MANILA – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said that the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has reported a 10-percent reduction in jail congestion nationwide.

According to the DILG, the BJMP lowered the national jail congestion rate from 296 percent in May to 286 percent in September 2025, marking a slight but notable improvement in easing overcrowding across the country’s detention facilities.

“This significant progress reflects your steadfast commitment to improving jail conditions and accelerating decongestion through effective paralegal work. These are real, measurable results that prove reform works,” said DILG Undersecretary for Public Safety Serafin P. Barretto Jr., who represented Secretary Jonvic Remulla during the BJMP’s 3rd Quarter Management Conference in Laurel, Batangas on Tuesday.

From January to September 2025, the BJMP reported that 69,052 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were released through paralegal assistance, 84,926 benefited from the Good Conduct Time Allowance, and 27,826 received Time Allowance for Study, Teaching, and Mentoring.

The Bureau also said over 21,000 PDLs are currently enrolled in formal education programs from elementary to senior high school, highlighting its focus on rehabilitation and second chances.

Barretto emphasized the DILG’s continued commitment to fairness and accountability in the treatment of detainees, following recent inspections of newly constructed jail facilities in Quezon City and Pasay.

Meanwhile, BJMP Jail Director Ruel Rivera said the agency remains committed to adapting to the country’s evolving justice needs under its Jail Plan 2040, which serves as the Bureau’s long-term framework for sustainable jail management and reforms.

“We recognize that the journey ahead is long, but with resolute commitment and dedication to public service, we are confident in our ability to contribute to a safe, just, and prosperous Philippines,” Rivera said.

The DILG reiterated its full support for the BJMP’s efforts to decongest jails, improve facilities, and uphold the dignity of every PDL, echoing President Marcos’ directive that “justice must go hand in hand with compassion.”