Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday reaffirmed the core mission of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) is to restore dignity and hope among Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).

Remulla said that beyond custodial duties, the BJMP’s highest calling is to “give hope to the hopeless.” He made the remarks during a ceremony in Quezon City where he led the donning of ranks for nine newly promoted BJMP generals and awarded a heroic jail officer.

“The number one job of BJMP is not only to secure custody and safekeeping of PDLs for their integration to society, but also to give them hope,” Remulla said, adding that the goal is for PDLs to believe in a chance for a better life and that justice will prevail.

He stressed the importance of treating PDLs “in the most humane and just way possible” while under custody.

The officials promoted to the rank of Jail Chief Superintendent were Faridah Pangandaman Ali, Analiza Pama Bides, Kenneth Agnawa Bid-ing, Ma. Loraintina Martinez Manengyao, Clarence Edoc Mayangao, Leonalyn Olle Oloan, Elena Baliza Rocamora, Rufino Marquez Santiago Jr. and Ronaldo Mamites Senoc.

Also recognized during the ceremony was Officer Mark Jason D. Palisoc, who received the Medalya ng Kagalingan (Medal of Merit) and the Wounded Personnel Medal for his response during a shooting incident in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. Palisoc sustained a minor injury on his right arm after the encounter.