Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla on Wednesday announced plans to integrate the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor). The move follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to streamline resources and address jail congestion nationwide.
“It is a proposal, a work in progress, and one that will be done in consultation with you,” Remulla said during BJMP’s 34th Anniversary Celebration in Quezon City. “You must know what we are doing, how we are doing it, and be part of the integration.”
Remulla commended BJMP personnel for their efforts to rehabilitate Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) and keep communities safer. He cited a reduction in national jail congestion from 314 percent in 2024 to 296 percent this year, as well as paralegal aid extended to over 85,000 PDLs.
The BJMP has also declared 230 facilities drug-free and 77 drug-cleared through surprise inspections. Education and livelihood remain central to the agency’s rehabilitation programs, with more than 10,700 PDLs completing basic education, 107 earning college degrees through the College Education Behind Bars program, and over 66,000 benefiting from livelihood initiatives that generated ₱116.7 million in gross income.
Former PDL Marissa Basa, now employed at city hall, shared her story during the event. “Ito na ako ngayon, hindi na katulad noon. Masaya ako kasi first time ko magtrabaho,” she said. Remulla assured that the DILG will continue to support BJMP’s mission to protect, reform, and empower people in custody.
