Question & AnswerQ&A (MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2018-027)
The primary purpose is to provide comprehensive guidelines and procedures in the management and supervision of PNP custodial facilities and persons under PNP custody to ensure humane treatment and compliance with human rights standards.
Persons under PNP Custody (PUPC) are individuals held by the PNP in custodial facilities who were arrested for an offense or violation of law.
The head of the PNP office/unit/station with custodial facilities shall be the Chief of the Custodial Facility.
A PNP Custodial Officer is responsible for the overall status of persons in custody, ensuring their well-being and humane treatment while in the custodial facility.
Authorized visitors include immediate family members, lawyers, spiritual advisers, government authorities, and others approved by the Chief, PNP. Visiting hours are Tuesdays to Fridays, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays, 8:00 AM - 12:00 NN and 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Legal counsels, doctors, priests, or immediate family may visit at any hour in urgent cases.
No, conjugal visits are not allowed in PNP Custodial Facilities as they are informal and temporary penal facilities for arrested suspects.
There must be separate custodial facilities for men and women. Where space is limited, the Custodial Officers should arrange the best possible accommodations that adhere to this principle.
PUPCs showing signs of mental illness must be referred to a PNP Health Service psychiatrist for appropriate evaluation and treatment.
Immediate supervisors and/or heads of offices who fail to comply are administratively liable for Neglect of Duty under NAPOLCOM Memorandum Circular 2016-002.
The PNP custodial facility may only accommodate arrested persons not beyond the reglementary period as provided in Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code.