The congestion rate at the detention facilities run by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has decreased to 303 percent in 2024 due to the implementation of jail decongestion programs.
The BJMP started 2024 with 335 percent in January last year and agency said its “zero overstaying’’ program has set the tone for the qualified persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to gain freedom from its 478 jail facilities nationwide.
In a statement, the BJMP thanked President Marcos for his support to its programs, assuring that the bureau is utilizing all legal means to decongest its jail facilities following his order to expedite the release of the qualified PDLs to ease the congestion rate in the country’s jail facilities.
Recently, Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) chief Persida V. Rueda-Acosta led her team in the conduct of a “Legal, Medical and Decongestion Program’’ at the Quezon City Jail Female Dormitory (QCJFD).
“This initiative was in collaboration with Medical Doctors headed by Atty. Erwin Erpi, MD, Executive Optical representatives led by Dr. Rachel Andaya, Dentists led by Dr. Martino Delmar and the legal council led by Atty. Mark Asis, PAO-QC,’’ the QCJFD explained.
QCJFD warden Chief Inspector Lourvina Abrazado said the program aims to address both the legal concerns and the medical needs of persons deprived of liberty (PDL) under the care of the BJMP.
During the PAO’s visit, Abrazado bared that legal consultations and case reviews were conducted to assist the PDLs in expediting their cases, while medical and optical services were provided to ensure their overall well-being.
“This initiative highlights the commitment of PAO and its partners to upholding justice and delivering essential services to PDL as part of their rehabilitation and welfare,’’ Abrazado said.
Acosta also had the opportunity to witness the impactful programs under the "No Woman Left Behind" initiative during her visit to the facility as the PAO chief was introduced to the jail’s various welfare and development programs aimed at empowering the PDL.
Abrazado thanked Acosta and the PAO lawyers, medical doctors, dentists, nurses and other volunteers for their selflessness in dedicating their time and expertise to serve the residents of the QCJFD.