BJMP addresses jail congestion with multipronged approach

FILE: Bureau of Corrections in Muntinlupa (Photo by Monzonda at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0)

MANILA – Fresh guidelines, like relaxing rules on bail and improved access to counsels of persons deprived of liberty (PDL) are among the solutions initiated to address the congestion of the country’s jails, a senior official said Friday.

Newly completed facilities in Quezon City and Taguig City and in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur are likewise expected to alleviate the situation, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) spokesperson Chief Insp. Jayrex Joseph Bustinera said during the Laging Handa press briefing.

The BJMP runs 478 jails nationwide, mostly housing PDLs who have cases pending before the courts.

“(P)inipilit din po ng BJMP na matapos na mga project para malipatan na po at makapag-contribute sa decongestion [program] natin (The BJMP is working overtime to complete projects so it can be occupied and contribute to addressing the decongestion problem in jails),” Bustinera said.

In the case of the Quezon City jail in Payatas which is projected to house up to 6,000 inmates, the BJMP said the Covid-19 pandemic converted it into a temporary medical facility but it is now in the final stages of completion, including installation of perimeter fences.

Similarly, the Metro Manila District Jail in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City has been completed.

Bustinera said that for the Marawi jail, the Maute rebellion six years ago temporarily stalled its use and turnover.

As per the Department of Justice order, he said provisional liberty may be granted by posting bail even before a trial starts.

There are paralegal officers who can assist the Public Attorney’s Office for bail reduction or processing involving certain cases.

“Para sila po ay makalaya kahit nililitis pa ang kanilang kaso (So they may be set free while their cases remain pending),” Bustinero said.

He said the BJMP lauds the continuation of the government’s grassroots campaign against illegal drug use, pointing out that up to 70 percent of PDLs face drug-related charges.