Policy Declaration
- Affirms the State's policy to maintain a balanced ecology and promote harmony between man and nature.
- Mandates government agencies to protect citizens and property through installation and maintenance of disaster-related instruments.
Definitions
- Key terms include:
- Act: Republic Act No. 10344
- DOST: Department of Science and Technology
- NDRRMC: National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council
- PAGASA: Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
- PHIVOLCS: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
- Government Risk Reduction and Preparedness Equipment: Devices that gather and disseminate data relevant to natural hazards.
List of Protected Equipment
- Equipment includes systems for weather radar, flood monitoring, oceanographic and seismic data collection, volcano and tsunami monitoring, landslide and radionuclide detection, hazard assessments, and information dissemination.
- Official lists from PAGASA, PHIVOLCS, and NDRRMC are incorporated and regularly updated.
- DOST and NDRRMC must distribute the list to relevant government agencies.
Prohibited Acts
- Illegal acts include:
- Stealing or unauthorized possession of equipment or parts
- Buying or selling stolen equipment
- Tampering, dismantling, or disassembling equipment
- Attempting any of these prohibited acts
- Benefiting from proceeds of such violations
Prima Facie Evidence
- Possession without authority is prima facie evidence of guilt.
- Confiscation must follow proper legal procedures and be witnessed by authorized personnel.
- The burden of proof lies with the accused to prove lawful possession.
- Discovery and confiscation to be reported immediately to police or barangay authorities.
Penalties
- Imprisonment and fines scaled by the severity of the offense:
- Theft/unauthorized possession: 12 to 15 years; ₱1,000,000 to ₱3,000,000 fine
- Tampering/dismantling: 6 to 10 years; ₱500,000 to ₱1,000,000 fine
- Attempted offenses: 6 to 8 years; ₱500,000 to ₱1,000,000 fine
- Benefiting from stolen goods: 2 to 7 years; ₱200,000 to ₱500,000 fine
- Penalties apply to individuals and responsible officers in organizations.
- Government officials involved face criminal and administrative sanctions, including dismissal and disqualification from public office.
- Convicted persons must pay repair or replacement costs.
- Prosecution under this Act does not preclude charges under anti-graft and other laws.
Public Education
- Annual public information and education campaigns coordinated by DOST, NDRRMC, PIA, LGUs, NGOs, and POs.
- Campaigns highlight harms of illegal acts and promote community solutions.
- Encourage public participation in protecting equipment.
- Awards and training may be provided by DOST for support.
Non-Applicability of Revised Penal Code Theft Provisions
- Prosecution under this Act bars prosecution under Articles 308 to 311 of the Revised Penal Code for the same act.
Repeal and Separability
- Conflicting rules and regulations are repealed or modified.
- Invalid provisions do not affect the rest of the Rules.
Effectivity
- Rules take effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or newspapers of general circulation.