CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — “Napanatili ninyo sa Region 10 ang zero overstaying PDL (persons deprived of liberty), ibig sabihin, walang tumatagal na ni isang araw o ni isang oras sa loob ng jail at 100 percent of the PDLs subjected to drug tests are all negative,” said Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Chief, JDir. Ruel Rivera.
(You have maintained zero overstaying PDLs in Region 10, which means no one spends a day or an hour in jail, and 100 percent of the PDLs subjected to drug tests are all negative.)
He further highlighted the achievements of the region, including facilitating PDL voting, maintaining International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification, and implementing the Alternative Learning System Program, resulting in 230 graduates. He also noted that 11,000 PDLs participated in various skills development training, and 161 completed the Katatagan Kontra Droga sa Komunidad (KKDK) program.
The bureau’s developmental strides included the appointment of 129 new jail officers, the investigation of 57 personnel, and the launch of the first BJMP Gawad Penolohiya Annual Awards. The region also continued to operationalize its first BJMP-Run Reformatory Center.
In partnership with Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), BJMP-10 launched the College Education Behind Bars (CEBB) Program, enrolling 45 PDLs at Iligan City Jail-Male and Female Dorm. Through collaboration with TESDA, 3,846 PDLs benefited from livelihood and skills training, resulting in 104 livelihood projects.
Moreover, the BJMP Color Run, with 1,181 participants, raised P133,207.73 for the PDL Livelihood Program, while 1,882 PDLs received social benefit cards. Additionally, 544 PDLs exercised their voting rights during the Barangay and SK Elections 2023, and 90 referrals for employment, livelihood, and financial assistance were made.
Innovative efforts included the creation of resource centers and monitoring tools, as well as a collaboration with Central Mindanao University on the Digital Reinforcement to Enable Artificial Intelligence to Maximize Solutions in BJMP-10.
“These achievements are testament to the dedication and hard work of our jail officers, staff, and valued partners. Allow me once again to take this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to our partners, including the local government units, non-governmental organizations, and various stakeholders whose support has been instrumental in our success,” said JCSupt. Cesar Langawin, BJMP-10 Regional Director.
The celebration also saw various awards being presented, including Medina Municipal Jail as the Best Municipal Jail of the Year, Cagayan de Oro City Jail Female Dormitory as the Best City Jail of the Year, Lanao del Norte District Jail as the Best District Jail of the Year, and Misamis Oriental Provincial Jail Administrator’s Office as the Best Provincial Jail Administrator’s Office of the Year.
“For 33 years and counting, the men and women of BJMP Region 10 have been the pillars of strength, ensuring the safety, security, and rehabilitation of those under our care. In ways ahead, our challenges are ever-evolving, and we must remain adaptable and forward-thinking to enhance our capabilities further and better serve our less fortunate brothers and sisters who deserve a second chance upon returning to society,” Rivera added.
BJMP-10 celebrated its 33rd anniversary with the theme “Makatao at Maka-Diyos na Serbisyong Publiko, Tungo sa Maunlad, Maayos, at Progresibong Pagbabago.” (RTP/PIA-10)
