THE inmate congestion rate at detention facilities under the supervision of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has improved to 296 percent this year.
BJMP chief Director Ruel Rivera reported this yesterday during the celebration of the bureau’s 34th foundation anniversary, which was graced by Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla.
Rivera said the congestion rate in 2013 was at 358 percent and this decreased to 314 percent last year.
“This further decreased to 296 percent this 2025,” said Rivera.
“One of the reasons behind the decrease in overcrowding is the construction of additional cells and facilities,” Rivera.
The jail bureau said nine additional jail buildings were constructed in the past year.
Riveral also attributed the improved congestion rate to the paralegal assistance provided to the inmates or persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), in collaboration with the Supreme Court, Public Attorney’s Office, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, and law schools nationwide.
Rivera said this paralegal assistance resulted in the speedy resolution of the cases against the PDLs. This, he added, has already led to the release of some 85,183 PDLs.
“Because of this, there is no case of overstaying PDL in our facilities,” said Rivera.
BJMP spokesman Superintendent Jayrex Bustinera said there are around 115,000 PDLs currently detained at 484 district, city, and municipal jails under the BJMP across the country.
Rivera also reported the conduct of 314,819 greyhound operations in relation to the fight against illegal drugs inside the jails.
These operations, Rivera said, resulted in the seizure of 500 grams of shabu and 33 grams of marijuana.
“Our efforts are continuing to rid our facilities of illegal drugs, in coordination with the Philipine National Police. In fact, 77 have been declared as drug-free jails,” said Rivera.
Rivera also reported the other accomplishments of the BJMP during the celebration, including in the field of education which has benefitted over 100,000 PDLs in the past years.
Rivera said 107 of the beneficiaries successfully completed college degrees, adding that 720 other PDLs are currently enrolled, taking up various courses at universities and schools nationwide.
He also said 2,400 jail officers were recruited this year, improving the jail officer to PDL ratio to 1:36 from 1:42.
