Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 816)
The official title of the law is Republic Act No. 10344, otherwise known as the Risk Reduction and Preparedness Equipment Protection Act.
The main purpose is to prescribe the procedures and guidelines for the implementation of the Risk Reduction and Preparedness Equipment Protection Act to facilitate compliance and achieve its objectives.
They refer to equipment, devices, or parts that gather, transmit, store, archive, process and analyze meteorological, hydrological, oceanographic, geodetic, geological, volcanological, and seismological data, and disseminate information for public warning about natural phenomena.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), and Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) are mentioned.
Weather Radar Surveillance System, Weather Monitoring System, Flood Monitoring System, Earthquake Monitoring System, Volcano Monitoring System, Tsunami Monitoring and Warning Systems, among others.
Prohibited acts include stealing, taking, possessing without authority, selling or buying stolen equipment, tampering, dismantling or disassembling equipment, attempt to commit these acts, and benefiting from proceeds of these acts.
Possession, control, or custody by any person of any government risk reduction equipment or parts without proper authority constitutes prima facie evidence that the equipment is the fruit of the offense.
An authorized representative is an employee designated by the concerned agency; an officer of the law includes barangay officials, PNP policemen, municipal mayors, and other public safety officers.
Imprisonment from 12 to 15 years or a fine from one million to three million pesos, or both at the court's discretion.
They suffer the same penalties as the offender, may be administratively dismissed, forfeit benefits, and be permanently disqualified from public office.
Yes. Prosecution under Republic Act No. 10344 bars prosecution arising from the same act under Articles 308 to 311 of the Revised Penal Code.
DOST and NDRRMC must annually conduct public information campaigns and continuing education to develop awareness on the law’s provisions, encourage community protection, and involve NGOs and POs.