplier’s name; the installation location/address; the quantity, type, make, model, serial number, and original supplier; and pertinent technical information needed by the network operator.
To be responsible for proper maintenance and ensure the devices do not cause harm to the public network outside the system of operations.
They must be used exclusively within the jail facility, limited to the jail premises (not extending beyond), and used in a way that prevents persons inside from gaining access to mobile network services.
No. They shall be used exclusively for disabling cell phones inside jails and not for commercial purposes.
It states the devices shall not be used to listen to, intercept and record, any message/conversation/words made by persons within jail facilities without authorization of the Court of Appeals, and only for surveillance on specified serious crimes.
Examples include treason, espionage, rebellion, terrorism, kidnapping (under the Revised Penal Code), piracy, and others listed in the SOP.
All recordings (including excerpts/summaries) and notes/memoranda must be deposited within 48 hours after the expiration of the court period/extension into a sealed envelope/package with the authorizing CA division, accompanied by a joint affidavit of the applicant jail officers and their team.
If any provision is declared unauthorized or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected remain valid and effective.
Upon submission to the Office of the National Administrative Register, UP Law Center.