Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr. graced the blessing ceremony of newly-acquired logistical supplies such as pistols, laptops, and service vehicles for the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) at the new Quezon City Jail in Barangay Payatas on National Heroes' Day on Monday, August 29.
Abalos witnessed the blessing of 2,541 units of 9mm pistols, 688 laptops, and 14 vehicles which were procured to aid the BJMP in efficiently carrying out its duties to persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
He said the guns will help jail personnel to secure prison facilities while the laptops may come in handy as the DILG chief requested the Supreme Court to conduct online hearings instead of the traditional hearings amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, especially in far-flung areas.
Meanwhile, Abalos estimated that the BJMP’s capacity to transport PDLs has gone up to at least 83 percent from 70 percent through the acquisition of the new service vehicles which will be a big boost to decongest jail facilities.
"We could have not chosen a better time than now to conduct this symbolic event because today, we raise the Philippine flag to the skies in recognition not only of the sacrifices of the fallen heroes of our past but also of the dedication and hard work of our modern heroes, our jail officers who stand in guard 24/7 to look after the gates of our prisons and lead our PDLs into a life of a reformation and rehabilitation," he said.