Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday announced plans to integrate the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to streamline resources and address jail congestion.

“It is a proposal, a work in progress, and one that will be done in consultation with you. You must know what we are doing, how we are doing it, and be part of the integration,” Remulla said at BJMP’s 34th Anniversary Celebration in Quezon City.

Remulla commended BJMP’s role in transforming the lives of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs), noting that while the work is rarely in the spotlight, it is essential to public safety and rehabilitation.

“Ang trabaho ng BJMP is to keep the country safer, to rehabilitate, and to ensure PDLs can return as contributing members of society. What you do matters,” he said.

He cited the drop in national jail congestion from 314 percent in 2024 to 296 percent this year, along with paralegal aid to 85,183 PDLs. BJMP has also declared 230 facilities drug-free and 77 drug-cleared through surprise inspections.

Education and livelihood remain central to BJMP’s programs. Over 10,700 PDLs finished basic education, 107 earned college degrees through the College Education Behind Bars (CEBB), and more than 66,000 benefited from livelihood programs that earned P116.7 million in gross income.

Former PDL Marissa Basa, now working at city hall, shared her journey: “Ito na ako ngayon, hindi na katulad noon. Masaya ako kasi first time ko magtrabaho.”

Remulla affirmed that DILG will continue to support the BJMP’s mandate to protect, reform, and empower.

Original Article At: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/REMULLA-ANNOUNCES-MOVE-TO-INTEGRATE-BJMP-AND-BUCOR/NC-2025-1091