Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) chief Director Allan Iral chose to step down four months ahead of his mandatory retirement and go on a light duty status (LDS) instead.

Iral's decision is expected to lead to the appointment of his replacement as the BJMP director.

The Manila Bulletin learned that Iral recommended the number two BJMP official Deputy Chief for Administration Jail Chief Supt. Rule Rivera to take his post.

Iral, who belongs to the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) class of 1994, will formally turn-over the BJMP command to Rivera of PNPA Class 1995 in simple rites on March 27.

The out-going BJMP chief explained that he will be on “lighter workloads’’ up to his retirement in government service on June 25.

In the remaining three months of his BJMP tour of duty, Iral stated that he will still be around to assist, advice and extend help citing his vast experience if needed, although he is confident that Rivera will deliver what is expected of him being in the BJMP National Headquarters almost occupying almost all positions of the bureau in his entire career.

“Kung kailangan niya (Rivera) ang advice ko, andyan lang ako palagi (If he needs my advice, I will always be there),” Iral said i an interview.

Even on LDS, Iral explained that his hands will still be full as he looks forward to representing the bureau in several conferences abroad.

Iral is considering attending the American Jail Association Conference on the third week of May this year in Omaha, Nebraska USA to boost jail management prowess of the BJMP.