The number of persons deprived of liberty (PDL) at the Bulacan Provincial Jail (BPJ) is on the decline, according to Governor Daniel R. Fernando.
Fernando announced this during the observation and kick-off ceremony of the Five Pillars of Criminal Justice System in the province of Bulacan on Monday, Aug. 8, at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium in the City of Malolos.
The PDLs detained at the Bulacan Provincial Jail (BPJ) has gone down to 1,696 from over 4,000 since the start of the pandemic.
Provincial Jail Warden (Ret.) Col. Marcos Rivero said that Fernando has ordered him to make an effort to put into order the jail facility as well as to make the situation better inside the jail.
Fernando pushed for the decongestion of jail facilities after hundreds of PDLs who were already sentenced were transferred to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa.
He also ordered the implementation of the Drug Dependency Exam which is a way for a plea bargain of a drug suspect or an admission of crime or offense commission in exchange for a lighter sentence.
Fernando also directed Rivero to improve the E-Dalaw or virtual visitation of the families of the detainees.
He said there will be additional computers and upgrading of the internet connection at the BPJ in response to the challenges brought by modern technology as the world adapts to the “new normal.”
Fernando also instructed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to impose stricter control and checkpoint of motorcycle riders to prevent crimes.
With the theme “Facta, Non-Verba: Reimagining Criminal Justice in the Midst of Adversity,” this year’s observation aims to ensure the awareness of every Bulakenyo about the challenges and improvements in the current law and jurisprudence.
Executive Judge Olivia Escubio-Samar of Bulacan Regional Trial Court, PNP Acting Bulacan Provincial Director Col. Charlie A. Cabradilla, Provicial Prosecutor Ramoncito Bienvenido Ocampo, Jr. represented by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Mark Mendoza, head of Bulacan Public Attorney’s Office Atty. Kristine Kay David- Manuel, heads of the Office of the Parole and Probation Administration Isagani Villena and Cesar Lopez, and Provincial Jail Warden Col. Rivero represented by Retired Col. Rizalino Andaya received certificates of appreciation and recognition for their unwavering contributions to the implementation of the Five Pillars of the Criminal Justice System.