Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City
July 12, 2019

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte lauded the enduring efforts of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in bringing forth positive change in the lives of persons deprived of liberty through the infrastructure improvements and the reformative programs in the Bureau’s facilities.

“I am glad to report that the government has allotted PhP 3 billion for the construction of 60 new jail facilities to reduce jail congestion rate,” President Duterte said as he joined the officers and personnel of the BJMP in their 28th anniversary celebration at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Theater within Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

The Commander-in-Chief also commended the 30,000 Greyhound Operations of the BJMP that led to the confiscation of illegal drugs, weapons, and almost PhP 2 million worth of cash and other contraband from jails.

“As part of our efforts to ensure the integrity and professionalism of the BJMP personnel, we have conducted more than 13,000 surprise drug testing which led to the dismissal of those involved in illegal drugs,” he added.

President Duterte also hailed the awardees for their passion and service in lifting the welfare of the persons deprived of liberty. More than 20 awardees composed of BJMP officers and units have been recognized in the presentation of awards administered by the President and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año.

“May [you] continue to embody your institution’s vital role of contributing to the transformation and reformation of society. It is my hope that this milestone will further inspire you to harness your professional skills and expertise to promote the common good,” he urged the officers and personnel during the event.

President Duterte, meanwhile, vowed that his administration shall continue to pursue measures that would empower the Bureau in addressing the perennial problem that they face, particularly jail congestion.

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