DILG Plans Bureau Integration to Ease Jail Congestion
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed new plans to integrate the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor). The goal is to streamline resources and tackle the country’s persistent jail congestion.
Remulla shared this proposal during BJMP’s 34th Anniversary Celebration held in Quezon City. He emphasized that this integration is a “work in progress” and will be developed in close consultation with all stakeholders. “You must know what we are doing, how we are doing it, and be part of the integration,” he said.
Addressing Jail Congestion With Unified Efforts
The exact four-word keyphrase, bureau integration to ease jail congestion, highlights the administration’s commitment to reform. The country’s jail congestion rate has improved, dropping from 314 percent in 2024 to 296 percent this year, according to Remulla.
He also reported that BJMP has extended paralegal assistance to over 85,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). Furthermore, surprise inspections have declared 230 facilities drug-free and 77 others drug-cleared, signaling progress in maintaining safer detention environments.
Rehabilitation Through Education and Livelihood
At the core of the bureau integration to ease jail congestion is a strong focus on rehabilitation. Remulla highlighted ongoing education and livelihood programs for PDLs. More than 10,700 inmates have completed basic education, while 107 earned college degrees through the College Education Behind Bars (CEBB) program.
Additionally, over 66,000 inmates joined livelihood initiatives that generated a gross income of P116.7 million. These efforts aim to empower PDLs to reintegrate into society as productive citizens.
Success Stories Inspire Hope
One inspiring example is former PDL Marissa Basa, who now works at a city hall. She expressed her gratitude in Filipino: “This is who I am now, no longer like before. I’m happy because it’s my first time to have a job.” Her story reflects the positive impact of rehabilitation programs supported by the bureau integration to ease jail congestion.
Ongoing Support for BJMP’s Mandate
Remulla assured that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will continue backing BJMP’s mission to protect, reform, and empower persons under its care. This commitment is key to sustaining the gains made in reducing jail overcrowding and improving inmate welfare.
With these developments, the bureau integration to ease jail congestion marks a significant step toward a safer and more rehabilitative correctional system in the Philippines.
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