Manila: The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has made significant strides in its mission to provide humane safekeeping and improve the lives of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) over the past year.
According to Philippines News Agency, during the BJMP's 34th founding anniversary, Chief Jail Director Ruel Rivera reported the release of approximately 85,183 PDLs in the last year. This achievement was made possible through collaborations with the Supreme Court, Public Attorney's Office (PAO), Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), and various law schools, which facilitated legal aid and paralegal services. As a result, the national jail overcrowding rate decreased from 358 percent in 2023 to 296 percent in 2025. The BJMP also constructed nine new jail buildings and completed multiple perimeter fences and functional areas to further alleviate congestion.
The BJMP, in partnership with the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, has also intensified its anti-illegal drug efforts. The agency has achieved 230 drug-free jail certifications and 77 drug-cleared facilities, and conducted over 314,819 greyhound operations nationwide. Jail personnel have been praised for their efforts in preventing contraband smuggling, confiscating nearly 500 grams of shabu, 33 grams of marijuana, and 83 mobile phones.
The BJMP's rehabilitative initiatives have seen 3,152 PDLs with substance use issues complete reformation programs through the Katatagan, Kalusugan at Damayan sa Komunidad (KKDK) program. Furthermore, 66,354 PDLs participated in livelihood activities generating over PHP116 million in income, and 95,585 PDLs benefited from e-Dalaw or electronic visitation. Education remains a priority, with 10,739 PDLs graduating from elementary and high school, 112,707 completing skills training, and 107 earning college degrees. Currently, 720 PDLs are enrolled in tertiary programs.
The BJMP also facilitated the political participation of PDLs, with 31,689 casting their votes in the May 2025 National and Local Elections. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla emphasized the agency's commitment to fair treatment, assuring that former congressman Arnolfo Teves, Jr. will receive no preferential treatment while in custody.
To enhance operational capacity, 2,400 new Jail Officer 1 (JO1) recruits were sworn in, improving the PDL-to-officer ratio to 1:36 and contributing to a 10-percent reduction in jail incidents. Personnel development remains a focus, with 1,499 promotions processed and over 27,000 awards and commendations issued.
A highlight of the anniversary celebration was the recognition of four Para±aque City Jail officers who thwarted an armed ambush and escape attempt involving a high-profile PDL. Their bravery earned them the Medalya ng Kabayanihan.
The BJMP has also received commendations for its PDL Assessment and Classification System for terrorism-related and violent extremist offenders. As the agency enters another year, it reaffirms its commitment to justice with compassion and transformative efforts for PDLs.
