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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 2,226 new jail officers boost BJMP strength

2,226 new jail officers boost BJMP strength

Published Jul 17, 2026 10:56 am  |  Updated Jul 17, 2026 02:14 pm

At A Glance

  • The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) added 2,226 new jail officers, raising its total workforce to 28,963 and improving the jail officer to persons deprived of liberty (PDL) ratio as it works toward its target of 46,984 personnel.
  • The new recruits, selected from 22,296 applicants, took their oath on July 16 and will undergo training at the National Jail Management and Penology Training Institute and its regional campuses.
  • BJMP Director Efren Nemeño said the new officers must uphold accountability and professionalism as the bureau pursues reforms, including easing jail congestion, fighting corruption, and ensuring equal treatment of all PDLs.
(Bureau of Jail Management and Penology)
(Bureau of Jail Management and Penology)
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has strengthened its workforce with the addition of 2,226 new jail officers, bringing its total personnel to 28,963 as it moves closer to its target of 46,984 officers.
The new recruits, composed of 1,794 men and 432 women, took their oath on Thursday, July 16, during simultaneous ceremonies in BJMP regional offices nationwide.
The BJMP said the additional personnel improved the jail officer to persons deprived of liberty (PDL) ratio.
“Ultimately, this ensures tighter facility security, more efficient administration of rehabilitation programs, and the continuous enhancement of humane safekeeping standards across the country,” the bureau said.
Newly installed BJMP Director Efren Nemeño, who assumed office last July 9, vowed to ease jail congestion, fight corruption, and ensure that merit and fitness guide all administrative actions.
He also reaffirmed the bureau's commitment to operating secure, humane, and reformation oriented jail facilities.
“I will hold you accountable on these and you must hold me accountable in return. This is how trust is built, not through speeches, but through systems. Not through promises but through performance,” he said.
The new jail officers emerged from a pool of 22,296 applicants who underwent the BJMP Recruitment Program.
The BJMP said 43 recruits came from Region 1, 43 from Region 2, 175 from Region 3, 360 from Calabarzon, 53 from Mimaropa, 83 from Region 5, 122 from Region 6, 292 from Region 7, 48 from Region 8, 67 from Region 9, 128 from Region 10, 103 from Region 11, 56 from Region 12, 47 from Caraga, 23 from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, 23 from the Cordillera Administrative Region, 170 from the Negros Island Region, and 390 from the National Capital Region.
The new Jail Officer 1 trainees are currently under their respective regional offices while awaiting formal training at the National Jail Management and Penology Training Institute.
They will undergo training at the main campus in Calamba City, Laguna, or at the off campus facilities in Orani, Bataan, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, and Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.
The increase in manpower also came as the BJMP continued to manage detention facilities housing several high-profile inmates facing graft and corruption charges.
Nemeño earlier assured the public that there would be no preferential treatment for any PDL.
He said there would be “absolutely no special treatment” for detainees under the bureau's custody despite allegations that some influential inmates receive favors from jail personnel.
Among the high-profile PDLs at the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory are Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta, former Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., former congressman Mike Defensor, and several Department of Public Works and Highways officials charged over alleged anomalies involving flood control projects.

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