Objectives
- Ensure firearms issued are properly monitored and used according to intended purposes.
- Ensure all firearm issuances comply with existing laws and applicable treaties.
Scope of Coverage
- The policy governs the issuance and distribution of firearms within the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
General Guidelines on Firearm Issuance
- Firearms are issued only to officers trained and authorized for a specific class of weapon.
- Regular refresher courses are mandatory; failure leads to loss of firearm authorization.
- Officers may only be issued one firearm unless additional issuance is authorized by the BJMP Chief.
- Priority for firearm issuance is given to personnel performing escort duties.
- Grounds for recall or non-issuance of firearms include:
- Negligence resulting in firearm loss or previous record of selling/mortgaging issued firearms.
- Suspected use of illegal substances or failing related neuro-psychiatric examinations.
- Officers under preventive suspension or on indefinite leave exceeding 45 days.
- Suspected sympathizers of anti-government groups based on intelligence.
- Failure in marksmanship tests during inspections.
- Other behaviors prejudicial to public interest or national security.
- Regional offices must maintain detailed firearms records, including accounting and property logs.
- Upon transfer between regions, issued firearms must be turned in and appropriate documentation processed, except for Jail Chief Officers (JCOs) who may carry firearms to new assignments upon clearance.
- Monthly status reports by Regional Supply Accountable Officers must include issuance details and firearm serial numbers.
Penalty Clause
- Violations of the policy are subject to administrative and/or criminal sanctions in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Separability Clause
- If any part of the policy is modified or rescinded, unaffected sections remain in full force.
Effectivity Clause
- The policy takes effect fifteen days after nationwide dissemination.
- Official copies have been submitted to the National Administrative Register of the University of the Philippines Law Center.