The congestion rate continues to decline in prison facilities managed by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), but the numbers remain high.
Data show that the congestion rate of BJMP jails is at 397%, a huge decline from the 606% average over the past five years.
A recent Commission on Audit (COA) report has noted that the living conditions of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) have yet to meet the standards of the United Nations.
There are currently 121,895 inmates in BJMP jail facilities which exceeds the ideal capacity of 36,380, making a space dedicated for a single inmate occupied by almost five individuals.
“Aminado ang BJMP na malaking hamon talaga ‘yung congestion sa mga jail facilities natin… Medyo malaki-laki pa talaga ang kailangang bunuin ng BJMP when it comes to construction of additional spaces,” BJMP Spokesperson Xavier Solda said.
In line with this, the COA also questioned BJMP on the delay of 29 infrastructure projects amounting to P2.3 billion, which “hampered” its “objective of providing a functional and responsive jail facility to PDLs.”
The BJMP said there are no problems in its fund utilization, and is already coordinating with COA to improve project implementation. It added that a national project monitoring team has been created to respond to the pandemic’s challenges.
Solda said they are also working with local government units to provide assistance in the establishment of facilities through giving additional lots.
“Hindi kasi allowed ang BJMP na bumili ng lupa para sa construction ng mga jail facilities natin… Under sa Local Government Code, it is the responsibility of the local government,” he said.
Meanwhile, BJMP continues its vaccination rollout with around 10,000 PDLs and around 11,000 personnel considered fully vaccinated. – Report from Patrick de Jesus/AG- jlo
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