The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) lauded the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) for reducing the national jail congestion rate by 10 percent, from 296 percent in May to 286 percent in September 2025, marking a significant step toward more humane and reformative jail management in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda.

“This significant progress reflects your steadfast commitment to improving jail conditions and accelerating decongestion through effective paralegal work,” said DILG Undersecretary for Public Safety Serafin P. Barretto, Jr., who represented DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, during the BJMP 3rd Quarter Management Conference held in Laurel, Batangas on Tuesday. “These are real, measurable results that prove reform works,” he added.

In his message, Barretto praised BJMP’s commitment to improving jail conditions and delivering transformative justice, citing the agency’s progress in decongesting facilities and expanding rehabilitation programs.

From January to September 2025, 69,052 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were released through paralegal assistance, 84,926 benefited from Good Conduct Time Allowance, and 27,826 received Time Allowance for Study, Teaching, and Mentoring. Over 21,000 PDLs are also currently enrolled in formal education from elementary to senior high school, underscoring the BJMP’s dedication to rehabilitation and second chances.

Barretto reiterated the Department’s commitment to fairness and accountability in the treatment of all detainees, following recent inspections of newly built jails in Quezon City and Pasay.

Meanwhile, BJMP Jail Director Ruel Rivera affirmed that the Bureau can adapt to the needs of the times through its Jail Plan 2040 under the performance governance system. “We recognize that the journey ahead is long, but with resolute commitment and dedication to public service, we are confident in our ability to contribute to a safe, just, and prosperous Philippines,” he said.

The DILG reaffirmed its full support for the BJMP’s ongoing efforts to decongest jails, improve facilities, and uphold the dignity of every PDL in line with President Marcos’ directive that “justice must go hand in hand with compassion.”

Original Article At: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-HAILS-BJMP-FOR-10-DROP-IN-JAIL-CONGESTION-SUPPORTS-PRESIDENT-MARCOS-HUMANE-JUSTICE-AGENDA/NC-2025-1259