Law of Criminal Procedure

Detention shall end upon the lapse of five days, unless the investigator decides to extend such period. In which case, he shall, prior to its expiry, refer the file to the head of the branch of the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution or his designee from among the heads of departments within his jurisdiction to issue an order for release of the accused or extension of detention for a period or consecutive periods provided that such period(s) do not exceed in their aggregate 40 days from the date of arrest. In cases requiring detention for a longer period, the matter shall be referred to the Chairman of the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution, or his designee from among his deputies, to issue an order extending the detention for a period or consecutive periods. Each of such periods shall not exceed 30 days and their aggregate shall not exceed 180 days from the date of arrest of the accused after which, the accused shall be immediately referred to the competent court or be released. In exceptional cases requiring detention for longer periods, the court may approve a request for the extension of detention for a period or consecutive periods as it may see fit and issue a reasoned judicial order to this effect.