TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) – – The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Region 2 assured its commitment to uphold the rights and welfare of all Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) under their custody by providing humane treatment and comprehensive care.
Jail Senior Superintendent Romeo Villante said the jails in Cagayan Valley always practice the principles of the Nelson Mandela Rules, which set global standards for the treatment of detainees.
Villante highlighted that most PDLs under their custody have not yet been convicted and the BJMP is actively implementing a range of developmental programs designed to aid their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
He said the initiatives include partnerships with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for technical, livelihood, and skills training, and the Alternative Learning System of the Department of Education.
“We also inked an agreement with Quirino State University recently to provide opportunities to PDLs who want to pursue higher education inside jails,” he said.
Villante also ensured the agency’s commitment to maintaining the health and well-being of the PDLs.
“Despite the constraints of a daily meal allowance limited to P70, the BJMP ensures that detainees receive clean and nutritious food. In light of increasing costs, the agency has proposed adjusting the meal allowance to ensure good nutrition of the PDLs,” he added.
The BJMP’s comprehensive approach underscores its dedication to respecting the rights and fostering the development of PDLs, reflecting a progressive stance on correctional management and prisoner care. (OTB/MFJ/PIA Region 2)
