BJMP releases 85K PDLs through enhanced paralegal services

A total of 85,183 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) have been released nationwide from June 2024 to May 2025 through enhanced paralegal services provided by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

Of these releases, 11,139 PDLs were granted good conduct time allowance, 8,280 were released on probation, 23 on parole, and 8,825 on bail.

Additionally, 7,431 PDLs were acquitted, 16,311 completed their sentences, and 340 were required to perform community service while 3,570 were released on recognizance.

Moreover, 15,085 PDLs were transferred to other facilities for proper custodial management, with around 5,667 cases permanently dismissed and 6,342 provisionally dismissed.

The BJMP paralegal program aims to address jail congestion by providing legal assistance that helps qualified PDLs gain early release.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology is constructing 43 new jail buildings nationwide, including perimeter fences and standardized functional areas.