MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte assured the Bureau of Jail Management (BJMP) that his administration will continue to look after the people under its care as the country faces the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
In a video message aired Friday during BJMP’s commemoration of its 29th anniversary, the President congratulated the institution for its efficient safeguarding of persons deprived of liberty.
“To the men and women of the Bureau of Jail Management, congratulations on your 29th anniversary. I am pleased that over the years, the BJMP has effectively performed its mandate of ensuring the efficient and humane safekeeping and development of persons deprived of liberty,” Duterte said.
“While it is a difficult and challenging task, we have nonetheless done well despite safety risks and the limited resources.”
“You can be assured that this administration will look after your welfare, including the people under your care, especially now that we are facing a crisis that is testing our strength as a nation,” the President further said.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, over 15,000 prisoners have been released by BJMP in a bid to stop coronavirus infections inside jails.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government said most of the freed prisoners are senior citizens and those with either “light” or “bailable” offenses.
Meanwhile, at least 135 personnel of BJMP have been infected by the coronavirus, but 90 of them have already recovered.
There are so far 51,754 COVID-19 cases nationwide with 1,314 deaths and 12,813 recoveries.