COTABATO CITY—The jail congestion rate in the Bangsamoro region is down by 44%, from 265% in January this year to 221% as of June 2022, based on the recent data shared the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
As the agency celebrated its 31st anniversary on Thursday, Sept. 29, BJMP Regional Director JCSupt Amado Concepcion disclosed that the decreasing congestion rate for the past two years is mainly attributed to their new facilities.
Based on their accomplishment report, BJMP has built four new facilities across the region since 2019. These include Malabang District Jail (operational), Wao Municipal Jail (operational), Datu Odin Sinsuat District Jail (soon to be operational), and New Marawi City Jail (soon to be operational).
“Dahil na din sa mga bagong pasilidad na naitayo sa nakaraang dalawang taon ay patuloy na bumababa ang congestion rate o pagsisikip ng ating mga kulungan,” Concepcion shared.
He mentioned that once the new Marawi City Jail is completed, this will serve as a high-risk facility for the region.
“Ang ipinagmamalaki naman ng BARMM na bagong Marawi City Jail ang siyang magsisilbing high-risk facility para sa rehiyong Bangsamoro katulad ng SICA (Special Intensive Care Area) at MMDJ (Metro Manila District Jail) sa Bicutan sa rehiyon ng NCR,” Concepcion added.
In the Philippines, jail congestion is one of the major problems in correctional facilities but BJMP is intensifying its efforts to minimize the problems. According to an article published by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), the congestion rate of Philippine jails was at 438% in 2019, then went down to 403% in 2020. This data is based on annual audit reports released by the Commission on Audit.
One of the major leaps done by BJMP is the launching of its 20-year development roadmap which contains various strategies to improve administration and care of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
Launched in April this year, the Journey for Advancement, Innovation and Long-term Development Plan 2040 or the J.A.I.L. Plan 2040 focuses on “the journey of the BJMP toward achieving breakthrough results, through a standardized and institutionalized quality jail service.’’
“Ang JAIL Plan 2040 ay may apat na aspeto. Una ay ang pamamahala sa mapagkukunan, ikalawa ang pag-aaral at pag unlad, ikatlo ay ang kahusayan sa pagtupad at proseso, at pang huli ay ang komudida,” Concepcion further explained.
Present during Thursday’s celebration was BARMM Assistant Senior Minister Abdullah Cusain who described the BJMP to be likened to modern days heroes. He thanked the BJMP for taking care of the PDLs, citing the agency’s efforts vis-a-vis the 12-point agenda of the government of the day particularly on peace, justice, and security.
“We really appreciate the efforts of the BJMP BARMM because of our partnership for development in the region, not only for the maintenance of peace and security but you were also very supportive of the agenda of the peace process and the banner porgram of the Bangsamoro Government which we call the ‘Moral Governance’,” said Cusain.
During the celebration, BJMP has also commended several institutions in the region for their unwavering support in the attainment of the mandates of the agency. (Abdullah Matucan/BIO)
