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): to restore dignity and hope among persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

Remulla emphasized that beyond custodial duties, the BJMP’s highest calling is to “give hope to the hopeless.”

“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. That somewhere, somehow, there’s a chance for them for a better life. That justice will prevail. That under their custody, nothing will happen to them. That they will be treated in the most humane and just way possible,” he said, as he led the donning of ranks and oath-taking of nine newly promoted BJMP generals and the awarding of a heroic jail officer in Quezon City.“Ako po ay bumabati sa lahat ng mga pamilya, sa lahat ng mga natalaga sa mas mataas na posisyon, sa ating awardee. Binabati ko kayong lahat,” he said, addressing the honorees and their families.

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

Also recognized during the ceremony was J01 Mark Jason D. Palisoc, who received the Medalya ng Kagalingan (Medal of Merit) and Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting (Wounded Personnel Medal) for his heroic response during a shooting incident in Barangay Muzon South, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. Palisoc sustained a minor injury on his right arm after the suspect opened fire during the encounter.

Remulla commended BJMP personnel for their unique and challenging role in caring for PDLs, many of whom struggle with despair and hopelessness.

“Kung mahirap ang maging pulis o bumbero, pinakamahirap ang nasa loob ng BJMP. Dahil ang nakakasama nila lagi ay ang mga taong nawawalan ng pag-asa sa buhay. And that is the hardest thing. When people lose hope, they lose all reason to live. When that happens, they do the most desperate things,” he said.

He urged BJMP personnel to remain steadfast in their mission and to take pride in their role within the DILG family.

“Huwag ninyong isipin na maliit ang posisyon ninyo. Isipin ninyong bahagi kayo ng isang malaking pamilya sa hanay ng DILG. Magkakasama tayong lahat dito. Hindi po para sa ating sarili, kundi para sa ating bayang minamahal,” Remulla said.

BJMP Chief Ruel S. Rivera assured that the bureau will remain tireless in performing its mandate of safekeeping and developing PDLs.

“Ang BJMP po ay handang tumugon sa lahat ng pangangailangan sa ating mga kapatid na PDLs. Ito po ang pinapangako po namin kasama ang siyam na bagong pangkat ng heneral at 27,000-strong men and women ng BJMP.”