The new director of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has ordered jail personnel across the country to ensure the replication of best practices of the bureau to ensure that the goal of reforming persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) is achieved.

BJMP acting chief Jail Supt. Ruel Rivera issued the order during his first command conference  where he also pointed out the measures that need to be enforced during the observance of the Holy Week.

“Kung kinakailangang patatagin at palakasin pa ang mga programang ito, gawin natin,” Rivera urged the other key officials (If there is a need to strengthen and enhance these programs, let’s do it),’’ Rivera stated.

He also stressed the importance of implementing the appropriate steps to prevent the spread of summer-related illnesses, “as the change in temperature increases the incidence of diseases among PDLs.’’

The acting chief also emphasized the need for ground officials to ensure that jail facilities are ready for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, telling his subordinates to “remain politically neutral in the months leading to the event.’’

“We want a peaceful election in our jail facilities, without any disruption, as we did in the past,” he added.

Rivera also thanked the bureau's personnel for their unwavering dedication and commitment to their duty despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He reiterated the Bureau's commitment to uphold its mandate of providing safe, secure, and humane treatment of PDL while also ensuring the safety and security of its personnel.

“The BJMP will continue to implement measures to improve its operations and to maintain its high standards of service to the Filipino people,” Rivera continued.