Chapter 1

Institutional Corrections

Aims and Learning Outcomes

That students can:
1. Understand the role of Correction in the Philippine Criminal Justice System.
2. Enumerate the Goals of Sentencing
3. Learn the different Conceptions of Criminal Rehabilitation

The Criminal Justice System is the machinery of any government in the control and
prevention of crimes and criminality. It is composed of the pillars of justice such as: Law
enforcement (Police), the Prosecution pillar, the Court Pillar, the Correction Pillar, and
the Community Pillar (Delizo, 2013, p.1).

Lesson 1.1 Correction

a. Correction as the fourth pillars of CJS

b. It is a branch of Criminal Justice System concerned with the custody, supervision
and rehabilitation of the convicted persons.
c. As a process, it refers to the reorientation of the individual with the purpose of
preventing a repetition of the unlawful activities without necessity of taking
punitive action (Guerrero, 2019, p.81)

Two (2) forms of Corrections

1. Institutionalized Correction – provides incarceration and rehabilitation of
offenders who are sentenced by the court to serve the prison term after
conviction of a criminal offense to an institution.
2. Community Based or Non-institutionalized Corrections- refers to correctional
activities that may take place within the community.

The Administrative Organization and management of Institutional Corrections

(Guerrero,2019,p.81).
The Correctional System in the Philippines is composed of six agencies under three
distinct and separate departments of the national government:

1. Department of Interior and Local Government = under this are the Bureau of Jail
Management and Penology (BJMP) which runs the city, municipal, and district
jails; and the provincial jails through their respective provincial governments.
2. Department of Social Welfare and Development = under this is Juvenile and
Justice Welfare Council which oversees the rehabilitation of young offenders.
3. Department of Justice = under this are the Bureau of Corrections, Parole and
Probation Administration and the Board of Pardons and Parole.
Lesson 1.2 Goals of Criminal Sentencing

Sentences are punishments for convicted defendants. Imposition of sentences is

a judicial function to be performed by sentencing courts. The function of sentencing
court is to impose a sentence upon each offender that is appropriate to the offense and
the offender (ABA, n.d.).
Different types of sentences are designed to meet different goals. The goals are: (Goals
of Contemporary Criminal Sentencing, 2014).

A. Retribution – It refers to the act of setting a punishment for someone that fits the
crime (Legaldictionary.net, 2018). It focuses on the punishment of lawbreakers
and the compensation of victims. The severity of punishment is proportionate to
the seriousness of the crime. It is based on the concept of lex talliones or the law
of retaliation (Meyer, 2014).

B. Incapacitation – It refers to the act of making an individual incapable of

committing crime by execution or banishment, and in more modern times by
execution or lengthy periods of incarceration (Bernard, 2021). It reduces crime by
literally preventing someone from committing crime through direct control during
the incarceration experience (Bushway, 2014).

C. Deterrence – It is the use of punishment to stop potential criminals from

committing crimes. It is based on the principle that criminals would choose to
break the law only after considering the risks and rewards of their actions. When
the punishment for committing a certain crime outweighs the reward, then the
criminal will not commit the crime. When the punishment is viewed as less
severe than the possible rewards, offenders will be more likely to take the risk
and commit a crime (Deterrence in Criminology: Definition & Theory, 2017).

D. Rehabilitation – It is the process of helping inmates grow and change, allowing

them to separate themselves from the environmental factors that made them
commit a crime in the first place. The idea is to treat each of the major
contributing factors in order to help give an inmate the ability to live a crime-free
life after they are released from prison (Criminal Rehabilitation: Programs, Statistics
& Definition, 2021).

E. Restoration – It is the process where victims, offenders and communities affected

by a particular offense meet to find a way to restore or make amends for the
harm resulting from an offense (Lauritsen, 2009).

Lesson 1.3 Conceptions of Criminal Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation and Reformation of PDL

Rehabilitation is a program of activity directed to restore a PDL’s self-respect

and sense of responsibility to the community, thereby making him/her a law abiding
citizen after serving his/her sentence (BJMP, 2015).

Reformation is a means of amending or improving by changing an inmate’s

behavior or removing his or her faults or abuse and removing and correcting an abuse
of a wrong or error (BJMP, 2015). It is the act of bringing back an inmate to such a sense
of justice, so that he may live in society without detriment to it. It refers to the act which
ensures the public that released national inmates are no longer harmful to the
community by becoming reformed individuals prepared to live a normal and productive
life upon reintegration to the mainstream society (RA 10575, 2013, Section 3).

There are five conceptions of rehabilitation of the PDLs, they are based on its aim.
a. Rehabilitation as Anti-Recidivism
Rehabilitation may share with incapacitation and specific deterrence the aim of
preventing people from committing future crimes, so its aim is not a distinctive
feature. Incapacitation seeks to reduce the likelihood of recidivism through
rendering it physically impossible, for example, by separating the offender from
potential victims, or killing the offender. Special deterrence seeks to reduce the
likelihood of re-offending by disincentivizing it. Rehabilitation, by contrast,
employs other means: most likely, the alteration of the offenders’ intrinsic
dispositions (Phelps, 2011).
b. Rehabilitation as Harm-Reduction
Punishment can be justified even when it does not have any general
deterrent effects, because it may be rehabilitate the offender, that is, reduce the
likelihood that the offender will perform actions that either cause a serious
setbacks to well-being, or pose a great risk of doing so. It aims at improving
offenders’ responsiveness to prudential and moral reasons (Sverdlik, 2012).
c. Rehabilitation as Therapy
The aim of rehabilitation overlaps with those of clinical medicine specifically,
given the focus on mental illnesses and deficits, clinical psychiatry. As with
standard medical treatments, the aim of curing or ameliorating the deficit may be
instrumental to the further aim of benefitting the individual. However, other further
aims are also possible.
These may include, for example, preventing re-offending, protecting the public, or
advancing the social good (Forsberg, and Douglas, 2022).
d. Rehabilitation as Moral Improvement
Punishment is justified as a way to prevent wrongdoing insofar as it can teach
both wrongdoers and the public at large the moral reasons for choosing not to
perform an offense (Hampton, 1984).
e. Rehabilitation as Restoration
Rehabilitation is a matter of restoring the offender’s social or moral standing in
society or his social or moral relations with others, or fostering the capacities
needed for such restoration. This could include social and vocational capacities
as well as moral ones. (Zedner, 1994
 Chapter 2
Non- Institutional Corrections

Aims and Learning Outcomes

That students can:
1. Understand the concept of Community-based Correction
2. Know the different entities of the government task providing Community-based
Correction
3. Learn the basic principles underlying the Philosophy of Community-Based
Treatment

Lesson 1.1 Community Based Corrections

a) Community-based corrections are non-institutional based corrections which are

being considered as the best alternative for imprisonment.
b) It is a non-incarcerate system of correction.
c) It is described as a method of rehabilitating convicted felons without a need of
placing them into jail or prison facilities
d) Community based correction is a program which deal with supervised
rehabilitation of convicts within the community.
e) The ideal behind non-institutional correction programs is that, most convicts can
be effectively held accountable for their crimes at the same time that they can
fulfill legitimate living standards in the community (Apela,Osal, Lucban, 2019,p.82)

Concept of Community Based Correction

(Apela,Osal, Lucban, 2019,p. 82)
a) The convict will remain in the community in which he or she has responsibilities.
He can continuously engage to his legitimate sources of livelihood to support
himself and his family and the government can collect taxes from him;
b) Convicts under community-based correction are more capable to compensate
their victims through restitution or to pay-back the community through community
service; and
c) Community-based corrections programs do not expose convicts to the subculture
of violence existing in jails and prisons.
d) Strengthening family ties through avoidance of broken family relationships – The
treatment and rehabilitation of convicted offender is done outside the institutional
facilities hence, family members will not suffer broken family due to imprisonment
of one of its family member.
e) Prevention of Influence Contamination
f) Engagement of Community Involvement
 g) Assurance of Individualized Treatment Approach
h) It is more economical than institution-based correction on the part of the
Government. (Apela,Osal, Lucban, 2019,p. 82)

Purposes of Community Based Correction

a. Facilitating convicts Reintegration
b. Fostering convicts Rehabilitation
c. Providing an Alternative Rage of Convicts Punishments;
d. Convicts Accountability (Guerrero, 2018 p.1)

Community Based Programs includes:

a. Probation
b. Parole
c. Pardon
d. Amnesty
e. Reprieve
f. Commutation of Sentence
g. Preventive Imprisonment
h. Release on Recognizance

Lesson 1.2 Entities of the Government task providing Community-Based

Correction
a. Parole and Probation Administration (PPA)
- Conduct investigation of all cases in relation to parole, probation and
pardon
- Responsible for supervision of all parolees, probationers and conditional
pardon grantees
b. Board of Pardon and Parole (BPP)
- Authority in granting parole
- Responsible for recommending the grant of pardon and executive
clemency to the president
c. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

PRISON (Phil. Setting) – refers to a penal establishment under the control of the Bureau
of Corrections and shall include the New Bilibid Prison, the Correctional Institution for
Women, the Leyte Regional Prison, Davao, San Ramon, Sablayan, Iwahig Prison and
Penal Farm.

Person’s Deprived of Liberty (PDL) - refers to a detainee, inmate, or prisoner, or other

person under confinement or custody in any other manner. However, in order to prevent
labeling, branding or shaming by the use of these or other derogatory words, the term
“prisoner” has been replaced by this new and neutral phrase “person deprived of liberty”
under Article 10, of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), who
“shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human
person.
Lesson 1.3 Basic Principles Underlying the philosophy of Community-based
treatment programs.

The following are the basic principles underlying the philosophy of Community based
treatment.
1. Humanitarian Aspect – Imprisonment is not always advisable. Placing a person
to custodial coercion is to place him in a physical jeopardy, thus drastically
narrow his access to sources of personal satisfaction and to reduce self-esteem.
2. Restorative Aspect – There are measures expected to be achieved by the
offender, such as an establishment of a position in a community in which he
does not violate the laws. These measures may be directed at changing and
controlling the offender. The failure of the offender to achieve these can result to
recidivism.
3. Managerial Aspect- Managerial skills are special importance because of the
sharp contrast between the per capital cost of the custody and any kind of
community program. It is easier to manage those undergoing those community
based programs than that of custodial control.
 Chapter 3
Standards on Treatment and Rehabilitation of Prisoners/Inmate/PDL’s:

Aims and Learning Outcomes

That students can:
1. Enumerate the Jail Admission Procedures of Inmates
2. Learn the procedure of Provincial Jails
3. Understand the Custody Security and Control applied to the PDLs
4. Know the Classification of the Prisoners According to Degree of Security

Lesson 1.1 Jail Admission Procedures of Inmates

(BJMP Manual, 2015 section 21 & 24, p 11-16)

Section 21. RECEPTION PROCEDURES - A decent and humane program of

confinement starts with a systematic reception of inmates for commitment to the BJMP’s
jail facilities. The following procedures should therefore be observed:

A. Gater
He or she checks the credentials of the person bringing the inmate/the
committing officer to determine his/her identity and authority. Also, he or she reviews
the completeness of the following documents before the person bringing an inmate/the
committing officer is allowed to enter the facility. The documents mentioned earlier refer
to the:
1. Commitment Order;
2. Medical Certificate – recent medical certificate taken within 24 hours prior to
admission;
3. Complaint/Information;
4. Police Booking Sheet; and
5. Certificate of Detention from PNP and/or NBI.

Note: Additionally, the "gater" shall subject the person to be committed and his/her
escorts for search and inspection as prescribed. Finally, he or she (gater) refers the
person to be committed and his or her escorts to the Records Unit.

B. Records Unit
This unit examines the completeness and authenticity of the requirements for
Commitment (Commitment Order, Booking Sheet, Arrest Report and Information)
before it refers the inmate for physical examination by the Health Unit.
C. Health Unit:
i. Checks the authenticity of the entries in the medical certificate; conducts
thorough physical examination of the inmate to determine his or her true physical
condition; and asks searching questions to determine injury/injuries found to
have been sustained by the inmate after the conduct of medical examination or
those injuries not diagnosed prior to commitment in jail. Inmate is required to
undress while undergoing medical examination. A female inmate shall be
examined by female health personnel. A male inmate may be examined by either
male or female health personnel;
ii. In case of any discrepancy found during physical examination but same
discrepancy is not indicated in the medical certificate, the committing officer shall
be required to secure another medical certificate of the inmate. The commitment
of an inmate shall be held in abeyance pending the submission of a new medical
certificate with findings congruent to the medical findings of the jail
physician/nurse. The reason for the deferment of commitment shall be recorded
in the jail blotter. In case the committing officer fails to return the inmate to jail
within twenty-four (24) hours, the reasons for the deferment of commitment and
the grounds thereof shall be reported immediately to the court that issued the
commitment order;
iii. In the absence of a jail nurse/medical personnel, the receiving officer shall refer
the person to be committed to the nearest government health facility for medical
evaluation (check the medical certificate and observe the mental alertness,
physical abnormalities and the overall appearance of the inmates); and
iv. If no discrepancy is found during physical examination, the inmate shall be
referred back to the Records Unit

D. Records Unit
Receives the inmate and the documents from the committing officer and
conducts the following:
1. Start the booking procedures:
a. Accomplish the jail booking sheet;
b. Strip-search the inmate to check for any birth marks, tattoos, etc;
c. Encode the inmate's information to the NIMS;
d. Fingerprint and photograph the inmate with mug shot background; and
e. List the names of the visitors authorized by the inmate.
f. Apprise the inmate in a dialect that he/she understands of the provisions
of Art 29 of the RPC which was further amended by R.A. 10592;
2. Facilitate the signing of the Detainee’s Manifestation if he/she agrees to abide by
the same disciplinary rules imposed upon convicted inmates. Otherwise, the
warden issues a certification under oath manifesting that the inmate was
apprised of the provision of Art 29 of the RPC as amended and refused to abide
by the same; and
3. Store all documents in the Inmate’s Carpeta.
 E. Property Custodian
Checks the inmate’s belongings for presence of contraband. Discovery of any
contraband shall be treated in accordance with existing policies.
Takes all cash and other personal properties from the inmate, lists them down on a
receipt form with duplicate, duly signed by him/her and countersigned by the inmate.
The original receipt should be given to the inmate and the duplicate be kept by the
Property Custodian.
o Keeps all cash and other valuables of the inmate in a safety vault. Said cash and
valuables may be turned over to any person authorized by the inmate.
o Refers the inmate to the desk officer.

F. Desk Officer
Books the newly committed inmate in the jail blotter; assigns the inmate to a
reception area, if any, where he/she shall be scheduled for orientation on jail rules and
regulation, and shall undergo risk assessment and classification, evaluation and
conduct of further medical evaluation/screening by the Medical Officer.

G. Assistant Warden or Officer of the Day

Orients the newly committed inmates on jail rules and regulations using the
Inmate’s Orientation Sheet.

H. Jail Warden
Coordinates with concerned agencies regarding the case of inmate for speedy
disposition and to furnish them with copies of the available needed documents. The jail
warden shall see to it that all concerned agencies and persons will be informed of the
commitment of the inmate in his/her jail by submitting a written report. Through his/her
paralegal officer, he/she shall ensure that the courts and prosecutors’ office are
attending to the case of the inmate by constantly coordinating with them for the purpose
of speeding up the disposition of the case. For this purpose, the sharing of no
confidential information with the concerned agencies is encouraged.

Section 24. Classification Process

Admission of Inmate - Once the inmate has undergone the registration process; he/she
will be temporarily housed at the Inmate Classification and Counseling Unit (ICCU) in
jails where it is available. The inmate shall stay at the ICCU for a minimum period of
thirty (30) days but not exceeding sixty (60) days or until the completion of the
classification process. At the ICCU, the newly committed inmate will undergo
assessment by the different health professionals.
a. Medical Examination - The jail medical Officer or the jail officer designated nurse
of the Health Unit will conduct a thorough physical examination on the newly
committed inmate and will note down significant bodily marks, scars, tattoos and
lesions based on the medical certificate presented by the committing officer. He
 or she must ensure that his/her findings are congruent to the medical certificate
presented. Any discrepancy shall warrant further investigation by and reporting of
the same to the CHR.
b. Results of the medical examination shall be recorded and shall bear the
signature of the physician or nurse who conducted the examination. Medical
issues will be attended to accordingly.
c. Dental Examination - The jail dentist shall perform a thorough dental examination
and recording of his or her findings. The record shall bear the signature of the
dentist who conducted the examination. Dental issues that need immediate
attention shall be so attended to accordingly.
d. Psychological Examination - The jail psychologist-in-charge shall conduct
psychological examination to determine the inmate’s psychological state at the
time of examination. Results will be recorded in the psychologist’s logbook or in
the health assessment card/HAS and shall bear the signature of the psychologist
who conducted the examination.
e. Social Case Study - The jail social worker at the ICCU shall conduct in-depth
interview with the newly admitted inmate, an interview that considers the "who
the inmate is" from birth up to the present including his/her familial, educational,
social, vocational and other issues 47 that has an impact on his/her personality.
The findings will be recorded and shall bear the signature of the social worker
who conducted the assessment. In jails without ICCU, the interview will be done
by the social worker-in-charge upon the order of the court or as requested by the
medical officer, the psychiatrist or the duly designated jail warden for specific
purposes.
f. Risk Assessment - A risk assessment tool shall be utilized to determine the level
of violence/risk the inmate poses, either external or internal. This will help in the
proper classification and segregation of inmates and in the design of specific
development plans.
g. Psychiatric Evaluation - Using the results of the psychological examination,
social case study, and risk assessment, the psychiatrist conducts a psychiatric
evaluation to determine the present mental state of the inmate and to diagnose
any existing psychiatric illness for further treatment. The result will be recorded
and shall bear the signature of the psychiatrist who conducted the examination.

Lesson 1.2 Provincial Jail

Provincial jails system was first established in 1910 under the American regime.
Each province of the country has been mandated by the American colonizers to
establish their own provincial jails to be under their own supervision and control of the
provincial governments (Santos, 2016,p. 134).

Section 1730 Visitation and Inspection of Provincial Jails. — The judge of the Court
of First Instance and the provincial board shall, as often as the judge of the Court of
First Instance is required to hold court in the province, make personal inspection of the
provincial jail as to the sufficiency thereof for the safekeeping and reformation of
prisoners, their proper accommodation and health, and shall inquire into the manner in
which the same has been kept since the last inspection. A report of such visitation shall
be submitted to the Secretary of Justice, who shall forward the same or a copy thereof
to the Director of Prisons. Once during each month, the provincial inspector of
Constabulary in a province shall visit the provincial jail and make report upon its
condition to the Director of Prisons.

Section 1731 Provincial Governor as Keeper of Jail. — The governor of the province
shall be charged with the keeping of the provincial jail, and it shall be his duty to
administer the same in accordance with law and the regulations prescribed for the
government of provincial prisons. The immediate custody and supervision of the jail
may be committed to the care of a jailer to be appointed by the provincial governor. The
position of jailer shall be regarded as within the unclassified civil service but may be
filled in the manner in which classified positions are filled, and if so filled, the appointee
shall be entitled to all the benefits and privileges of classified employees, except that he
shall hold office only during the term of office of the appointing governor and until a
successor in the office of jailer is appointed and qualified, unless sooner separated.

Lesson 2.2 Custody Security and Control

Jail management and penology is concerned with the humane safekeeping and
development of inmates. Effective custody ensures that inmates are well secured in all
areas of the detention facility and properly escorted when attending their court hearings
and other authorized/lawful destinations. This Rule focuses on effective safekeeping
(BJMP Comprehensive Operations Manual Revised 2015).

A. Each jail shall, as much as practicable, maintain the following minimum standards
with regard to security of the facility:
1. An established security perimeter. In every jail, there shall be a defined,
controlled security perimeter;
2. A secured office for personnel;
3. A secured visiting area for inmates’ visitors;
4. A secured multi-purpose area for inmates’ activities and an area for livelihood
activities;
5. Armory and storage lockers for inmates’ valuable items and other equipment;
6. Operational closed circuit televisions (CCTV) strategically mounted to monitor
jail premises and all activities therein;
7. A two-way communication system to be used by the officer of the day,
supervisor, desk officer and other personnel on duty; and
8. Equipment necessary to sustain operability of utilities, communications, security
and fire protection equipment at all times.
B. To ensure that minimum standards in security and control are maintained, the
following policies, guidelines and procedures shall be strictly implemented in all jail
facilities:
1. Each newly admitted inmate shall be thoroughly searched for weapons and other
contraband immediately upon arrival in the facility.
2. All inmates must be searched thoroughly by the duty personnel whenever they
enter or leave the security areas;
3. Conduct surprise searches on inmates and inspection of their quarters and other
areas accessible to inmates at least once a week to detect and flush out
contraband;
4. Inmates shall be supervised at all times whenever they are outside their cells.
5. Never allow any personnel under the influence of intoxicating beverage to enter
the jail facility or to perform an official duty;
6. Maintain a key control center for storing keys that is inaccessible to inmates and
unauthorized persons. There shall be an accounting system for issuing and
returning of keys. There shall be a reporting system for documenting and
repairing broken or malfunctioning keys or locks. Inmates shall be prohibited from
handling jail security keys;
7. Never allow jail personnel to open inmates quarters alone. At least one (1) other
jail officer should be present and guarding the gate
8. Ensure that all vehicles and persons entering the jail premises are properly
searched in accordance with the existing policies/procedures;

Section 27. Authorized Disciplinary Actions/Measures For Inmates - The Board is

authorized to impose any of the following disciplinary action/Measures: (BJMP Manual,
2015).
1. For Detainees:
a. Admonition or verbal reprimand;
b. Restitution or reparation;
c. Temporary or permanent cancellation of all or some recreational privileges;
d. Reduction of visiting time;
e. Close confinement in a cell for a period not exceeding seven (7) days in any
calendar month, provided that this disciplinary action shall be imposed only in the
case of an incorrigible inmate, and when other disciplinary measures had been
proven ineffective; and f. Transfer to another BJMP jail in the area, in
coordination with the Court.
2. For Prisoners:
a. Admonition or verbal reprimand;
b. Restitution or reparation;
c. Additional job functions/community service within the jail premises;
d. Temporary or permanent cancellation of some or all recreational privileges;
e. Reduction of visiting time;
 f. Close confinement in a cell for a period not exceeding seven (7) days in any
calendar month, provided that this disciplinary action shall be imposed only in the
case of an incorrigible inmate, and when other disciplinary measures had been
proven ineffective;
g. Transfer to another BJMP jail in the area in coordination with the Court;
h. Suspension of visiting privileges for a period not exceeding one (1) month,
provided that this sanction shall not apply to the lawyer, physician or religious
minister serving the needs of the prisoner.
i. Permanent cancellation of visiting privileges with respect to persons not included
in the definition of immediate family under RA 7438, provided that this sanction
shall not apply to the lawyer, physician or religious minister serving the needs of
the prisoner.

In addition to the above-mentioned punishment, the disciplinary board may

recommend to the warden partial or full forfeiture of good conduct time allowance
(GCTA) to be earned for a particular month and subsequent months depending upon
the gravity of the offense.

Section 42. Rules To Be Followed When Transporting Inmates

When moving/transporting inmates, the following shall be observed:
1. Jail personnel shall not discuss with the inmate the transportation plans,
schedules or equipment to be used / adopted;
2. Inmates shall be notified of a trip only prior to the departure and shall not be
allowed to make any phone call;
3. Prior to movement/transport, all escort personnel shall be given detailed
instructions on their respective duties and responsibilities;
4. Whenever possible, transfer shall only be made during daytime;
5. Long distance transport of one (1) or more inmates shall be escorted by a
minimum of three (3) escort personnel and a back-up vehicle, if available;
6. If possible, personnel from Jail Intelligence Unit shall serve covert security by
serving as advance party of the convoy and shall conduct road scanning of the
agreed route to detect any threat to the inmate and his/her escorts while en
route. Being familiar with the area, the local intelligence unit of the nearest jail
facility in the place of destination shall also assist in long distance transport of
inmates by way of conducting reconnaissance operation prior to the scheduled
arrival to determine any unusual activities in the area which may affect the safe
and secure transport of the inmate.

Lesson 1.4 Classification of Prisoners According to Degree of Security

(BJMP Manual, 2015 section 16-19, p 9-10).

1. Super maximum Security Prisoners - Orange uniform - Incorrigible and highly

dangerous
2. Maximum Security Prisoners
o Orange uniform
o Constant troublemaker and assigned to industrial shops with in prison compound
o Not allowed to work outside
o Offenders whose maximum sentences are twenty (20) years or more
o criminally insane or have severe personality or emotional disorder that makes
him dangerous both to fellow offenders or prison personnel
3. Medium Security Prisoner
o Blue uniform
o Allowed to work outside with guards
o Agricultural workers
o Offenders whose minimum sentences are less than twenty (20) years.
o Life sentence offenders, if they have served ten (10) years of imprisonment,
excluding Good Conduct Time Allowance, in a maximum-security prison.
4. Minimum Security Prisoner
o Brown uniform
o Can be trusted to report to their work assignment without guards.
o Open condition - Invalid offenders or those who have physical disabilities
o Offenders who are over sixty-five (65) years of age
o Life termers who have served at least fifteen (15) years of their imprisonment
excluding Good Conduct Time Allowance
5. Trustee
o an inmate of a jail who has been assigned to a status of “trust” because he is
considered by the jail or prison administrator to be sufficiently responsible given
wider range of work with less supervision than average prisoners. They are given
the status of trust because of their proven or trusted behavior demonstrated while
serving sentence. They are given a work assignment that would assist the
custodial force they are known as “Bastoneros”, giving security force in meal
distribution, transportation and other work

Two (2) general categories of inmates are:

1. Prisoner - inmate who is convicted by final judgment; and
2. Detainee - inmate who is undergoing investigation/trial or awaiting final judgment.

The three (3) classes of detainees are those:

1. Undergoing investigation;
2. Awaiting or undergoing trial; and
3. Awaiting final judgment.
 CHAPTER 4
CONDITION OF CONFINEMENT

Aims and Learning Outcomes

That students can:
1. Learn the Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners
2. Discuss the Nelson Mandela Rules
3. Knowledgeable in RA 7438

Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners

(Cuasay and Apela, 2021,p.29)
Adopted and proclaimed by General Assembly Resolution 45/111 of 14
December 1990.
1) All prisoners shall be treated with the respect due to their inherent dignity and
value as human beings
2) There shall be no discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex, language,
religion, political or other opinion, national, or social origin, property, birth or other
status.
3) It is however, desirable to respect the religious beliefs and cultural precepts of
the group to which prisoners belong whenever local conditions so require
4) The responsibility of prisons for the custody of prisoners and for the protection of
society against crime shall be discharged in keeping with a State’s other social
objectives and its fundamental responsibilities for promoting the well-being and
development of all members of society.
5) Except for those limitations that are demonstrably necessitated by the fact of
incarceration, all prisoners shall retain the human rights and fundamental
freedoms set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and where the
State concerned is a party, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and
the Optional Protocol thereto, as well such other rights as are set out in other
United Nations covenant.
6) All prisoners shall have the right to take part in cultural activities and education
aimed at the full development of the human personality.
7) Efforts addressed to the abolition of solitary confinement as a punishment, or to
the restriction of its use, should be undertaken and encouraged.
8) Conditions shall be created enabling prisoners to undertake meaningful
remunerated employment which will facilitate their reintegration into the country’s
 labor market and permit them to contribute to their own financial support and to
their families
9) Prisoners shall have access to the health services available in the country
without discrimination on the grounds of their legal situation
10)With the participation and help of the community and social institutions, and with
the due regard to the interests of victims, favorable conditions shall be created
for the reintegration of the ex-prisoner into society under the best possible
conditions.
11)The above principles shall applied impartially

Lesson 1.2 The Nelson Mandela Rules

The United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners,
also known as the Nelson Mandela Rules, provide States with detailed guidelines for
protecting the rights of persons deprived of their liberty, from pre-trial detainees to
sentenced prisoners. The rules are based on an obligation to treat all prisoners with
respect for their inherent dignity and value as human beings, and to prohibit torture and
other forms of ill-treatment. It emphasize that the provision of health care for prisoners is
a State responsibility, and that the relationship between health-care professionals and
prisoners is governed by the same ethical and professional standards as those
applicable to patients in the community (Gilmour, n.d.).

Basic Principles of Nelson Mandela Rules

The following are the basic principles of the Nelson Mandela Rules (UNODC,
2015).
Rule 1
All prisoners shall be treated with the respect due to their inherent dignity and
value as human beings. No prisoners shall be subjected to, and all prisoners shall be
protected from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment,
for which no circumstances whatsoever may be invoked as a justification. The safety
and security of prisoners, staff, service providers and visitors shall be ensured at all
times (UNODC, 2015).

Rule 2
The present rules shall be applied impartially. There shall be no discrimination on
the grounds of race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or
social origin, property, birth or any other status. The religious beliefs and moral precepts
of prisoners shall be respected (UNODC, 2015).

In order for the principle of non-discrimination to be put into practice, prison

administrations shall take account of the individual needs of prisoners, in particular the
most vulnerable categories in prison settings. Measures to protect and promote the
rights of prisoners with special needs are required and shall not be regarded as
discriminatory (UNODC, 2015).

Rule 3
Imprisonment and other measures that result in cutting off persons from the
outside world are afflictive by the very fact of taking from these persons the right of self-
determination by depriving them of their liberty. Therefore the prison system shall not,
except as incidental to justifiable separation or the maintenance of discipline, aggravate
the suffering inherent in such a situation (UNODC, 2015).

Rule 4
The purposes of a sentence of imprisonment or similar measures deprivative of a
person’s liberty are primarily to protect society against crime and to reduce recidivism.
Those purposes can be achieved only if the period of imprisonment is used to ensure,
so far as possible, the reintegration of such persons into society upon release so that
they can lead a law-abiding and self-supporting life ( UNODC, 2015).

To this end, prison administrations and other competent authorities should offer
education, vocational training and work, as well as other forms of assistance that are
appropriate and available, including those of a remedial, moral, spiritual, social and
health and sports-based nature. All such programs, activities and services should be
delivered in line with the individual treatment needs of prisoners (UNODC, 2015).

Rule 5
The prison regime should seek to minimize any differences between prison life
and life and life at liberty that tends to lessen the responsibility of the prisoners or the
respect due to their dignity as human beings (UNODC, 2015).

Prison administrations shall make all reasonable accommodation and

adjustments to ensure that prisoners with physical, mental or other disabilities have full
and effective access to prison life on an equitable basis (UNDOC, 2015).

Rule 22
Every prisoner shall be provided by the prison administration at the usual hours
with food of nutritional value adequate for health and strength, of wholesome quality and
well prepared and served. Drinking water shall be available to every prisoner whenever
he or she needs it. Exercise and sport.

Rule 24
The provision of health care for prisoners is a State responsibility. Prisoners
should enjoy the same standards of health care that are available in the community, and
should have access to necessary health-care services free of charge without
discrimination on the grounds of their legal status.
Lesson 1.3 REPUBLIC ACT No. 7438

AN ACT DEFINING CERTAIN RIGHTS OF PERSON ARRESTED, DETAINED

OR UNDER CUSTODIAL INVESTIGATION AS WELL AS THE DUTIES OF THE
ARRESTING, DETAINING AND INVESTIGATING OFFICERS, AND PROVIDING
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF.

Section 1. Statement of Policy – It is the policy of the Senate to value the dignity of
every human being and guarantee full respect for human rights.

Section 2. Rights of Persons Arrested, Detained or Under Custodial Investigation;

Duties of Public Officers.
a. Any person arrested detained or under custodial investigation shall at all times be
assisted by counsel.
b. Any public officer or employee, or anyone acting under his order or his place,
who arrests, detains, or investigates any person for the commission of an offense
shall inform the latter, in a language known to and understood by him, of his
rights to remain silent and to have competent and independent counsel,
preferably of his own choice, who shall at all times be allowed to confer privately
with the person arrested, detained or under custodial investigation. If such
person cannot afford the services of his own counsel, he must be provided with a
competent and independent counsel by the investigating officer.
c. The custodial investigation report shall be reduced to writing by the investigating
officer, provided that before such report is signed, or thumb marked if the person
arrested or detained does not know how to read and write, it shall be read and
adequately explained to him by his counsel or by the assisting counsel provided
by the investigating officer in the language or dialect known to such arrested or
detained person, otherwise such investigation report shall be null and void and of
no effect whatsoever.
d. Any extrajudicial confession made by a person arrested, detained or under
custodial investigation shall be in writing and signed by such person in the
presence of his counsel or in the latter’s absence, upon a valid waiver and in the
presence of any of the parents, elder brothers and sisters, his spouse, the
municipal mayor, the municipal judge, district school supervisor, or priest or
minister of the gospel as chosen by him; otherwise, such extrajudicial confession
shall be inadmissible as evidence in any proceeding.
e. Any waiver by a person arrested or detained under the provisions of Article 125
of the Revised Penal Code, or under custodial investigation, shall be in writing
and signed by such person in the presence of his counsel; otherwise the waiver
shall be null and void and no effect.
f. Any person arrested or detained or under custodial investigation shall be allowed
visits by or conferences with any member of his immediate family, or any medical
 doctor, priest or religious minister chosen by him or by any member of his
immediate family or by his counsel, or by any national non-governmental
organization duly accredited by the Commission on Human Rights of by any
international non-governmental organization duly accredited by the office of the
President. The person's "immediate family" shall include his or her spouse, fiancé
or fiancée, parent or child, brother or sister, grandparent or grandchild, uncle or
aunt, nephew or niece, and guardian or ward.

As used in this Act, "custodial investigation" shall include the practice of issuing an
"invitation" to a person who is investigated in connection with an offense he is
suspected to have committed, without prejudice to the liability of the "inviting" officer for
any violation of law.
 Chapter 5
Treatment programs and Rehabilitation of the Different Confinement Facilities

Aims and Learning Outcomes

That students can:
1. Enumerate the BJMP core Programs
2. Enumerate the Prison Programs
2. Determine the Parole and Probation Administration Programs
3. Learn Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center

Rehabilitation and Reformation of PDL

Rehabilitation is a program of activity directed to restore a PDL’s self-respect

and sense of responsibility to the community, thereby making him/her a law abiding
citizen after serving his/her sentence (BJMP, 2015).

Reformation is a means of amending or improving by changing an inmate’s

behavior or removing his or her faults or abuse and removing and correcting an abuse
of a wrong or error (BJMP, 2015). It is the act of bringing back an inmate to such a sense
of justice, so that he may live in society without detriment to it. It refers to the act which
ensures the public that released national inmates are no longer harmful to the
community by becoming reformed individuals prepared to live a normal and productive
life upon reintegration to the mainstream society (RA 10575, 2013, Section 3).

Lesson 1.1 BJMP core programs

A. The following are the core programs of BJMP (BJMP, 2010).

1. Provisions of Basic Needs

All PDL under custody are provided with three (3) meals (breakfast, lunch and
supper). Adequate supply of potable water is made available to them at all times.
Likewise, upon admission, each PDL is issued his or her PDL uniform consisting of the
yellow shirt and brown jogging pants. Hygiene kits are also distributed to the PDL on a
monthly or quarterly basis (BJMP, 2010).
2. Health Services
Health services for PDL consist of interventions towards the prevention,
promotion, treatment of illnesses and rehabilitation. All PDL undergoes medical
assessment upon admission. During confinement, PDL are provided with health
education and counseling, medical consultations, regular health monitoring, and
provided medicines subject to availability. (BJMP, 2010).
3. Educational Program
The educational program aims to provide opportunities for PDL to achieve
mandatory education. BJMP adopted the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the
Department of Education for the PDL to earn their elementary and high school
diplomas. Teachers in the jail-based ALS are BJMP Personnel who are professional
teachers and trained on the Instructional Method for ALS. All PDL enrolled in the ALS
earn their respective Time Allowance for Teaching, Studying and Mentoring (TASTM)
pursuant to RA 10592 (BJMP,2010).
4. Skills Training/Enhancement Program
The objective of the skills training program is to equip the PDL with
technical/vocational skills which they can use in seeking employment or starting their
own business after release from confinement. To make the PDL as competitive as other
potential job seekers, the skills training preferred are those accredited by the Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) so that the PDL will be able to
earn National Certifications (BJMP, 2010).
5. Livelihood Programs
The livelihood program presents income-generating activities to PDL during their
confinement where they are able to earn for their personal upkeep and for financial
support to their families. The capital for the livelihood project is either from BJMP for
BJMP-funded projects or from the common fund of a group of PDL for non-BJMP
funded projects. To help the PDL earn from these livelihood projects, the jail unit
Welfare and Development Officer (UWDO) facilitates the sale of the products in display
centers or livelihood caravans organized by the local government units and other
service providers (BJMP, 2010).
6. Cultural and Sports Programs
The cultural program aims to promote camaraderie among PDL, encourage the
development of self-confidence and sharing of cultural talents as a form of positive
entertainment. Cultural activities allowed in jails include dance, singing, theater/drama,
and art workshops (BJMP, 2010).
7. Interfaith Program
PDL are provided with the opportunity to practice their faith while under custody
without discrimination, subject only to usual safety and security measures. The BJMP
chaplains and imams provide different religious service such as but not limited to mass
celebrations, communal prayers, spiritual counseling, catechism, and others (BJMP,
2010).
8. Behavioral Management/Modification Program
BJMP implements the Therapeutic Community Modality Program (TCMP) to
manage and modify behaviors of PDL with the goal of positively changing their thinking
and behavior through structured group processes. (BJMP, 2010).
9. Paralegal Program
The main objective of the Paralegal Program is to address the overcrowding in
jail facilities. Through the paralegal program, PDL are assisted in availing of the different
early modes of release. Regional and jail paralegal officers’ conduct continuous
informative seminars/orientations to PDL on their rights, modes of early release, and
other paralegal/legal remedies which can be availed of by them (BJMP, 2010).
10. E-DALAW
The E-DALAW service is an alternative to the traditional face-to-face visitation
between PDL and respective families. This service enables the PDL to connect with
his/her family through a supervised video call and chat. The program is conceptualized
specifically to cater to PDL whose family members cannot go to the jail for actual visit
because of the long distance to the jail from the residence or workplace of the family
members (BJMP, 2010).

Lesson 1.2 Prison Program

1. Prison Education - This refers to the administration of formal and non-formal

education, and skills development of inmates which shall be institutionalized by the
Directorate for Education and Training (DET). Participating volunteer teachers,
professors, instructors, and trainers shall be regulated and managed by DET (IIR of RA
10575, 2013.,p.5).
2. Work Programs- This refers to the administration of skills development programs on
work and livelihood to achieve self-sufficiency of inmates in the prison community and
for income generation of the agency. This shall be institutionalized by the Directorate for
Work and Livelihood (DWL). Volunteer participating agencies, Non-Government
Organizations and individuals shall be regulated and managed by DWL (IIR of RA 10575,
2013.,p.6).
3. Religious Services - This refers to the moral and spiritual values formation of inmates
which shall be institutionalized by the Directorate for Moral and Spiritual Welfare
(DMSW), which include the practice of one’s religion and beliefs. Participating Religious
Volunteer Organizations (RVO) and individuals shall be regulated and managed by
DMSW (IIR of RA 10575, 2013).
4. Medical and Health Services - This refers to the administration of proper nutrition,
hygiene, sanitation, cleanliness and promotion of good health to inmates. This also
includes appropriate provision of medical care or hospitalization of the sick, mentally
impaired, old aged, and disabled inmates. This shall be institutionalized by the
Directorate for Health and Welfare Services (DHWS). Volunteer participating agencies,
Non-Government Organizations and individuals shall be regulated and managed by
DHWS (IIR of RA 10575, 2013.,p.6).
5. Counseling and Case Work
o Counseling - it is a relationship in which one endeavors to help another
understand and solve his problems of adjustment. Counseling implies mutual
consent, and as used in working with offender, encompasses the personal and
group relationships undertaken by the staff.
o Casework - in correctional work, consist of working with one individual at a time,
which includes the professional services rendered by professionally trained
personnel in the description and social treatment of offenders.
 o Clinical Services – this services provides the most intensive diagnostic and
treatment activities which generally include the functions of psychiatrists,
psychologists, psychiatric social workers, and auxiliary personnel, particularly to
offenders with deep seated emotional problems .

Lesson 1.3 Parole and Probation Administration

Parole and Probation Administration (PPA) is an attached agency of the Department

of Justice which provides a less costly alternative to imprisonment of offenders who are
likely to respond to individualized community based treatment programs
(chanrobes.com,n.d).Their mandates are the following (PD. 968, 1976, Section 2).
1. Promote the correction and rehabilitation of an offender by providing him with
individualized treatment:
2. Provide an opportunity for the reformation of a penitent offender which might be
less probable if he were to serve a prison sentence; and
3. Prevent the commission of offenses.

Major Rehabilitation Program of PPA

The goal of the rehabilitation program of PPA is to effect the rehabilitation and
reintegration of probationers, paroles, pardonees, and first-time minor drug offenders as
productive, law-abiding, and socially responsible members of the community through
(PPA, n.d.).
o Well planned supervision programs for probationers, parolees, pardonees, and
first time-time minor drug offfenders which are aligned to national program thrust
of the government, such as, the Sariling-Sikap, Jail Decongeston, etc.
o Establishment of innovative and financially and technically feasible projects for
the moral, spiritual and economic upliftment of probationers, parolees,
pardonees, and first time minor drug offenders utilizing available community
resources.

Lesson 1.4 Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center

With the implementation of Republic Act 9165, Drug Abuse Treatment and
Rehabilitation Centers (TRCs) were established around the Philippines, under the
management of the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation.
As drug dependence gradually began to be viewed as a medical problem, the TRCs
were transferred under the Department of Health (DOH). The existing treatment and
rehabilitation centers for drug dependents operated and maintained by the NBI and the
PNP shall be operated, maintained and managed by the DOH in coordination with other
concerned agencies. For the purpose of enlarging the network of centers, the Board
through the DOH shall encourage, promote or whenever feasible, assist or support in
the establishment, operations and maintenance of private centers which shall be eligible
to receive grants, donations or subsidy from either government or private sources. It
shall also support the establishment of government-operated regional treatment and
rehabilitation centers depending upon the availability of funds. The national government,
through its appropriate agencies shall give priority funding for the increase of subsidy to
existing government drug rehabilitation centers, and shall establish at least one (1) drug
rehabilitation center in each province, depending on the availability of funds.
Drug Treatment Modality
Drug treatment modality is the model or approach in the treatment of drug
dependents utilized by treatment and rehabilitation centers. Here are some of the of the
treatment modalities being implemented (DDB, n.d.).
1. Multidisciplinary Team Approach
Is a method in the treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependents which
avails of the services and skills of team composed of psychiatrist,
psychologist, social worker, occupational therapist and other related
disciplines in collaboration with the family and the drug dependents.
2. Therapeutic Community Approach
It views addiction as a symptomatic manifestation of a more complex
psychological problem rooted in an interplay of emotional, social, physical
and spiritual values. It is a highly structured program wherein the
community is utilized as the primary vehicle to foster behavioral and
attitudinal change.
3. Hazelden-Minnesota Model
It views addiction as a disease, an involuntary condition caused by factors
largely outside a person’s control. The program consists of didactic
lectures, cognitive-behavioral psychology, Alcoholic Anonymous
principles/Twelve Steps Principles and biblio-theraphy.
4. Spiritual Approach
It uses the Bible as the primary source of inspiration to change. It views
drug addiction as a sin and encourages the patients to turn away from it
and renew their relationship with the Lord.
5. Eclectic Approach
Aims at applying a holistic approach in the rehabilitation program. The
spiritual and cognitive components of the Twelve Steps complement the
behavioral aspects of the Therapeutic Community. The skills and services
of rehabilitation professionals are made available.
 Chapter 6
Therapeutic Community Modality

Aims and Learning Outcomes

That students can:
1. Know the significance of Therapeutic Community
2. Enumerate the Activities in Therapeutic Community Modality
3. Learn the Halfway House and Livelihood Training Center

Lesson 1.1 What is a Therapeutic Community?

The therapeutic community (TC) is an environment that helps people gets help
while helping others. It is a treatment environment; the interactions of its members are
designed to be therapeutic within the context of the norms that require for each to play
the dual role of client-therapist (Probation.gov.ph, n.d.). It is the vehicle to foster
behavioral and attitudinal change. The expectations that it places on its individual
members reflects not only the needs of the individual but also the social and support
needs of the community. It also provides social expectations, which parallel to the social
demands that the client will confront upon discharge to their home communities (BJMP,
2010).

The Philippines is employing Therapeutic Community Modality (TCM) to effect

the rehabilitation and reintegration of probationers, parolees, pardonees, first-time minor
drug offenders (PPA, n.d.). and PDLs (BJMP, 2015) as productive, law-abiding and socially
responsible members of the community. TCM is a self-help social learning treatment
model used for clients with problems of drug abuse and other behavioral problems such
as alcoholism, stealing, and other anti-social tendencies (PPA, n.d). It provides dynamic
“mutual self help” environments in which residents transmit or reinforce one another’s
acceptance of and conformity with the highly structured and stringent expectations of
the community (Bez, 2020).

Ultimate Objective of Therapeutic Approach

o Rehabilitation of offenders
The person in a prison is often a victim of circumstances and his detention period
needs to be utilized for giving him training and equipping him with skills which would
help him to rehabilitate himself in the society. The modern theory of Reformation and
Rehabilitation emphasizes the need for training not only in custodial and security
aspects, but also in the scientific methods of treatment of offenders. Therefore, today
jails are not penitentiaries but reformation houses. Prisoners are provided with an
opportunity to integrate into the mainstream society and heal themselves. Various
programs run in the prison features self-development workshops with an emphasis on
human values, and vocational training programs. (Sabnis, M.A. 1958, 
Planning and Administration of. Aftercare Services)

SALIENT FEATURES OF THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY

(https://probation.gov.ph/therapeutic-community)
1. The primary “therapist” and teacher is the community itself, consisting of peers
and staff, who, as role models of successful personal change, serve as guides in
the recovery process.
2. TC adheres to precepts of right living: Truth/honesty; Here and now; Personal
responsibility for destiny; Social responsibility (brother’s keeper); Moral Code;
Inner person is “good” but behavior can be “bad”; Change is the only certainty;
Work ethics; Self-reliance; Psychological converges with philosophical (e.g. guilt
kills)
3. It believes that TC is a place where: One can change – unfold; the group can
foster change; individuals must take responsibility; structures must accommodate
this; Act as if – go through the motion.
4. There are five distinct categories of activity that help promote the change:
a. Relational/Behavior Management
b. Affective/Emotional/Psychological
c. Cognitive/Intellectual
d. Spiritual
e. Psychomotor/Vocational-Survival Skills
These tools serve more than just the purpose of curbing unproductive behavior.
They are also a means used for enforcing community sanctions on behavior that
undermine the safety and integrity of the community such as violations of the cardinal
rules of TC: NO drugs, NO violence or threat of violence, NO sexual acting out and NO
stealing! Everything an officer does is meant to erase “street behavior” and to lead the
offender to be committed to “right living”.

Therapeutic Community Mission

O To promote human and social transformation among our clients and among
ourselves.
Therapeutic Community Vision
o By the end of this decade, TC shall have become the corporate culture of the
Parole and Probation Administration permeating its plans, programs, and
practices, and confirming its status as a model component of the Philippine
Correctional System.

Lesson 1.2 Activities in Therapeutic Community Modality

The Therapeutic Community Modality provides a well-defined structure for a

synchronized and focused implementation of the various intervention
strategies/activities such as: (PPA, n.d).
Individual and Group Counseling
This activity intends to assist the clients in trying to sort out their problems,
identify solutions, reconcile conflicts and help resolve them. This could be done either
by individual or group interaction with the officers of the assigned agency.
Moral, Spiritual, Values Formation
Seminars, lectures or training offered or arranged by the designated agency,
comprise these rehabilitation activities. Active NGOs, schools, civic and religious
organizations are tapped to facilitate the activities.
Work or Job Placement/Referral
Categorized as an informal program wherein a client is referred for work or job
placement through the officer’s own personal effort, contact or information.
Vocational/Livelihood and Skills Training
The program includes the setting up of seminars and skills training classes like
food preservation and processing, candle making, novelty items and handicrafts
making, etc., to help the clients earn extra income. Likewise, vocational and technical
trade classes are available such as refrigeration, automotive mechanics, radio/television
and electronics repairs, tailoring, dressmaking, basic computer training, etc. through
coordination with local barangays, parish centers, schools and civic organizations.
Health, Mental and Medical Services
To address some of the basic needs of clients and their families, medical
missions are organized to provide various forms of medical and health services
including physical examination and treatment, free medicines and vitamins, dental
examination and treatment, drug dependency test and laboratory examination.

Psychological testing and evaluation as well as psychiatric treatment are likewise

provided for by the Agency’s Clinical Services Division and if not possible by reason of
distance, referrals are made to other government accredited institutions.
Literacy and Education
In coordination with LGU programs, adult education classes are available to help
clients learn basic writing, reading and arithmetic. Likewise, literacy teach-ins during any
sessions conducted for clients become part of the module. This is particularly intended
for clients who are “no read, no write” to help them become functionally there.

Likewise, linkages with educational Foundation, other GOs and NGOs are
regularly done for free school supplies, bags and uniforms for client’s children and
relatives.
Community Service
This program refers to the services in the community rendered by clients for the
benefit of society. It includes tree planting, beautification drives, cleaning and greening
of surroundings, maintenance of public parks and places, garbage collection, blood
donation and similar socio-civic activities.
Client Self-Help Organization
This program takes the form of cooperatives and client associations wherein the
clients form cooperatives and associations as an economic group to venture on small-
scale projects. Similarly, client associations serve another purpose by providing some
structure to the lives of clients where they re-learn the basics of working within a group
with hierarchy, authority and responsibility much like in the bigger society.
Payment of Civil Liability
The payment of civil liability or indemnification to victims of offenders are pursued
despite the economic status of clients. Payment of obligations to the victims instills in
the minds of the clients their responsibility and consequences of the harm they inflicted
to others.
Environmental and Ecology Awareness Programs
To instill awareness and concern in preserving ecological balance and
environmental health, seminars/lectures are conducted wherein clients participate.
These seminars/lectures tackle anti-smoke belching campaigns, organic farming, waste
management, segregation and disposal and proper care of the environmental.
Sports and Physical Fitness
Activities that provide physical exertion like sports, games and group play are
conducted to enhance the physical well-being of clients. Friendly competition of clients
from the various offices of the sectors, together with the officers, provide an enjoyable
and helpful respite.

Lesson 1.3 Halfway House and Livelihood Training Center

A halfway house is a center designed to help criminals rehabilitate back into

society. The name implies that the center is a halfway point between leaving prison and
rejoining everyday life. In most cases, inmates can leave the facility for approved
activities like work, job seeking, counseling or certain forms of recreation.

Functions of a Halfway House for Prisoners

Prison halfway houses, are aimed at helping criminals reintegrate into society.
Usually, a low-risk criminal with a year left on their sentence will be given the option of
serving the remainder in a halfway house as a way to improve their chances when back
in the real world. In most cases, they can choose not to attend a halfway house and
rather finish their sentence in prison, but very few take this option. In some cases,
spending time in a halfway house will be a condition of a prisoner’s probation.

A halfway house is typically a large living facility where transitioning prisons live
together as a community. The rules and security in a prison halfway house are less
stringent than in prisons since these inmates are usually a lower flight risk. However,
halfway house inmates are still required to attend certain programs, complete work
duties and follow curfew rules.
 CHAPTER 7
The Re-integration Programs of the PDLs to the Community

Aims and Learning Outcomes

That students can:
1. Learn the Phases of BJMP Therapeutic Modality
2. Enumerate the Bucor Programs
3. Enumerate the Therapeutic Community Ladderized Program

Lesson 1.1 Phases of BJMP Therapeutic Modality

The phasing of therapeutic community modality program in the BJMP set up is

quite unique in the sense that PDLs are in custody while undergoing trial for their
individual cases. Their length of stay in the program is determined by how fast is the
disposition of their cases. The cases may be decided upon after a short period of time
or may last for years. It is important to note that, although the different phases of
treatment are observed, it cannot be fully implemented or may not be followed as
scheduled due to the uniqueness of the status of the residents (BJMP TCMP Manual,
n.d.).

Phase I- Entry/Orientation Phase

Once an inmate is committed to jail, he undergoes a series of examination to

determine his physical, social and psychological status. Upon his commitment, a
resident is placed on orientation at the Reception Diagnostic room/ Orientation room. In
here, he is acquainted with the TC programs. (BJMP TCMP Manual, n.d.).
o The rules and norms of the community;
o TC concepts, written and unwritten philosophy;
o The staff and the members of the community;
o The tools of the house; and
o Job functions and TC hierarchy.
He is then assigned a static group and a big brother who will provide him with
support and will walk him through the orientation phase. At this phase, the resident is
handled gently and expected to commit mistakes in the process of learning the
program. Sanctions on negative behavior are usually light with emphasis on teaching
(BJMP TCMP Manual, n.d.).

Phase II- Primary Treatment

After proper orientation on the different TC concepts and tools, the norms and
rules of the community and the staff members, the resident is now ready to undergo the
treatment proper. He becomes a part of the community starting as a crew member of
the Housekeeping departments until he gradually ascends in the hierarchy. He must be
knowledgeable on the following: (BJMP TCMP Manual, n.d.).
o Proper use of the different tools to address personal issues and concerns
and shape behavior;
o Managing own feelings and learning on how to express self appropriately
o Learning how to follow the rules and norms of the community;
o Maximize participation in activities that are appropriate to the resident’s
need for growth;
o Learning how to trust the environment by disclosing self to the community
and develop insight in the process.
o Developing positive coping skills to deal with difficult life situations
o Enhancing educational and vocational skills to make him productive
o Improve social skills and recognize the importance of other people’s help
in shaping behavior.

Phase III- Pre Re-entry

Under the regular circumstances, the resident is expected at this stage to have
internalized the TC Values and concept to start life fresh. However, in the jail setting
where entry and release are not within the jail control, residents may not have reached
this phase of treatment before they even leave in the facility (BJMP TCMP Manual, n.d.).
Regardless of the resident’s length of stay, he is expected to undergo this phase
prior to release into society. At this phase, the resident is expected to have proven his
ability to take on more responsibility hence needs lesser supervision. He is considered a
role model in the TC Community. He should focus on the following learning: ( BJMP
TCMP Manual, n.d.).
o Rebuilding of social family ties;
o Going up the ladder of hierarchy by showing leadership;
o Realization of his full potential to be a productive member of society; and
o Mapping out of plans.

Phase IV- Re-entry

In the ideal setting, a resident at this stage is now ready to be released back to
society as he has demonstrated adequate self-control and discipline. The inmate is now
preparing for his life outside of jail and is focused on making himself a productive
citizen. He may start planning for job hunting and rebuilding family ties and relationships
(BJMP TCMP Manual, n.d.).
In the jail setting, the residents will stay inside the jail until their cases are
resolved or they have been convicted and need to be remanded to the Bureau of
Corrections.
The residents must focus on the following: (BJMP TCMP Manual, n.d.).
o Transition to life outside of jail;
o Creating a new lifestyle applying the tools and concept of TC;
o Learning positive coping skills to deals with day-to-day situations;
o Re-establishing and strengthening family ties and support group;
o Reintegration into the mainstream of society;
o Developing realistic and attainable goals in life.

Phase IV – Aftercare

Aftercare is an outpatient program that requires clients to report twice a week to

an outreach center. They are required to attend group sessions to ensure their
adjustment to life outside jail to reduce recidivism. For clients released from jail, they are
referred to the Parole and Probation Administration and Local Government Units for
follow up and aftercare. The clients are focused on the following (BJMP TCMP Manual,
n.d).
o Maintaining positive behavior and prevent recidivism;
o Strengthening coping mechanism;
o Sustaining interest in job or vocation to maintain livelihood;
o Integration into society.

Lesson 1.2 BUCOR Programs

The core objective in the administration of these reformation programs is the

effective treatment of antisocial behavior and destructive personality disorders of an
inmate. The circumferential reformation programs which will be institutionalized by
BuCor for the inmates consist of the following (Revised IRR of RA No. 10575, 2016,
Section 4.c.)

a. Moral and Spiritual Programs

This refers to the moral and spiritual values-formation of inmates
which shall be institutionalized by the Directorate for Moral and Spiritual
Welfare (DMSW), which include the practice of one’s religion and beliefs.
Participating Religious Volunteer Organizations (RVO) and individuals
shall be regulated and managed by DMSW.
b. Education and Training Program
This refers to the administration of formal and non-formal education, and
skills development of inmates which shall be institutionalized by the
Directorate for Education and Training (DET). Participating volunteer
teachers, professors, instructor and trainers shall be regulated and
managed by DET.
c. Work and Livelihood Program
This refers to the administration of skills development programs on work
and livelihood to achieve self-sufficiency of inmates in the prison
 community and for income generation of the agency. This shall be
institutionalized by the Directorate for Work and Livelihood (DWL).
Volunteer participating agencies, Non-governmental Organizations and
individuals shall be regulated and managed by DWL.
d. Sports and Recreation Program
This refers to the administration of physical and recreational engagement
to achieve mental alertness and physical agility in the spirit of
sportsmanship. This shall be institutionalized by the Directorate for Sports
and Recreation (DSR). Volunteer participating agencies, Non-
governmental Organizations and individuals shall be regulated and
managed by DSR.
e. Health and Welfare Program
This refers to the administration of proper nutrition, hygiene, sanitation,
cleanliness and promotion of good health to inmates. This also includes
appropriate provision of medical care or hospitalization of the sick,
mentally impaired, old aged and disabled inmates. This shall be
institutionalized by the Directorate for Health and Welfare Services
(DHWS). Volunteer participating agencies, Non-Government
Organizations and Individuals shall be regulated and managed by DHWS.
f. Behavior Modification Program
This refers to the administration of programs for the character formation of
an inmate necessary for effective interpersonal relationship in the prison
community. This programs also includes Therapeutic Community. This
shall be institutionalized by the Directorate for Behavior Modification
(DBM). Volunteer participating agencies, Non-Government Organizations
and Individuals shall be regulated and managed by DBM.

Lesson 1.3 Therapeutic Community Ladderized Program (TCLP)

The PPA employs Therapeutic Community Ladderized Program (TCLP) where in

it integrates therapeutic community tools, norms, principles and methods with the
probation and parole requirements, implemented in progressive phases (ladders) within
the non-residential community based setting of the PPA’s rehabilitation program of
clients (PPA, 2017).

Program Phases of Therapeutic Community Ladderized Program

1. Preparatory Stage
This stage corresponds to the sixty-day investigation period for petitioners
for probation, parole for executive clemency.
At the end of the preparatory stage the clients shall have: (PPA, 2017).
o Clients shall have accomplished the first Needs and Problems Checklist and
Initial Personal Development Plan, together with the Investigation Officer.
Clients shall have committed to comply with the conditions of their
probation/parole, and to participate in the TC program.
o Problems that may hinder clients participation in the TC programs shall have
been identified and addressed

2. Phase I- Orientation
This is where the building of the foundation of the TCLP is done. Clients
are assimilated into the TC culture during this phase. He/ She acquires
understanding of the program. Philosophy and beliefs of TC, his/her role in the
hierarchical structure, and rules to be observed as a TC Family member (PPA,
2017).
At the end of the orientation phase the clients shall have: (PPA, 2017).
a. Relational /Behavioral Management
 Complied with probation/parole conditions
 Used pull-ups, affirmations, elaboration, and other behavioral shaping
tools
 Refrained from use of prohibited drugs
 Established bonding and trust with the TC Family.
 Involved some family members in their rehabilitation activities
b. Affective/Emotional-Psychological
 Shown good grooming
 Begun to accept responsibility for their personal change
c. Cognitive/Intellectual
 Identify personal strengths and weaknesses and resolved to change
specific negative behaviors and attitudes.
 Acquired knowledge of the TC concepts, tools and processes.
d. Spiritual
 Applied at least one TC Unwritten Philosophy
 Developed insights on their rehabilitation program through reflections
 Demonstrated understanding and appreciation of the TC Philosophy
 Expressed insights on their faith in God as the primary source of help in
order to change.
e. Psychomotor/Vocational-Survival Skills
 Demonstrated responsibility through performance assigned tasks.

3. Phase II: Primary Treatment

The focus of primary treatment is to effect behavioral change and develop
client initiative and self-discipline. Through constant application of TC values and
with regular use of TC tools, clients manifest a socially acceptable behavior and
live an addiction-free lifestyle.
At the end of the Primary treatment Phase the clients shall have (PPA, 2017).
a. Relational/Behavioral Management
 Continued to comply with probation/parole conditions
 Demonstrated socially acceptable behavior
  Become familiarized with behavior shaping tools and applied them
appropriately
 Become aware of and applied correct practices on environment issues
b. Affective- Emotional – Psychological
 Identified, accepted, and respected personal feelings, and dealt with them
appropriately.
 Expressed realizations and insights into their behavior, attitudes and
values.
 Become familiarized with TC healing tools and applied them appropriately.
c. Cognitive/Intellectual
 Gained awareness and knowledge of gender issues
 Acquired and/or enhanced literary skills.
d. Spiritual
 Understood TC Ups and applied them
 Memorized and explained the TC Philosophy
 Affirmed their faith in God as the primary source of help in order to
change.
e. Psychomotor/Vocational-Survival Skills
 Sought and assumed responsibilities
 Identified and developed employable skills.

4. Phase III- Immersion

It is a vital link between Phase II and Phase IV. During this phase, clients
apply their learnings from Phase II and are now internalizing the TC precepts and
beliefs. In the process, clients become mature and responsible, endeavor to fulfill
their duties to their families and community. (PPA, 2017).
At the end of the Immersion Phase the clients shall have (PPA, 2017).
a. Relational/ Behavior Management
 Continued to substantially comply with probation/parole conditions
 Developed harmonious relationship with the family and community
 Identified legitimate social support groups for relapse prevention.
b. Affective- Emotional – Psychological
 Developed a sense of responsibility and maturity
 Learned to deal with issues leading to relapse
 Manifested positive personal change
 Managed critical life challenges
c. Cognitive/Intellectual
 Sustained basic literacy skills and/or developed other thought processes.
d. Spiritual
 Attained genuine spiritual enhancement
 Internalized the TC precepts and belief system.
e. Psychomotor/Vocational-Survival Skills
  Enhanced/utilized employable skills and/or engaged in other productive
pursuits to increase self sufficiency
 Demonstrated initiative and resourcefulness in performing functions in the
Hierarchical Structure.

5. Phase IV: Integration

In this phase, the client manifests sustained positive changes in behaviors and
attitudes that makes him/her a TC strength and a role model to his/her fellow clients. It
is also during this phase that the clients sustains lawful means of livelihood, applies
adequate literacy skills, and deals with others in positive ways, thus making him/her a
productive member and an asset of the community (PPA, 2017).
The client is expected to consistently behave in a responsible manner both in the
family and in the community without the direct supervision of a Probation and Parole
Officer. Client sustains lawful means of livelihood, applies adequate literacy skills, and
deals with others in positive ways, thus making him/her a productive member and an
asset of the community (PPA, 2017).
At the end of the Integration Phase the clients shall have (PPA, 2017).
a. Relational/Behavioral Management
 Continued to substantially comply with probation/parole conditions
 Maintained harmonious relationship with the family and community
 Become a role model to other clients
 Maintained peaceful relationship with the victim.
b. Affective/Emotional-Psychological
 Manifested sustained positive changes in behavior and attitude
 Recognized that personal change is a continuing process even without
supervision
c. Cognitive/Intellectual
 Attained and applied adequate functional literacy
d. Spiritual
 Continued to practice the TC precepts and belief system.
e. Psychomotor/Vocational-Survival Skills
Become economically independent.
 CHAPTER 8
Developmental Aspects of Therapeutic Modalities

Behavioral Aspect in Therapeutic Community Modality Program

Aims and Learning Outcomes

That students can:
1. Understand the concept of Behavior Management in TCMP
2. Learn the Emotional and Psychological Aspect of Therapeutic Community
3. Learn the Spiritual and Intellectual Aspects of TCMP
4. Know the vocational and survival programs of Therapeutic Modality

Components of BJMP Therapeutic Community Modality Program

The Therapeutic Community Modality Program of BJMP has four interconnected

development aspects: Behavioral Management; Emotional and Psychological;
Intellectual and Spiritual; and Vocational and Survival Skills. They are special areas of
concern in the individual’s personality. Each component has very discrete sets of
activities, methodologies and philosophies and underlying theories that help promote
change in the members of the community and the use of various behavior shaping tools
are interconnected/interrelated with one another (BJMP TCMP Manual, n.d).

Lesson 1.1 Behavioral Aspect in Therapeutic Community Modality Program

Behavioral Management is a component of Therapeutic Community Modality

Program (TCMP) that introduces the concept and mechanics of the various shaping
tools to include the Morning meeting in order to facilitate the management of and shape
the behavior of the residents. This shows the essential elements and significance of the
tools which would provide the community common language, increase cohesiveness
and adopt to the moral and behavioral code of the tools application. The behavioral
shaping tools are ordered in the hierarchy to provide enough room for personal growth
and learning. The community serves as a dynamic force that motivates the individual to
achieve positive behavior change (BJMP TCMP Manual, n.d.).

Objectives of Behavior Management in TCMP

The following are the objectives of behavior management in Therapeutic

Community Model (BJMP TCMP Manual, n.d.).
1. To introduce the concept of behavior management through the use of various
behavior shaping tools to residents.
2. To institutionalize the practice of behavior shaping tools to foster behavior
change among residents; and
 3. To highlight the importance of behavior management in relation to the other
TCMP components towards attitudinal change among residents.

Behavior Shaping Tools

Behavior Shaping Tools (BST) are employed to strengthen the learning process
and the practice of more adaptive behaviors within the social learning environment. The
following are the behavior shaping tools of the Therapeutic Community Model Program
of the BJMP (BJMP TCMP Manual, n.d.).

i. Pre Morning Meeting – It is done early in the morning prior to the Morning
Meeting. This is to make sure that everything is ironed out prior to the conduct of
the Morning Meeting such as the validation of pull-ups and other concerns (BJMP
TCMP Manual, n.d.)
ii. Morning Meeting - It is the daily ritual that starts the day in a Therapeutic
Community facility. It is attended by the whole community and lasts for an hour. It
is divided into two (2) parts namely: 1) public announcements and community
concerns and 2) community-spirit building or up rituals ( BJMP TCMP Manual, n.d.).

Major Behavior Shaping Tools – they were developed as a means to correct behaviors
of the residents that violated the TC norms. They are ( BJMP TCMP Manual, n.d.).

o Talk-To – It is a friendly reminder given by a Superior member and a peer to a

young member conducted in a private and formal manner.
o Pull-up – It encourages honesty, demeanor awareness and owning up to one’s
mistakes. This is done when the violator is unknown and must be validated first
prior to bringing up in the Morning Meeting.
o Dealt-With – It is a form of verbal reprimand given privately by a Senior member
and two peers for a recurrent behaviors.
o Haircut – It is a ritualistic and highly structured verbal reprimand that is delivered
by staff or peers.
o Learning Experiences/Bans – It is a form of restitution for persistent non-
compliance with community expectations. It is geared towards achieving a target
behavior or attitude. Bans are containment actions that limit privileges to all our
portions of the community for major breakdowns in house structure.
o General- Meeting –It is called and led by a senior member of the staff, usually the
Director of the facility to deal with a repeated breach to the Cardinal Rules.
o Expulsion – It is done when a resident is incorrigible and becomes a threat to the
community.
Lesson 1.2 Emotional and Psychological Aspect of Therapeutic Community

Persons deprived of liberty are basically psychologically and emotionally

challenged. Being incarcerated with uncertainties as to the outcome of their individual
cases makes them feel isolated, helpless and at times hopeless brought about by
separation from their loved ones and society in general and all other issues that
confront them while incarcerated. These emotional turmoil needs to be addressed to
help them bounce back and experience a life of normalcy despite their unique situation.
TCMP provides therapeutic value of processing of feelings which does not only lie on
how freely one expresses them but more so on the person’s ability to identify,
acknowledge, and express them appropriately (BJMP TCMP Manual, n.d.).

What is Counseling?
Counseling is defined as a professional activity of helping individuals, groups or
communities enhance or restore their capacity for psychological, emotional, and social
functioning and creating an environment favorable for the attainment of these goals
(BJMP TCMP Manual, n.d.).

Skills and Characteristics of Counseling

According to the BJMP Therapeutic Community Model Program Manual, the skills
and characteristics of counseling used on Therapeutic Community Modality Program
are:
a. Empathy
This refers to the ability to perceive the client’s feeling and to demonstrate
accurate perception of the client. It is merely “putting oneself in the client’s
shoes.” When the client’s feels understood, a sense of trust or “rapport” is
developed. Rapport paves the way to a more meaningful communication and
may enable the client to understand and accept more of his or her complexity of
feelings.
b. Warmth
It is also known as “unconditional positive regard”. It involves accepting
and caring about the client as a person, regardless of any evaluation or
prejudices on the client’s behavior or thoughts. It is most often conveyed through
our non-verbal behavior or bodily gestures.
c. Respect
It refers to the belief in the client’s ability to make appropriate decisions
and deal appropriately with his or her life situation, when given a safe and
supportive environment in which to do so. It is often showed best by not offering
advice or cheap comfort. The counselor shows his utmost respect to the client by
listening in silence and giving him the opportunity to design his own solutions to
the problem. A similar term for this is “empowerment” as the counselor likewise
demonstrates the he values the integrity of the client.
d. Congruence
 Also known as genuineness. It includes the act of being honest and
authentic in dealing with the client. It is showing real concern rather than focusing
on techniques during sessions. It is also being aware of the counselor’s own
unmet needs and how it may affect his relationship with the client.
e. Confidentiality
It means that anything discussed during counseling session is held
absolutely private and not to be discussed anywhere. This contract should be
held sacred so as to maintain the client’s trust and enable him to disclose
sensitive matters to the counselor without fear of any breach of confidentiality
(BJMP TCMP Manual, n.d.).

When to break Confidentiality?

o Children are being neglected or abused

o Appearance in court as a witness
o Client expressed plan to commit suicide
o Client expressed plan to harm others

Patterns of Counseling Approaches

Initial Interview/ Intake Interview
TCMP is introduced as a program for the development of PDLs while they are
awaiting trial. Participants in jail are unique as they are not necessarily drug users. The
intake interview in the jail setting is done by the counselor to newly admitted residents.
The main purpose is to elicit information about the resident and provide information
about the program and what the expectations are on both parties. Full and honest
disclosure is expected on the resident to elicit adequate and elaborate information and
come up with the proper treatment plan (BJMP TCMP Manual n.d.)
Participants: Newly committed residents, Counselor
Procedure:
o After booking procedure, the Counselor/IWDO will conduct the initial intake
interview to the newly committed residents using the intake interview form.
Individual Counseling
Individual counseling or one to one counseling is a helping tool between the
residents and counselor. Residents are usually referred to the counselor as needed by
peers or staff based on the resident’s behavior. It is done to accomplish the following
objectives (BJMP TCMP Manual, n.d.).
1. To promote individual explorations and help surface complicated and troubled
feelings among the residents.
2. To provide a regular source of a counseled guidance to a residents
3. To assist the residents develop better coping skills and improve self-esteem
4. To explore the different psychological tools which promote the development of
insights and increase self-efficacy among the residents.
Group Counseling
Group counseling or Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves one
or more therapist working with several people at the same time (Cherry, 2021). The
objectives of group counseling are:
1. To provide support to residents who fall behind and raise awareness about
problematic behaviors.
2. To help solve and overcome the problem
3. To impart to residents the practice of TC norms and values.
4. To develop awareness and insights into one’s motives, feelings, and behavior.
Types of Groups in Therapeutic Community Modality Program
Static Group
The Static Group is a permanent group of peers and leaders that meet regularly
while the residents are in treatment. It is a sort of “home” group who provides support
for one another and to the new members of the community. This is designed to provide
a forum for self-expression and disclosure. It is usually facilitated by senior members of
the group. It focuses on group relationship and patterns of behavior (BJMP TCMP Manual
n.d.)
Participants: 10-15 residents, Counselor
Procedure:
o Once a resident enters the jail, he/she is assigned to a particular static group. It
serves as a permanent group that addresses the general issues in treatment.
o Each resident member is encouraged in expressing and disclosing personal
issues and concerns and receives feedback from the other members. Violence
and threat of violence is prohibited.
o When their emotional needs and problems are properly addressed, their positive
behaviors and attitudes emerge and they will eventually feel better about
themselves.
o The static group does away with negative socialization and employs positive re-
socialization through a caring relationships with peer.
Peer Confrontation Group
The group participants in Peer Confrontation group are selected by the staff and
group according to peers like adult members will go with the same date of entry in the
facility and same goes with the middle and young members. It is done in a more
compassionate way where each resident try to help one another. Participants confront
each other on what they do for themselves while in the facility and ask how they are
coping with it. (BJMP TCMP Manual n.d.).

Participants: 10-15 residents, Coordinator

Procedures:
o Participants will sit in a circle position
 o There is no particular order of speaking. It is conventional and free-wheeling
o Participants may start with a prayer
o Participants may then say “What do you say about me? or please give me a
feedback on my progress here “or how do you see me?
o Peer confrontation is done in a compassionate way where each resident try to
help one another and identify certain issues which could be a hindrance to his
recovery.
o At the end of the sharing, the resident is asked a commitment about issue that he
feels uncomfortable dealing with.
Secrets
It is a group activity where participants are given the opportunity to unload
emotional baggage and thus experience freedom from internal psychological conflicts. It
promotes trust among the participants knowing that each will reveal his utmost secrets
to the group. It is also aims to deepen mutual respect among the participants.
Participants: Staff, 10-12 residents
Procedures:
o Form a group of 10-12 residents, preferably of variedly different persons
o Each of one is instructed to go to a place where they can be alone and free from
distractions
o In a piece of paper, the resident will write a letter to himself about an event in his
life which he has been keeping as a deep secret because it has caused a lot of
pain, guilt, shame or anxiety.
o The letter is written as if he is addressing it to somebody and could start as “Dear
Friend”. He should not state his name or any name and place which could lead
the group as to the writer. He may write it in a way that would not give away any
hint. This is done for 30minutes.
o The group then converges and all the rolled letters will be placed in a bag. The
residents will be seated in a circle. The first one will be asked to pick up a letter
and read it aloud to everyone as if he is reading his own letter. The rest will
provide advice, moral support, motivation or encouragement to the reader. No
criticism or negative comments are encouraged.
o After all the letters were read, the facilitator will do brief processing focusing on
the feelings of the participants and how it affected each one of them. The group
may choose to pray as a closing ritual.
o Before the groups adjourns, the facilitator collects the letters and burn them in a
clay bag or garbage bin as a symbolic ritual of letting go of all the hurts and pains
and not allowing them to hinder future growth.
Encounter Groups
The encounter group serves as a “safety valve” within the community which is
usually high pressured and structured. It is a forum for members of the community to
verbally express pent-up or negative emotions within a structured and safe environment
without resorting to violence or aggression and without fear of reprisal. There are strict
behavioral norms and rules observed during an encounter group such as: no violence or
threat of violence, no attack on personal dignity, speak only for oneself and remain
seated at all times (BJMP TCMP Manual n.d.).

Participants: Counselor, 2 co-facilitators, 8-10 residents

Procedure:
o A resident may drop a slip on another resident stating his name, the name of the
person he is dropping a slip and the reason for dropping the slip. Only feelings of
hurt, anger, and concern can be reasons for encounter.
o The staff will choose his co-facilitator who are also staff members. Once he has
gathered 2 or 3 slips, he may schedule an encounter group.
o The facilitator will arrange the group in a circle in such a way that the two parties
involved are seated opposite each other.
The facilitator should be able to guide the flow of conversation and should be
skilled enough to interrupt anytime he feels that the safety of the group is being
compromised.
o The flow of the encounter should pass through the four (4) phases:
i. Confrontation- This phase involves verbalization of concerns or
honest disclosure of emotions that has been provoked during
interpersonal interactions with another resident. Regardless of
cathartic nature of expression, the rules of the encounter group
should always be respected.
ii. Exploration- In this phase, all the feelings that were expressed are
further examined, explored and find out how it could have resulted
in such way in order to evoke awareness on the connection of
behavior, feelings, and attitudes.
And this phase hopes to enhance the insight of both parties and
encourage ownership of one’s mistake and take accountability for
his/her actions.
iii. Resolution and Commitment – After some realization and attaining
insights into their behaviors, the residents are now ready to move to
the last phase to practice new behaviors. From the feedback
received the resident involved will now express how he feels about
the whole thing and may own up his behavior which has cause the
conflict. He then goes on to make commitments to avoid such
occurrence in the future.
iv. Socialization – This is structured social event where all those
involved in an encounter will have ample time to mend fences with
those they have offended or hurt in the past. The purpose is to
achieve closure, reaffirm relationship and maintain unity of the
community so that all those involved can move on and leave the
past behind.

Pre-release Interview
 Pre Release Interviews are done before the PDL is scheduled to be released to
the community. The objectives of a pre-release interview are : (BJMP TCMP Manual, n.d.).
1. To ensure that the resident to be released is/are well-prepared to face new
challenges in the community upon their reintegration into the mainstream of
society.
2. To assess the various potentials of the resident which he can utilize to be
productive citizen upon his release from the jail
3. To assess the effectiveness of the interventions provided and determine what
improvements or changes that need to be done.

Procedures for Pre Release Interview:

o Inmate Welfare and Development Officers (IWDO) should coordinate with the
Paralegal Officer to monitor the status of the case of the residents.
o If possible, immediate member of the family is//are present before the residents
will be released from jail.
o Do a pre-release interview to conduct an assessment of the resident’s potentials
and map out plans after his release from jail.
o IWDO should coordinate with service providers for his/her referral for aftercare.

Lesson 1.3 Spiritual and Intellectual Aspects of TCMP

As the BJMP aims to institutionalize Therapeutic Community Modality programs
in all jails nationwide, the Intellectual and Spiritual Components hopes to enhance the
spiritual and intellectual dimensions of the residents by providing opportunities for them
to develop self-worth and productivity ((BJMP TCMP Manual n.d.).

Spirituality

Spirituality is any action or activity that reflects or brings out the goodness of a
man. It is the broad concept of a belief in something beyond the self. It may involve
religious traditions centering on the belief in a higher power, but it can also involve a
holistic belief in an individual connection to others and to the world as a whole (Scott,
2020). It summarizes a man’s relationship with himself, others and the Supreme Being.

Spirituality in TCMP is designed to respond to the inner longing of the residents

to find greater faith where they can anchor themselves within their struggle to find
meaning to their existence. The spiritual component provides the residents with
activities that would help them explore the meaning and purpose of their existence and
their particular place in the world (BJMP TCMP Manual n.d.).
The objectives of Spirituality within the TCM program are as follows : (BJMP TCMP
Manual n.d.).
1. To enhance personal and spiritual well-being of the residents
2. To appreciate the Value of the Word of God in relation to their life and as
nourishment to the soul.
3. To give opportunity for the residents to experience special encounter and
healing from God.
 4. To remind the residents for the need for constant connection with God in their
lives
Unwritten Philosophy of Therapeutic Community
The unwritten philosophy of therapeutic community consists of slogans or
aphorisms that are verbally given to the residents to impart the beliefs and values of TC
in relation to their day to day living. These saying are used to remind the residents as to
what are considered important to them.
1. Honesty – A lot of residents continue to live in a lie without the fear of its
consequences. This virtue points out the importance of truth and its relevance to
recovery.
2. Responsible love and concern- The residents will learn how to give and accept
criticisms without resentment. Bonded by trust and confidence, the residents
know that mistakes need to be corrected if the aim is to bring the other towards
behavioral change.
3. To be aware is to be alive- Residents learn to be conscious of what is going on in
the environment. In TC, minor attitudes are engrossed to prevent major
attitudinal problems to arise.
4. No free lunch – In reality, nothing really comes easy. If we aim for something, we
have to work for it. There is no pride in getting something the easy way. It is hard
to let go of something that we labored for. Change will not come if we will just
wait for it to happen. We have to make it happen.
5. What goes around comes around – Whatever you do unto others will be done
unto you. Any good deed will be rewarded while evil deeds will be punished in
the end. We should always be mindful of our actions as they are the parameters
of how we will be judged in the end.
6. Compensation is valid- A reward for working hard is well deserved. We get what
we put into it.
7. Forgiveness- To accept what has been done, move on and get over the hurt and
anger gives us a feeling of inner peace and happiness. Failure to get over the
pains will pin us down and stunt our progress.
8. Humility – To humble one’ self before others is a laudable virtue. We are often
enveloped by pride that it is difficult for us to lower ourselves and admit our
inadequacies and limitations. By doing so, we develop a fair insight about
ourselves thus giving us the challenge to improve ourselves.
9. Hang tough- Sometimes, we feel that there is no end to our miseries and we feel
helpless and hopeless. No matter how dim life seems to be, there is always
hope. In every problem there is a solution. Every problem is learning experience
that would make us tougher in dealing with life’s challenges.
10. You are your brother’s keeper- In TC, each one is responsible for the other
members of the community. The failure of one is the failure of all. This gives all
the residents a sense of responsibility in shepherding others. The success of the
program is a reflection of how one cares for the others.
Meditation: Discovering your inner sanctuary
 The visualization meditation is used to help an individual establish a practice of
moving his attention within, finding his place of relaxation and peace by contacting his
inner wisdom. This experience is unique for everyone so much so that one’s experience
may be different from the others. Some may experience visual imagery while the others
may not. What is important is to do it the most easy and natural way in order to attain
the goal and have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the process (BJMP TCMP Manual
n.d.).

Intellectual Component
The intellectual component responds to the natural human characteristics of
yearning for knowledge in order to attain a higher level of understanding. A well-
structured and well-implemented Intellectual Component is a factor in establishing a
Therapeutic Community for the residents. It helps the residents restore their self-esteem
as their minds become open to ideas and their intellect does not cease to feed on a free
and open interchange of opinions (BJMP TCMP Manual n.d.).
The objectives of the intellectual component in the TCM programs are as follows:
o To actualize the intellectual skills of the residents
o To teach the residents how to think and delay impulses
o To guide the residents on the right way of thinking and how it affects his
feeling and behaviors.
Seminars
Seminars are activities in TC that provide intellectual stimulation and seek
personal involvement among the residents. It is a way of providing information,
improving the resident’s speaking and writing abilities and enhancing their listening
ability so as to understand all the information being presented.
Types of seminars:
1. Discussion- open format and allow for group participation.
2. Data Sessions- given specific information and games;
3. Games - mind-expanding activities to elicit thought, creativity, and imagination;
and,
4. Seminars series on varied topics.
The Debate:
The debate is introduced to provide the residents the opportunity to learn how to
reasonably put together arguments in a logical manner. This is also an exercise on how
to listen and formulate ideas and demonstrate a broader understanding of a certain
issues. It gives the participants certain insights on other’s opinions which may be
opposite to their own.
Games: The Grab Bag
 The “Grab Bag” is a form of seminar which enhances the resident’s ability to
communicate, analyze ideas and develop insights about themselves with the use of
identification with inanimate objects.
Saturday Night Activities:
This activity is held every Saturday as a recreational event purposely to instill fun,
humor and entertainment after an intense and hectic week. This gives the residents the
chance to let loose and socialize. Each static group is assigned a specific task or
presentation to develop talents among the residents.

Lesson 1.4 Vocational and Survival Components of Therapeutic Modality

The development of vocational and survival skills starts at the beginning of

performance in job functions in the TC Community which has substantial value to the
individual. Its aim is not only to detain or confine residents but also to challenge them to
learn vocational skills for their reentry to the community. Vocational rehabilitation helps
the individual to become less dependent, adapt himself and become more independent
by making positive changes.
It will design his willingness to take on responsibilities and develop oneself. An
individual’s attitude is relevant to his development in the area of vocation and
occupation. It speaks of his adaptability and flexibility to the different task and functions.
It will predetermine how he will later on perform in the hierarchical ladder. The
development of skills is inseparable with the other components of TC as each
component plays a vital part in shaping of one’s attitude (BJMP TCMP Manual n.d.).
Job Functions and Hierarchical Structure
Job functions or work assignments are arranged in a hierarchy, according to
seniority, individual progress and productivity. These include conducting all house
services, such as cooking, cleaning kitchen service, minor repair, serving as
apprentices, and running all departments, conducting meetings and peer encounter
groups (PPA, n.d.).
The objectives of job functions in a therapeutic community are: (BJMP TCMP
Manual n.d.).

1. To develop the right attitude of the residents towards work.

2. To enhance the capability of the residents in their day to day task with utmost
pride.
The Therapeutic community operates in a similar fashion to a functional family with a
hierarchical structure of older and younger members. Each member has a defined role
and responsibilities for sustaining the proper functioning of the TC. There are sets of
rules and community norms that members upon entry commit to live by and uphold
(PPA, n.d.).

Organizational Hierarchy of Therapeutic Community

The objectives of having a hierarchical organization in a therapeutic community
are as follows:
 1. To create an organized structure and an efficient system of program
implementation.
2. To foster the feeling of empowerment and self-sufficiency among residents.
3. To improve the line of communication between personnel and residents.
4. To promote a self-sufficient TC utilizing the residents who possess a variety of
skills.
Job Functions:
Departmental Meeting is conducted weekly for assignment of tasks which
will .last for one week in rotation basis within the department. Each team will be
assigned one expediter to monitor the job function. Job rotation will be primarily based
on the progress, performance and capability of each resident. Promotion or demotion
can happen during the process.
Functions of the Different Positions in the Hierarchy
The following are the positions or roles and their functions within the therapeutic
community, arranged from highest to lowest (BJMP TCMP Manual, n.d.).
1. Coordinator:
o A positive role model
o Deals with the attitudes of the residents and acts as a member of a panel
during the haircut and addresses the resident in general meeting.
o Responsible for reporting of job changes and recommends cutting off of
learning experience.
o Assigned as Coordinator on Duty of the day and delegates tasks to be
covered for the day, i.e., investigating and booking.
o Responsible for overseeing that each team works efficiently
o Supervises the other-all functions of the department in the TC facility
o In-charge to disseminate instructions given by the Director and staff
through coordination with co-coordinators.
2. Chief Expediter
o Responsible for managing the daily function and activities of the
community;
o Delegates other responsibilities to the Asst. Chief Expediter and monitors
every activity.
o Oversees the schedule of the day
o Communicates with department heads in execution of job functions
o Communicates with Coordinator of the Day on an hourly basis.
3. Assistant Chief Expediter
o Responsible for execution of directives from the chief expediter
o Supervises the activity inside dormitories;
o Monitors overall function of the different departments and reports to the
chief all the incidences;
o Facilitates department head meetings in the absence of the chief
expediter, job changes and request.
 4. Department Head
o Conducts departmental meetings before job functions.
o Delegates specific tasks to team members and monitors individual
conduct.
o Monitors participation of members to activities of the program (Morning
Meeting, Seminars, and Group Sessions)
o Checks attendance and whereabouts of team members
o Attends department heads pre-evaluation meetings regarding job change.
o Screen team members’ requests.
5. Department Crew
o Responsible for carrying-out tasks, duties and responsibilities of their
concerned departments.
TCMP Departments and Functions
The following are the different department within the Therapeutic Community and
their functions.
1. Business Office Department
o Welcomes new members of the family and makes sure that policies, rules
and their limitations are clear.
o Responsible for facilitating younger members groups by sharing
experiences
o Role model that shows how to overcome trying circumstances
o Provides support to residents when needed
o Maintains and updates bulletin board postages and announcements.
o Update profile of residents (Name, Address, Age, Status, etc.)
o Prepares sound system in every activity
2. Expediting Team
o Oversees the day-to-day affairs of the different departments
o In-charge of the attendance of the residents in groups, seminars, static,
specialized groups.
o Coordinates with staff regarding announcements, activities, medications
and court hearings for proper information dissemination.
o Prepare designated room assignments upon admission of new residents.
o Oversees activities of residents in the Learning Experience Structure.
3. Kitchen Department
o Prepares and cooks food for daily consumption
o Maintains quality of food and dietary requirements of every menu.
o Preserves a sanitary working environment and maintains kitchen
equipment properly.
o Manages quantity of food servings to minimize wastage.
o Prepares menu for special requirements and occasions.
4. Housekeeping Department
o Maintains the cleanliness of the cell area, mess hall, visitation area and
visitor’s comfort room.
 o Maintains inventory of housekeeping materials such as brooms, dustpans,
rugs, floor wax and etc.
o Provides proper storage of housekeeping materials.
5. Laundry Department
o Assign and schedules laundry time for every dorm
o Designates and maintains hanging area for washed clothing
o Collects the dried washed clothing and distributes to the respective dorms
6. Maintenance and Landscaping Department
o Maintain cleanliness of grounds
o Responsible in planting, watering and trimming of plants, trees and flower
beds
o Maintains inventory of materials and equipment
o Informs staff of any equipment that needs repairs of jail facilities and
equipment.
Job Changes:
The job functions assigned to all residents changes every six months or by
different circumstances, here are the different job changes in Therapeutic Community
(BJMP TCMP Manual, n.d.).

Livelihood and Skills Training

The objectives of livelihood and skills training in the TCM program are:
1. To motivate the participation of the residents in the livelihood and skills training in
preparation for reintegration to the mainstream of society.
2. To cultivate and enhance one’s capacity to become productive and improve self-
worth.
The IWDO will conduct skills inventory of the residents to determine the appropriate
skills needed. With the help of skilled staff or outsourced trainers, residents are trained
on their specific field of interest which could be source of livelihood once they are
released from jail.
List of Suggested Vocational Skills Training
COURSE DESCRIPTION REQUIREMENTS SUPPORT GROUP
1. Culinary Arts Cooking and  Length of TESDA/ALS
Baking for a 3 stay in the
month period of facility (5 (SERVICE
study with one months) PROVIDER)
month On the Job  Good health IWDO
Training
2. Basic Steel Welding -do- TESDA/ALS
Fabrication
(SERVICE
 PROVIDER)
IWDO
3. Basic Making Training on beads -do- TESDA/ALS
Enhancement enhancement
(SERVICE
PROVIDER)
IWDO
Other suggested vocational skills training:
o Rug making
o Wood carving
o Flower making
o Massage Therapy
o Artistry
o Automotive
o Masonry and Carpentry
o Tailoring and Dressmaking
o Furniture and etc.
 Definition of Terms

Carpeta – Refers to the institutional record of an inmate which consists of

Mittimus/commitment order, the prosecutor’s information and the decision of the trial
court, including the appellate court, if any.

Custody – Defined as the guarding of penal safekeeping. It involves security measures,

locking and counting routines, produces for searching prisoners and their living
quarters, and prevention of contraband.
Control – It involves supervision of prisoners to insure punctual and orderly movement
to and from the dormitories, places of work, hospitals and recreational facilities in
accordance with the daily schedule.
Contraband – anything that is contrary to prison rules and regulations

Deterrence – It is a justification for punishment based on the belief of the prevention or

discouragement of crime through fear or danger.
Imprisonment- Placing offenders in prison for the purpose of protecting the public at the
same time rehabilitating them by requiring the latter to undergo institutional treatment
program.

Penology- It is a branch of Criminology, which deals with the management, and

administration of offender.

Prison- An institution for the imprisonment of persons convicted by final judgment and
with a penalty more than 3 years.

Person’s Deprived of Liberty (PDL) - refers to a detainee, inmate, or prisoner, or other

person under confinement or custody in any other manner. However, in order to prevent
labeling, branding or shaming by the use of these or other derogatory words, the term
“prisoner” has been replaced by this new and neutral phrase “person deprived of liberty”
under Article 10, of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), who
“shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human
person.

Prison Record – Refers to information concerning an inmate personal circumstances,

the offense he committed, the sentenced imposed, the criminal case numbers in the trial
and appellate courts, the date he commenced service of his sentence, the date he was
received for confinement, the date of expiration of his sentence, the number of previous
convictions if any, and his behavior or conduct while in prison.
.
Prison Discipline – it is the continuing state of good order and behavior in prison. It
includes the maintenance of good standard of work, sanitation, safety, education,
personal, health and recreation.
Therapeutic Community -
Treatment Planning- this is the formulation of tentative treatment program best suited
to the needs and interest of an individual prisoner, based on the findings of the RDC’s
staff.
 References
A. Books/Journals:

Bez, D.J (2020). Reformative and Rehabilitative Treatments of Offenders: A General

Overview. In MSSV JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES VOL.2

BJMP ManuaL

Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Therapeutic Community Modality Manual

Cuasay and Apela (2021) Therapeutic Modalities. A textbook for Criminology students
and Practitioner. Published and distributed by Wisemans Books Trading, INC

Delizo, Darlito Bernard., PhD (2013 1st Edition). Correctional Administration: textbook
and Review materials. Published by Prudence Research & Review Center, Baguio City
Philippines.

Phelps, M. (2011). Rehabilitation in the Punitive Era: The Gap between Rhetoric and
Reality in U.S. Prison Programs. Law & Society Review 45.pp. 33-68.

Balares, Chavez, Pecson, Tamayo (2022). Therapeutic Modalities. Published and

distributed by ChapterHouse Publishing, INC.

B. Laws

Executive Order No. 292. (1987). Administrative Code of 1987

Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Republic Act No. 10575. (2016). IRR of the
Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013.

Republic Act No. 10575. (2013). IRR of the Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013.

Republic Act 10592. (2013) An act Amending Articles 29, 94, 97,98 and 99 of Act No.
3815
C. Internet Site

https://www. bucor.gov.ph 

https://probation.gov.ph/therapeutic-community

https://probation.gov.ph › correction-rehabilitation