The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has released 103,000 qualified persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in 2022 as part of the ‘zero overstaying’ policy, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Ablos Jr. said on Tuesday, Jan. 31.
"Saludo ako sa BJMP sa kanilang decongestion efforts. Matagal ng problema ang kasikipan ng mga kulungan at nararapat lamang na tuloy-tuloy ang ating pagsusumikap na tugunan ito (I salute the BJMP for their decongestion efforts. The crowded jail facilities had long been a problem and it is just proper for us to continue exerting efforts to address this concern),’’ Abalos said.
“I know for sure that BJMP will not stop here. Alam kong patuloy nilang pangungunahan ang pagpapabuti ng kalagayan ng ating mga kababayang PDL (I believe that they will continue to lead in ensuring the improved conditions of out PDL countrymen),’’ he added.
BJMP spokesperson Chief Inspector Jayrex Bustinera said a total of 77,960 PDLs were released through the paralegal services while 25,333 PDLs were set free via other paralegal modes.
Based on the BJMP data, Abalos stated that 6,288 PDLs or 10 percent of the total 130,138 average monthly jail population were released every month from their incarceration.
Based on the most recent record, the BJMP has a 367 percent congestion rate which sums up to 126,820 PDLs in the whole country.
"BJMP is utilizing all legal means to decongest our jails, and we are grateful that President Marcos is supporting these efforts," BJMP Chief Director Allan Iral said.