NEW VEHICLES. The newly acquired transport vehicles of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas on Monday (Aug. 29, 2022). The new vehicles and firearms would aid in increasing the capacity of the bureau in terms of transporting persons deprived of liberty. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)
MANILA – The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has acquired new firearms, equipment and vehicles to help jail personnel in carrying out their duties.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. together with BJMP chief Jail Director Allan Iral on Monday led the ceremonial blessing of the new equipment including pistols, laptops and vehicles, at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, Quezon City.
The new vehicles and firearms would aid in increasing the capacity of the bureau in terms of transporting persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
Prior to the procurement of the new vehicles, Abalos noted that the BJMP’s capacity to transport PDLs is only at 70 percent.
With these new vehicles, Abalos estimated that the capacity to transport has gone up to at least 83 percent -- a big boost to decongest the jail facilities.
“We could have not chosen a better time than now to conduct this symbolic event because today (Aug. 29) we raise the Philippine flag to the skies in recognition not only of the sacrifices of the fallen heroes of our past but also of the dedication and hard work of our modern heroes, our jail officers who stand in guard 24/7 to look after the gates of our prisons and lead our PDLs into a life of a reformation and rehabilitation,” Abalos said in his speech during the event.
He assured that the BJMP would be provided with more equipment and resources.
“Makakaasa kayo na sa mga susunod na mga buwan ay ipagpapatuloy pa natin ang mga reporma at mga hakbang naglalayong ayusin, pagandahin at gawing mas moderno ang pasilidad ng kawanihan (I assure you that in the coming months we will continue our reforms and steps that will upgrade, improve and modernize the facilities of the bureau),’’ he added.
The laptops would be helpful in the bureau's administrative works and also a huge boost once online hearings for PDLs will be allowed.
"I made a request to the Supreme Court that if it is possible for us to have online hearings instead of you transporting some chosen inmates. Online hearing is a more viable option especially in far-flung areas. I think it will be very practical at that point in time," he said. (PNA)
