Manila: Newly installed Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Bicol regional director Senior Superintendent Jose Gemelo Taol has conducted a series of jail inspections and personnel engagements across the region to strengthen jail operations and improve coordination with local government units (LGUs).

According to Philippines News Agency, Taol visited several jails including the Libmanan District Jail, Daet District Jail Annex, Labo District Jail, and Daet District Jail on July 24. Earlier on July 18, he inspected the Camalig District Jail, Guinobatan Municipal Jail, Oas Municipal Jail, Polangui District Jail, the male and female dormitories of Naga City District Jail, Tigaon District Jail, and Iriga City District Jail.

The inspections involved evaluating facility conditions and conducting "Talk to Troops" sessions. During these sessions, Taol assessed jail operations, security measures, and custodial practices while engaging with jail personnel about the bureau's operational priorities. He emphasized the importance of professionalism, discipline, integrity, accountability, and teamwork among personnel in fulfilling BJMP's mandate of ensuring the safe, secure, and humane custody of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

In addition to the jail visits, Taol held meetings with Albay Governor Noel Rosal and Camarines Norte Governor Ricarte Padilla. Their discussions centered on strategies to alleviate jail congestion and enhance rehabilitation and reintegration programs for PDLs, with the aim of receiving ongoing support from provincial governments.