The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), announced Tuesday that it is reinforcing its commitment to a more humane and reform-oriented justice system by advancing restorative justice practices in jails across the country.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla emphasized this shift, saying, “We win not for our glory but we win for justice. And when we do that, we win for our country.”

To support this vision, the BJMP partnered with the Council for Climate and Conflict Action Asia (CCAA) for a two-day training focused on embedding restorative justice (RJ) into the country’s jail and correctional systems. RJ is a justice approach centered on healing, accountability, and reintegration rather than punishment alone.

BJMP currently has 9,960 female persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) under its custody. The Bureau provides holistic support to women in detention, including education, livelihood training, mental health services, and maternal care for pregnant and lactating PDLs. Jail nurses provide regular checkups, vitamins, laboratory services, and care for newborns until they are turned over to family members or child-caring agencies. Breastfeeding is supported through dedicated lactation stations inside jails.

Mika (not her real name), a detainee at Quezon City Jail, shared her experience: “Noong pumasok po ako dito, akala ko wala nang tutulong sa akin. Pero mali pala ‘yung iniisip ko. May mga taong handang tumulong kahit sa kalagayan ko ngayon.”

In May, BJMP facilities across the country honored incarcerated mothers through special activities such as flower-giving, wellness services, and performances as part of the Mother’s Day celebration. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to restore dignity and improve quality of life for women behind bars.

The shift aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure a justice system that is not only fair and effective, but also compassionate and grounded in human dignity.

“Women returnees often carry double the burden. They face stigma as former detainees, while their children suffer exclusion from schools and public services,” said CCAA Program Manager Nicole Angelie Policarpio.

To support the mental well-being of PDLs, BJMP also implements stress management programs, group counseling, and drug rehabilitation services for individuals with substance use disorders.

“This shift requires more than procedural reform. It demands a change in mindset from every policymaker and justice dispenser,” BJMP Chief Jail Director Ruel Rivera said.

In the next six months, BJMP will pilot restorative justice programs in select facilities, integrating RJ principles into its policies, operations, and rehabilitation framework — with technical and advocacy support from CCAA.