The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in the Philippines holds a pivotal role as a government agency tasked with the management and supervision of city, district, and municipal jails.
Established on January 2, 1991, through Republic Act No. 6975, the BJMP is integral to ensuring the safekeeping and humane treatment of persons deprived of liberty (PDL) within various detention facilities across the country.
Positioned as a key component of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the BJMP was created in response to the growing need to professionalize the country’s jail management system.
The escalating number of detainees presented challenges in terms of overcrowding, security, and the overall well-being of those in custody.
Table of Contents
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BJMP History:
Before the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology establishment, jail management fell under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Constabulary and later the Integrated National Police.
Recognizing the need for a specialized agency to address the evolving issues in the management of detention facilities, Republic Act No. 6975, also known as the “Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990,” was enacted.
This legislation laid the foundation for the creation of the BJMP, officially coming into existence on January 2, 1991. The agency was mandated to take over the management and operation of city, district, and municipal jails from the police forces.
Throughout its history, the BJMP has been a driving force in the modernization and professionalization of the country’s jail system.Committed to upholding the rights and dignity of persons deprived of liberty, the BJMP strives to create a secure and rehabilitative environment.
Over the years, the agency has implemented various programs and initiatives aimed at improving detention facility conditions, enhancing personnel skills, and fostering community involvement in the rehabilitation process.
Today, the BJMP remains a crucial player in the Philippine criminal justice system. With a steadfast commitment to professionalism, transparency, and respect for human rights, the BJMP continues its mission of providing safe, secure, and humane custody for persons deprived of liberty, contributing to the broader goal of fostering a just and orderly society.
BJMP Mission and Vision:
Mission:
“We provide humane safekeeping and developmental opportunities for persons deprived of liberty as our contribution to a safe, just, and prosperous Philippines.”
Vision:
“A highly capable agency dedicated to global best practices and standards in jail management.”
Organizational structure:
The Command Group Offices
Office of the Chief, BJMP (OCBJMP)
The OCBJMP is the office of the highest executive management of the BJMP. It is the highest office of the Jail Bureau where command and direction emanates from.
It exercises administrative and operational functions as mandated under RA 6975 and RA 9263 through its Directorate Office and Management Support Units.
Office of the Deputy Chief for Administration (ODCA)
The ODCA advises and assists the Chief, BJMP in the formulation and implementation of the plans, programs and policies pertaining to personnel, logistics and comptrollership.
Office of the Deputy Chief for Operation (ODCO)
The ODCO advises and assist the Chief, BJMP in the formulation and implementation of the plans, programs and policies pertaining to jail operations;
Office of the Chief Directorial Staff (OCDS)
The OCDS ensures the coordination, supervision and direction of all directorial staff office in the performance of their respective office functions.
The Office of the Secretary to the Command Group (OSCG)
The OSCG shall ensure that all communications and documents flowing to the command group is proper, justifiable and reasonable in forms and substance.
The Directorial Staff
Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM)
The DPRM is responsible for the management of the personnel of the Bureau; Manpower Procurement and Control; Maintains Personnel Records, Statistics and Reports; Discipline, Law and Order;
Morale, Personnel Services and Personnel Placement; the internal organization of the National Headquarters and its administrative functions; and the miscellaneous functions assigned by Chief, BJMP, Deputy Chiefs or TCDS.
Directorate for Human Resource Development (DHRD)
The DHRD advises the Chief, BJMP on matters pertaining policy formulation and planning direction, coordination, supervision and implementation of all matters pertaining to human resource development, such as, education, training and operational readiness of all BJMP personnel.
Directorate for Operations (DO)
The DO advises and assists the Chief, BJMP on matters relating to the formulation and execution of correctional programs, particularly, on organizations training, operation and planning. Likewise, on security, custody, discipline and control of offenders and effective implementation of rehabilitation programs and services in all jails nationwide.
Directorate for Logistics (DL)
The DL is primarily responsible in the direction, supervision and coordination in the formulation of plans and programs, budget, canvass, procurement, administration, inventory, implementation and distribution of logistical requirements of the Bureau.
Directorate for Comptrollership (DC)
The DC manages and provides advice to the Chief, BJMP on budgeting, accounting, financial management, internal auditing and fiscal management from planning, execution and monitoring.
Directorate for Welfare and Development (DWD)
The DWD (formerly known as, the Directorate for Inmates Welfare and Development (DIWD) assists the Chief, BJMP in formulation and implementation of doable programs, projects and activities that would enhance humane treatment of PDL towards the direction of a productive and law abiding citizens upon their eventual release to the mainstream of society.
Directorate for Program Development (DPD)
The DPD assists the Chief, BJMP in the formulation and development of plans and programs to achieve the BJMP’s mission and objectives.
Conducts research studies and gathers data for planning and programming purposes and prepares position papers and recommends measures for the improvement of management processes in the BJMP.
The office is also responsible in coordination with other staff in preparation of Operations Plan and Budget (OPB).
Directorate for Intelligence (DI)
The DI assists the Chief, BJMP in attaining intelligence objectives through staff direction, planning, coordination control and supervision of all related intelligence activities through formulation of policies and guidelines on security, intelligence and counter-intelligence matters and provides evaluation and assessment of the overall security activities for the Bureau.
Directorate for Investigation and Prosecution (DIP)
The DIP assists the C, BJMP in the monitoring, investigation and prosecution of erring personnel and other personalities involved in violation of the Revised Penal Code, the BJMP Rules and Regulations; and the Civil Service Commission as the case maybe.
Directorate for Information and Communications Technology Management (DICTM)
The DICTM assist the Chief BJMP in formulation of policies, plans and programs on management of information and communication technology (ICT) systems inter-operability, integration, standardization, acquisition and maintenance, such as, information system applications, ICT infrastructure, information security, communications systems, and ICT human resource acquisition and capacity development.
Directorate for Health Service (DHS)
The DHS assist the Chief BJMP in formulation and implementation of policies, plans and programs on health and wellness of PDL, Personnel and their dependents.
These includes, medical treatment and management, ancillary and health support services, medical supplies and equipment acquisition, procedures on health screening of applicants, administration of health personnel, capacity building, performance monitoring and evaluation.
Management Support Staff
Supply Accountable Office (SAO)
The SAO assists and advises the Director, Director for Logistics on supply and equipment requirements of the BJMP.
Plans the functions and operations pertaining to receiving, storekeeping, stock control and supply cataloguing of procured BJMP supplies, materials and equipment (SME).
Implement logistical policies on property and supply management, including its physical inventory from national down to regional level.
Legal Service Office (LSO)
The LSO advises the Chief, BJMP on legal matters and renders legal opinion on matters related to the administration and operation of the BJMP.
Likewise, it is the office responsible in the conducts hearings pursuant to BJMP Administrative Disciplinary Machinery and prepares decisions / resolutions on administrative cases heard and replies in case of appeal.
Legislative Liaison Office (LLO)
The LLO represents the Chief, BJMP to Security, Justice and Peace (SJP) Cluster of the Legislative Liaison System (LLS) to strengthen coordination and fast-tracking of priority legislative measures to congress.
Identify measures and mechanism of proposed measures that may require consultation and collaborations among members of SJP and concerned agencies of the executive or constitutional bodies.
Finance Service Office (FSO)
The FSO is responsible in processing of claims presented for payment of pay and allowances, reimbursement or cash advance of travel expenses, purchase orders, work orders and other BJMP obligations to determine compliance with Accounting and Auditors requirements.
Accounting Service Office (ASO)
The ASO maintains the Book of Accounts and other basic accounting records of the Bureau’s funds and properly shows receipts, disbursements, and other status of the Bureau’s appropriations, allotments, and obligations.
Retirement and Separation Benefits Administration Service Office (RSBASO)
The RSBASO shall be the support service office to the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management primarily responsible for the administration of retirement, separation and other benefits of the uniformed personnel of the BJMP.
It shall plan programs to promote the welfare of retirees and pensioners, as well as to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of programs to aid in the formulation of policy that will improve the retirement and separation system of the BJMP.
Community Relations Service Office (CRSO)
The CRSO Conducts jail-community relations programs to promote open relationship among the jail, media men and the community, coordinates and establishes linkages and develop collaborative partnership with government and non-government organizations and encourage community involvement in jail/prison activities through the various forms of media to generate public support for the jail service in particular and the government in general.
Likewise, conducts continuous information and education campaign among BJMP personnel on the observance of the customs, traditions and practices of the corrections service as well as keeping them updated on the policies, rules and regulations prescribed by higher authorities.
Chaplaincy Service Office (CSO)
The CSO is responsible on spiritual development of BJMP personnel and PDL through conduct of celebrate holy mass, related religious activities, values formation seminars, recollections and retreats, and guidance counseling.
Headquarters Support Service Office (HSSO)
The HSSO is responsible in providing security of the National Headquarters including personnel and properties, maintain cleanliness, orderliness and sanitation, parking supervision, special events enhancements through the BJMP Band and Combo, and exercises administrative and operational control over headquarters personnel assigned or attached with the National Headquarters.
Jail Service Intelligence Operations Center (JSIOC)
JSIOC is renamed from Jail Service National Tactical Operations Center (JSNTOC) pursuant to Department Order Nos.: 2020 – 078 dated January 28, 2020 directly under the supervision of the Directorate for Operations.
This service office is tasked to provide technical expertise in radio and data communications for the operations of the Jail Bureau.
This office is responsible in the central integration and monitoring of data and voice communications applications such as, CCTV, dispatch and other security convergence used in Jail Operations.
Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) Center
The BJMP P/CVE Center was activated through a Memorandum from the OIC, DILG dated February 11, 2021, to: coordinate efforts and programs for the welfare of Persons Deprived of Liberty with Terrorism-Related Cases (PDL with TRC); integrate data pertaining to PDL with TRC; serve as liaison desk to the Anti-Terrorism Council-Program Management Center; and as focal office for the DILG P/CVE Program Management Office and other relevant government agencies and coordinating bodies.
Internal Audit Unit (IAU)
Pursuant to section 1, Subtitle B, Book V of the Administrative Code of 1987 and section 10 (d), 13 and 69 of Implementing Rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 6975, the BJMP Internal Audit Unit with official acronym “IAU” was hereby created.
Functions include but not limited to matters relating to management control and operations audit of the BJMP functions, programs, projects activities with outputs, and determine the degree of compliance with mandate, policies, government regulations established objective systems and procedures/processes and contractual obligations.
Center for Jail Excellence and Strategy Management (CJESM)
The CJESM serves as the central facility of the Jail Bureau in coordinating and integrating all strategy management and instilling in the organization a culture of strategic focus.
Office of the National Executive Senior Jail Officer (ONESJO)
The ONESJO is responsible in promoting and enhancing the morale, welfare, discipline and professionalism of the non-officer rank towards an effective and efficient service to the organization and its clientele.
Regional, Provincial, District, City and Municipal Office and Regional Support Units
BJMP Regional Office (BJMPRO)
There are seventeen (17) BJMP Regional Offices nationwide with structure patterned with the BJMP National Headquarters.
The BJMP Regional Office is headed by the Regional Director and is supported by the Regional Command Group, Regional Coordinating Staff and Regional Management Support Unit whose function is patterned also with the National Headquarters but in a smaller scale.
Office of the Regional Command Group
• Office of the Regional Director or the Jail Bureau (ORD)
• Assistant Regional Director for Administration of the Jail Bureau (ARDA)
• Assistant Regional Director for Operation of the Jail Bureau (ARDO)
• Regional Chief of Directorial Staff of the Jail Bureau (RCS)
Regional Coordinating Staff Offices
• Regional Personnel and Records Management Division
• Regional Human Resource Development Division
• Regional Logistics Division
• Regional Comptrollership Division
• Regional Operations Division
• Regional Welfare and Development Division
• Regional Intelligence Division
• Regional Investigation and Prosecution Division
• Regional Program Development Division
• Regional Information and Communication Technology Management Division
• Regional Health Service Division
Regional Management Support Unit
• Regional Legal and Hearing Section
• Regional General Service Section
• Regional Accounting Section
• Regional Finance Section
• Regional Supply Accountable Section
• Regional Chaplaincy Section
• Regional Community Relations Section
• Regional Information and Communications Technology Section
• Regional Jail Service Intelligence Operations Center
BJMP Provincial Office (BJMP-PO)
There are eighty (80) BJMP Provincial Offices nationwide supported by two (2) divisions, namely: a.) The Provincial Administrative Division and b.) The Provincial Operations Divisions whose coordinating function is patterned from that of the Assistant Regional Director for Administration and Operation, respectively.
Under this Divisions, are the following offices:
Office of Provincial Administrative Division
• Personnel Section
• Budget, Finance and Supply Section
Office of Provincial Operations Division
• Security Management Section
• Welfare Development Section
District, City and Municipal Field Units
There are four hundred sixty seven (467) BJMP jail units nationwide classified as District, City and Municipal Jail whose operational control, management and supervision is under the Regional Director or the Provincial Administrator in either case maybe.
The primary function of these units is to provide security/ control and PDL welfare development facility for PDL undergoing trial or those sentenced city prisoners.
Mandates
BJMP is mandated to direct, supervise and control the administration and operation of all district, city and municipal jails nationwide with pronged tasks of safekeeping and development of PDL.
Functions
In line with it’s mission, the Jail Bureau endeavors to perform the following functions:
Formulate policies and guidelines in the administration of all district, city, and municipal jails nationwide;
- Implement strong security measures for the control of PDL;
- Provide for the basic needs of PDL;
- Conduct activities for the development of PDL;
- Improve jail facilities; and,
- Promote the general welfare and development of personnel.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) stands as a vital force in shaping a fair and secure Philippine criminal justice system.
Established in 1991, the BJMP has evolved to meet the challenges of a changing landscape, prioritizing the humane treatment and development of individuals deprived of liberty.
With a clear mission to provide safekeeping and contribute to a just and prosperous Philippines, the BJMP envisions itself as a globally acclaimed agency adhering to the highest standards in jail management.
Mandated to direct, supervise, and control jails nationwide, the BJMP executes its responsibilities by formulating policies, enhancing security measures, and prioritizing the welfare of both persons deprived of liberty (PDL) and its personnel.
As we acknowledge the BJMP’s pivotal role in fostering professionalism and transparency, it becomes evident that its commitment to excellence transcends the confines of detention facilities.
The BJMP’s dedication to safe, secure, and humane custody aligns with the broader societal goal of maintaining justice and order.
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Reference:
- Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). (n.d.). History. Retrieved 2023, from [https://www.bjmp.gov.ph/index.php/about-us/history