MANILA – The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has recorded no incidents in jail facilities nationwide during the observance of the Holy Week.
In a statement on Tuesday, BJMP acting head, Chief Supt. Ruel Rivera, said the bureau implemented strict security measures to ensure the safety of persons deprived of liberty (PDL) and personnel in all 478 jail facilities nationwide during the Holy Week.
He said regular jail inspections were conducted as well as greyhound operations in jails to ensure that no contraband are in the cells.
He added the BJMP crisis management units were placed on alert and standby for any emergency situation during the holidays and these measures proved to be effective, as no major incidents were reported during the Lent observance.
Now that the Holy Week is over, Rivera said the BJMP is preparing for the summer season by ensuring that all jail facilities are well-maintained, fully operational, and adequately equipped to handle any challenges that may arise during the season.
Rivera said the BJMP is already conducting regular maintenance and repairs of facilities and equipment, as well as enhancing the training of personnel to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary skills to handle any situation that may arise.
Additionally, the BJMP will continue implementing strict security measures, such as regular inspections of jail cells and searching for contrabands.
Increasing the number of personnel on duty is also considered, especially for facilities that are among the most congested.
Communication and coordination with other law enforcement agencies is also a priority in order to mitigate the anticipated unfavorable effects of the summer heat on PDL and in jail facilities.
Among the BJMP’s top areas of concern this summer, are water and power supplies, the health of PDLs, and communicable diseases that are highly likely to worsen because of the heat and overcrowding.
Health personnel of the BJMP national headquarters, regional offices, and jail units are on alert and standby for possible emergency situations on the ground.
“The BJMP is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for PDL and personnel in all its facilities, and it will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that this goal is achieved,” said Rivera.
Rivera assured the public that the BJMP is fully prepared to handle any situation that may arise during the summer season, and will continue to provide the best possible care and protection for PDLs under its custody.
Holy Week observance generally peaceful in Mimaropa
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Joel Doria, director of the Police Regional Office in Mimaropa, has noted the traditional observance of this year’s Holy Week in the region as ‘generally peaceful’ as compared to the same period last year.
Data from the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division revealed that a total of 87 crime incidents were recorded from April 2 to 9 this year, a 10.31 percent decline as compared to the 97 reported crime incidents in the same period last year.
The MIMAROPA top cop said the improvement in the average crime rate is largely attributed to the pro-active policing efforts in maintaining peace and order complemented by the regionwide coordinated police operations through the implementation of the “Oplan Ligtas Sumvac 2023”.
“I commend the men and women of PRO MIMAROPA in this accomplishment. The public can expect that the PNP will further intensify its efforts in ensuring the stability of the peace and order in their respective areas, more so for the entire duration of the summer vacation this year,” Doria said in a separate statement.
Doria likewise maintained that security measures and optimum deployment will be focused on securing vital installations, tourist destinations, bus terminals, seaports, and airports to ensure the safety of all activities and movement of the traveling public.
“We have established more than 150 police assistance desks in various parts of the region, particularly in roads and tourist destinations, to be manned by more than 1,500 PNP personnel to provide maximum visibility and efficient response,” he said.
Doria reiterated his appeal to the general public, especially motorists, to take extra measures by adhering to traffic laws and speed restrictions to avoid vehicular accidents.
He also urged all parents or guardians to pay close attention to their children at all times and warned the general public not to drink any alcoholic beverages while swimming to prevent drowning incidents.
“While the PNP will be deployed to provide maximum visibility and efficient response, we humbly seek for the continuous cooperation and support of the public in our efforts towards ensuring their overall safety and security,” said Doria. (PNA)