New assessment, classification system for PDLs with terrorism, violent extremism-related cases developed
By Chito Chavez

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) took part on Thursday, Dec. 14, in the ceremonial presentation of policies on assessment and classification system for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in Malacañang.
In a statement, the BJMP explained that the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (NAP-PCVE), and the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 mandate the BJMP and the BuCor to develop a uniform assessment and classification system for the PDLs with terrorism-related cases and violent extremist offenders (VEOs).
In order to achieve this task, the BJMP and BuCor worked hand in hand to develop the policy with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) and the United States Department of Justice International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (US DOJ-ICITAP) assisting in the development of the said policy.
The event was highlighted by the conferment of "Medalya ng Natatanging Gawa" for the members of the technical working group from the BJMP led by Jail Senior Supt. Rufino M Santiago Jr., and Corrections Inspector Lariza V. Martin who designed and developed the assessment and classification system.
BJMP Chief Director Ruel Rivera thanked the technical working group of the Anti-Terrorism Council and the other agencies for providing the BJMP and BuCor the support in this endeavor.
With the implementation of these guidelines in the assessment and classification system in high-risk facilities, the BJMP and BuCor said they intend to effectively address concerns resulting from the presence of PDL with terrorism-related cases and violent extremist offenders.