The Bureau of Corrections is a vital agency under the Department of Justice. Formerly named the Bureau of Prisons from 1905 to 1989, it is abbreviated as BuCor.
This agency holds the responsibility for the custody and rehabilitation of national offenders, commonly referred to as Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL), who have been sentenced to three years of imprisonment or more.
Situated at the New Bilibid Prison Reservation in Muntinlupa, the BuCor operates with the primary goal of ensuring the well-being and reform of individuals under its care.
Let’s delve into the functions, history, Jobs and structure that make BuCor a significant contributor to the justice system in the Philippines.
Job Opportunities at BuCor:
Explore awesome career possibilities at the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) in different roles. Check out the current job openings listed below or find more opportunities within government agencies.
Note: Click on the job title to view detailed job descriptions and application instructions.
Salary Information:
Gain insights into the salary grades at the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) by referring to the [BuCor Salary Grades](#) guide.
Understanding the financial aspects of joining the BuCor is crucial for informed decision-making about your future.
Rank Structure:
Below is a concise overview of the ranks within the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) in the Philippines.
The BuCor, situated within the Department of Justice, aligns its rank structure with the uniformed services under the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Commissioned Officers:
1. Corrections Director General (Undersecretary)
2. Corrections Deputy Director General for Administration (Assistant Secretary)
3. Corrections Deputy Director General for Security and Operations (Assistant Secretary)
4. Corrections Deputy Director General for Reformation (Assistant Secretary)
5. Corrections Chief Superintendent (Brig. General)
6. Corrections Senior Superintendent (Colonel)
7. Corrections Superintendent (Lt. Col.)
8. Corrections Chief Inspector (Major)
9. Corrections Senior Inspector (Captain)
10. Corrections Inspector (Lieutenant)
Non-Commissioned Officers:
1. Corrections Senior Officer 4 (Executive Master Sergeant)
2. Corrections Senior Officer 3 (Chief Master Sergeant)
3. Corrections Senior Officer 2 (Senior Master Sergeant)
4. Corrections Senior Officer 1 (Master Sergeant)
5. Corrections Officer 3 (Staff Sergeant)
6. Corrections Officer 2 (Corporal)
7. Corrections Officer 1 (Private)
This hierarchical structure ensures efficient and organized leadership within the Bureau, contributing to its effective functioning and pursuit of its crucial objectives.
History of (BuCor:
Spanish Colonial Era:
During the Spanish colonial era, the Old Bilibid Prison in Manila was established in 1847 and officially opened on April 10, 1866.
Additionally, the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm was founded in Zamboanga City on August 31, 1870, specifically for Muslim and political prisoners who opposed Spanish rule.
American Colonial Era:
In the American colonial era, the Iuhit Penal Settlement, now known as Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, was established in 1904 on 28,072 hectares of land, later expanding to 40,000 hectares in the late 1950s.
Governor Newton Gilbert’s Executive Order No. 67 on October 15, 1912, further expanded the land to 41,007 hectares.
The Bureau of Prisons, created under the Reorganization Act of 1905, managed these institutions, and it also re-established the San Ramon Prison in 1907.
The Correctional Institution for Women was founded in 1929, and in 1932, the Davao Penal Colony was opened in Southern Mindanao.
Responding to the growing number of prisoners, the New Bilibid Prison was established in Muntinlupa in 1935.
Contemporary Era:
In the contemporary era, Proclamation No. 72 on September 26, 1954, led to the establishment of the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro. Later, on January 16, 1973, Proclamation No. 1101 established the Leyte Regional Prison.
The Administrative Code of 1987 and Proclamation No. 495 on November 22, 1989, changed the name of the agency from the Bureau of Prisons to the current Bureau of Corrections.
Command Leadership Structure
The Command Leadership Structure of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) is a streamlined hierarchy designed to govern and administer the correctional system in the Philippines. It begins with
- The President of the Philippines as Commander-in-Chief
As the highest authority, the President of the Philippines serves as the Commander-in-Chief, providing overall direction and oversight.
- The Secretary of Justice
The Secretary of Justice plays a pivotal role in policy formulation and implementation within the corrections framework, responsible for legal and justice matters.
- The Director General of the Bureau of Corrections (DG, BUCOR; with the Rank of Undersecretary donning the 4-Star rank)
Leading the BuCor, the Director General holds the rank of Undersecretary with a 4-star designation, responsible for strategic planning and overall coordination.
- The Deputy Director General for Administration (DDGA; with the Rank of Assistant Secretary donning the 3-Star rank)
Responsible for administrative functions, the DDGA oversees human resources, finances, and support services essential for the effective operation of the Bureau of Corrections.
- The Deputy Director General for Security and Operations (DDGSO; with the Rank of Assistant Secretary donning the 3-Star rank)
Managing security and operational aspects, the DDGSO oversees intelligence, investigations, and tactical operations for inmate safety and facility security.
- The Deputy Director General for Reformation (DDGR; with the Rank of Assistant Secretary donning the 3-Star rank)
Focused on reformation efforts, the DDGR oversees education, spiritual development, behavior modification, and rehabilitation programs to promote inmate well-being.
This structure ensures efficient leadership aligned with the broader objectives of the justice system.
National Headquarters
At the core of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) structure is its National Headquarters, serving as the central hub for coordination and decision-making.
This is where key offices collaborate to ensure the effective functioning of the correctional system in the Philippines.
- National Headquarters
- Office of the Director-General
- Office of the Deputy Director-General for Administration
- Office of the Deputy Director-General for Security and Operations
- Office of the Deputy Director-General for Reformation
- BUCOR Directorial Staff
Directorates:
Within the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), Directorates are specialized teams that handle specific aspects crucial to the effective functioning of the correctional system.
- Directorate for Administration:
- Directorate for External Relations:
- Directorate for Finance and Logistics:
- Directorate for Health Service:
- Directorate for Planning and Management:
- Directorate for Reception Diagnostic:
- Directorate for Reformation:
- Directorate for Security and Operations:
- Directorate for Standards and Development:
Support Services:
Let’s talk about the important jobs that help the agency work well.
These are called Support Services, and they’re like the behind-the-scenes heroes that make sure everything runs smoothly.
Each one has its own special job, and together they help Bureau of Corrections do its main mission better. Now, let’s check out these important Support Services:
- Contact Center ng Bayan
- Corrections Training School
- BUCOR Business Center
- Public Information Office
- Legal Service
- Internal Affairs Service
- Administrative Division
- Communication and Management Section
- Anti-Red Tape Act Section
- Cashier Section
- Records Section
- Human Resource Division
- General Services Division
- Planning and Statistics Division
- Management Division
- Information and Communications Technology Division
- Budget Division
- Accounting Division
- Supply Division
- Project Management and Doctrine Development Division
- Intelligence and Investigation Division
- Inmate Documents and Processing Division
- Communications and Tactical Operations Division
- Escorting Group
- Education and Training Division
- Moral and Spiritual Division
- Behavior Modification Division
- Inmate Sports and Recreation Division
- Work and Livelihood Division
- Assessment and Program Monitoring Division
- Case Management Division
- External Affairs Division
These are the teams that make sure BuCor works well and helps people inside do better.
Mission
“To protect the public by safekeeping and reforming persons under our custody adhering to international standards of corrections service.”
Bureau of Corrections
Vision
“A safer society by 2028 through reformed persons reintegrated by a highly eff
Bureau of Corrections
Mandate:
Safekeeping and instituting reformation programs for national inmates sentenced to more than 3 years.
Operating Units:
The agency currently operates through 7 units located nationwide:
- Correctional Institution for Women (CIW):
- Mandaluyong
- CIW Mindanao, Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte
- New Bilibid Prison:
- Muntinlupa
- Maximum Security Compound
- Minimum Security Compound
- Medium Security Compound
- Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm:
- Occidental Mindoro
- Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm:
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
- Leyte Regional Prison:
- Abuyog, Leyte
- San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm:
- Zamboanga City
- Davao Prison and Penal Farm:
- Braulio E. Dujali, Davao del Norte
This comprehensive structure and strategic distribution of units enable the Bureau to effectively fulfill its mission and mandate, ensuring the safekeeping and rehabilitation of individuals under its care.
Contact Details:
If you have any concerns, questions, or need further assistance feel free to reach out to them using the following contact details:
Email: ctod@120.89.46.229 Landline: 8856-6015 Mobile Number: 0999-833-2291 For in-person inquiries or mail, our address is: Address: NBP Reservation, Muntinlupa City, Philippines, 1776
Conclusion:
To wrap things up, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) is a crucial part of the Philippine justice system. It used to be called the Bureau of Prisons and has a long history, going back to the time of Spanish rule.
Now, BuCor, under the Department of Justice, is responsible for taking care of and helping reform people who have been sentenced to more than three years in prison.
They have a well-organized system with different levels of leadership, working together to make sure everything runs smoothly.
The BuCor operates in seven different places across the country, ensuring that people under their care are kept safe and given a chance to change for the better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor):
1. What is the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor)?
BuCor is a government agency responsible for the custody and rehabilitation of individuals sentenced to three years or more.
2. What was BuCor known as before?
Formerly, it was called the Bureau of Prisons from 1905 to 1989.
3. Where is the main headquarters of BuCor located?
The agency’s headquarters is situated in the New Bilibid Prison Reservation in Muntinlupa.
4. What is the mission of BuCor?
BuCor’s mission is to protect the public by safekeeping and reforming persons under its custody, adhering to international standards of corrections service.
5. How many operating units does BuCor have?
BuCor currently operates through seven units located nationwide, including correctional institutions and prisons in different regions.
6. What job opportunities are available at BuCor?
BuCor offers various career opportunities across different roles.
7. How can I apply for a job at BuCor?
Details on job applications, including job descriptions and application instructions, can be found on the official BuCor website.
8. Where can I find information about BuCor’s salary grades?
Gain insights into BuCor’s salary grades by referring to the BuCor Salary Grades guide, available on their official website.
9. How is BuCor structured in terms of leadership?
BuCor has a hierarchical structure, including Commissioned Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers, each with specific ranks and responsibilities.
10. What are the historical milestones of BuCor?
BuCor has a rich history dating back to the Spanish colonial era, with the establishment of various prisons. Over the years, it has evolved and expanded to its current form, adapting to the changing needs of the justice system.
Disclaimer:
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Attached in the last section of the content are references for further verification, if needed. Read more
Reference:
- Wikipedia: Bureau of Corrections (Philippines). (n.d.). History. Retrieved 2023, from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bureau_of_Corrections_(Philippines)]
- Official Website: Bureau of Corrections. (n.d.). Mission, Vision. Retrieved 2023, from [http://bucor.gov.ph/?page_id=2305]