By Matthew Go
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan) has raised a red alert across all its facilities this holiday season to ensure the safety of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), visitors, and staff amid the expected surge in activities.
Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo, operations and information officer, said the red alert will be in effect from December 24 to 26, coinciding with the expected influx of visitors. A second red alert will follow from December 31 to January 2 to ensure heightened vigilance during the New Year period.
“All district, city, and municipal jails in the region will be on red alert, with a large number of visitors and PDLs participating in Christmas activities,” Anglo said.
BJMP-Mimaropa, based in Batangas City, oversees 19 district, city, and municipal jails. Among them, Bansud District Jail holds the highest number of PDLs, with 306, followed by Brooke’s Point District Jail with 300, and San Jose District Jail with 269.
Jail personnel will remain on duty throughout the holidays, with regular inspections conducted by BJMP officials. The Regional Operations Division has also warned against indiscriminate firing during New Year’s celebrations.
“The BJMP’s actions reflect our commitment to ensuring safety and order during the holiday season,” Anglo said.