Question & AnswerQ&A (MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR BJMP-DO-MC-36)
The main purpose is to regulate, monitor, and supervise the entry, use, and disposal of reading materials of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) in BJMP-manned jails nationwide to ensure jail safety and security and prevent improper and illegal use.
Reading Materials (RM) refer to bibles, books, prayer booklets, comic books, coloring books, puzzle and game booklets, newspapers, magazines, journals, pamphlets, posters, flyers, calendars, and other information, education, and communication (IEC) materials for reading and viewing.
URM includes any printed material containing obscene or pornographic images, subversive articles or discussions, maps of the jail vicinity, or any material with codes or unconventional writings.
The duty searcher is responsible for inspecting all reading materials brought inside jails for censorship purposes before they are forwarded to the IWD Section.
A Record of Reading Materials (RRM) must be maintained, documenting all authorized reading materials by categories and numbers, and a logbook must record all borrowing activity including date, description, and borrower details.
Reading materials are categorized as follows: Category A - Personal use; Category B - Common use; Category C - Religious materials; Category D - Learning/Education; Category E - Informative materials like newspapers or magazines.
Informative, educational, and pocket books should be returned within three (3) days, while newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, journals, and flyers must be returned after one (1) day.
The PDL will be presumed responsible for missing or torn pages and subject to proper disciplinary proceedings by the Disciplinary Board of the jail/unit.
Yes, they may have personal reading materials, but these must be registered, limited, brought into the cell one at a time with an allotted number of days for use, and returned or removed from the jail after use.
Unauthorized reading materials must be turned over to the contraband custodian for proper disposal; possession of such materials by PDL is subject to disciplinary action.
Excess reading materials, except bibles and prayer books, shall be returned to the PDL's relatives or surrendered to the IWD Section for safekeeping, and unclaimed materials after one month may be disposed of or recycled for livelihood projects.
The Jail Warden, assisted by the Chief, Custodial Unit and the Chief, IWD Section, is responsible for monitoring and supervising the use, storage, and regulation of reading materials.
Aiding or abetting the entry of unauthorized reading materials and allowing PDL to use them is strictly prohibited and subject to disciplinary action as per the circular's penal clause.
PDLs must surrender or bring along all reading materials in their possession; no reading materials are allowed to be left behind for or given to another PDL.
It took effect 15 days after its filing at the University of the Philippines Law Center in accordance with the Administrative Code of 1987.