Question & AnswerQ&A (DOST)
The official title is The Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10344, otherwise known as The Risk Reduction and Preparedness Equipment Protection Act.
The purpose is to prescribe procedures and guidelines for the implementation of the Risk Reduction and Preparedness Equipment Protection Act to facilitate compliance and achieve its objectives.
These Rules shall be strictly construed to attain the efficient and effective implementation of Republic Act No. 10344.
The State's policy is to protect the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology and to ensure safety through installation and protection of devices used for risk reduction and preparedness.
It refers to equipment or devices or parts that gather, transmit, store, archive, process, analyze meteorological, hydrological, oceanographic, geodetic, geological, volcanological, and seismological data, and disseminate information used for preparing and warning the public about natural phenomena.
Examples include Weather Radar Surveillance System, Weather Monitoring System, Flood Monitoring Systems, Oceanographic Monitoring System, Earthquake Monitoring System, Volcano Monitoring System, Tsunami Monitoring and Warning Systems, Landslide Monitoring System, Radionuclide Monitoring Equipment, Hazards and Risk Assessment Equipment, and Information, Education and Communication Equipment.
It is unlawful to steal, take, possess, sell or buy stolen equipment, tamper, dismantle, disassemble the equipment or parts, attempt any of these acts, or benefit from the proceeds of these prohibited acts knowing their origin.
Such possession constitutes prima facie evidence that the person benefited from the commission of the offense related to the equipment.
Imprisonment of not less than 12 years but not more than 15 years, a fine of not less than One million pesos but not more than Three million pesos, or both at the discretion of the court.
They shall suffer the same criminal penalties as the offender, be administratively dismissed after due process, forfeiture of benefits, and be perpetually disqualified from holding public office.
Prosecution under Republic Act No. 10344 shall bar any prosecution arising from the same act under Articles 308 to 311 of the Revised Penal Code.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) are responsible for promulgating and updating the list.
They must conduct annual information dissemination and continuing education campaigns to raise public awareness and community participation in protecting government risk reduction equipment.
The concerned agency's authorized representative must immediately report the incident to the nearest Barangay or Police Station, and the equipment must be confiscated, secured, and processed according to the Rules of Court.
Yes, the penalty may be imposed on the president, manager, and each officer who knowingly permitted or failed to prevent the offense.