CALAMBA CITY, Laguna — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte graced the turnover ceremony of 250 new transport vehicles for the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) at Camp General Vicente Lim here on Wednesday, September 26.
“I am pleased to be with you today for the ceremonial turnover of the second batch of newly-procured prisoners’ vans that I promised to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology when I visited Camp Bagong Diwa in October last year,” President Duterte said in his speech.
The President explained that the first batch of the vehicles consisting of 50 new vans were already delivered last July.
“Today, we complete the entire package with the turnover of 250 vans that we send-off today to BJMP regional offices nationwide,” he said.
He stressed that the procurement of new vehicles “is part of our continuing efforts to improve the operations of BJMP, enhance public safety in the transportation of prisoners, and provide our detainees with humane and dignified correctional facilities.”
To ensure the safety of prison personnel, Duterte expressed his desire to acquire a small plane for transferring high-profile detainees.
“Maghanap ako ng… ‘yung eroplano. Maybe one for Mindanao and sa Visayas ‘pag we are transferring a high-profile, a high-value target, you will use the plane,” he said.
He underscored that his administration “gives primacy to the welfare of our prison personnel, and this includes the promotion of their occupational safety, proper remuneration, and high morale.”
“This is the reason why this administration is intent on implementing the provisions of Republic Act 9263, which has placed BJMP at par with the Philippine National Police in terms of qualifications, standardized pay, retirement and other benefits,” he said.
“With a total manpower strength of over 13,000 personnel handling 500 jails nationwide, our BJMP personnel truly deserves an improved quality of life for themselves and their families,” he added.
With the improvement of jail facilities, the President urged jail personnel to remain steadfast in their duties to help the government in its efforts to fight corruption and eradicate criminality, as well as illegal drug trade in the country.
“To our jail officers, be assured I am always behind you as you perform your duties in accordance with the law,” he said. PND###
