Objectives of the Policy
- Prevent potential security threats within jail facilities.
- Protect inmates from harassment and unwanted criticisms through unauthorized recordings.
Scope of Coverage
- Applies to various forms of media production including films, telenovelas, mini-series, soap operas, music videos, documentaries, corporate videos, advertisements.
- Includes both commercial and non-commercial media, student or amateur films, news coverage, and current affairs items.
General Guidelines on Prohibition and Handling of Recording Devices
- No cameras or recording devices are allowed inside unless specifically authorized with court approval and compliance with Supreme Court guidelines.
- Personnel, visitors, and media must deposit their recording devices with the sentinel before entry.
- Devices found violating the policy can be confiscated; ownership rights waived in favor of BJMP inspection.
- Policy reiteration through Personnel Information and Education sessions with reporting.
- Clear signage in English and local dialects must be posted at jail entrances informing visitors of the prohibition.
- Violators must execute undertakings to comply with rules for penalty lifting.
Specific Procedures on Confiscated Recording Devices
- Confiscated items must be marked and turned over to proper officers for safekeeping.
- Jail Intelligence Office reviews recorded data in presence of owner and officials.
- If recorded data contains security-sensitive information, such data is transferred to office files and deleted from original devices before return.
- Wardens must report incidents to regional directors, with copies to National Headquarters.
Documentation of Official Activities
- Activities needing documentation require prior clearance from regional directors via written request stating justifications.
- Wardens must ensure no detrimental images or data to BJMP image is recorded.
- Wardens or duty officers have authority to review and edit recordings.
Guidelines for Personnel and Official Visitors
- Personnel must notify Wardens or duty officers of any recording devices used for official functions.
- Exceptions include higher-ranking officials and intelligence officers.
- National/local government officials or foreign officers must comply with general entry policies.
- Only one designated official photographer using the jail camera is allowed during official visits.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Personnel violating the policy may face administrative or criminal charges.
- Visitors violating prohibitions face at least a six-month ban from entering BJMP facilities.
Separability Clause
- If any part of the policy is rescinded or modified, unaffected provisions remain valid and in force.
Effectivity Clause
- The Standard Operating Procedure takes effect 15 days after nationwide dissemination.
- Official copies have been forwarded to the National Administrative Register of the University of the Philippines Law Center.