BJMP vows to hasten release of qualified PDLs, says it will in jail decongestion

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has vowed to expedite the release of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to ease the congestion rate in the country's correctional facilities.

"The BJMP is utilizing all legal means to decongest our jails, and we are grateful that President Marcos is supporting these efforts," BJMP Director Allan Iral said.

The BJMP's 2022 accomplishment report disclosed that a total of 77,960 PDL were released through the paralegal services.

This includes12,795 PDL who served sentence with Time Allowance; 21,398 PDL without Time Allowance; 8,467 PDL who posted bail; 6,044 PDL who were acquitted; 141 PDL who were granted Parole; and 6,005 PDL through Probation.

Additionally, 25,333 PDL were released through other legal means of release.

Iral assured that the BJMP is also ensuring compliance with the Office of the Court Administrator's (OCA) Circular 201-2022, which states that a PDL who has completed their sentence and has no other lawful reason for incarceration should be released immediately from the jail facility.

To further these efforts, Iral ordered the BJMP's paralegal officers to increase their efforts and provide counseling 24/7 to PDL to help them with their cases and other legal issues.

As of Jan. 11, the BJMP has 126,820 PDLs in its 478 facilities nationwide for a 367 percent congestion rate. (Chito A. Chavez)