SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Ilocos region is actively working to alleviate overcrowding in its detention facilities.
Infrastructure upgrades, such as the construction of new buildings at the Alaminos City Jail and Urdaneta District Jail in 2022, have helped reduce the congestion rate to 152 percent by the end of the previous year.
To further address the issue, BJMP Region 1 has intensified its paralegal services, resulting in the release of 742 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in the first half of 2024.
This has significantly lowered the congestion rate to 127 percent.
During a “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” episode, Jail Senior Superintendent Florante Nisperos, BJMP-1 regional director, underscored the importance of aftercare programs for released inmates.
“All jail units continuously assist our PDL in their cases through the collective efforts of our paralegal officers,” Nisperos explained.
“We are collaborating with courts, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, government agencies, and non-government organizations to aid in the speedy disposition of their cases,” Nisperos added.
The BJMP has referred a total of 499 individuals in 2023 and 351 in the first semester of 2024 to various local government units, government, and non-government organizations to assist them in reintegrating into society.
“The public’s perception of released PDLs is often negative. However, with our current programs and the way we treat PDLs, we’ve been able to help many of them successfully reintegrate into their communities and find jobs. This has gradually improved their lives. We will continue providing aftercare services to ensure their sustained progress,” Director Nispero highlighted.
These combined efforts demonstrate the BJMP’s commitment to improving jail conditions and providing support to PDLs welfare. By Rocky Bautista
