BJMP starts new Dasmariñas City Jail to reduce overcrowding

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), in partnership with the Dasmariñas City government, has commenced construction on a new facility aimed at reducing overcrowding in existing jails.

During Tuesday's groundbreaking ceremony, BJMP Chief Jail Director Ruel Rivera highlighted the importance of this initiative for providing better conditions to persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and emphasized that the current congestion rate will drop from 3,333 percent to just 46 percent upon completion.

Rivera noted the significant reduction in male dormitory occupancy from 1,270 PDL at a 1,133 percent rate and female dormitory occupancy from 248 PDL with a 2,200 percent rate to more manageable levels of 31 percent and 15 percent respectively.

The new Dasmariñas City Jail will include essential facilities such as an infirmary, training spaces, ALS classrooms, worship areas, and a visitation area to improve living conditions for PDLs.

Under the usufruct agreement signed on Nov. 12, 2021, the facility is set to be completed in February 2026 and will cover a 5,464-square-meter lot in Barangay Langkaan 2.