DILG turns over P2 million worth of hygiene kits to BJMP

The Department of the Interior and Local Government turned over P2 million worth of hygiene products donated by the Reckitt Benckiser Group - a producer of health, hygiene, and nutrition products - to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

According to a Tuesday DILG statement, the kits were to be distributed among persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in various jail facilities to help maintain cleanliness and hygiene among inmates.

“Sa inyong lahat, itong araw na ito ay simbolo ng puso, ng pagkakaisa. Andito ang Reckitt Benckiser Group, walang hiningi, nagbigay pa ng 2 milyong worth na hygiene kits at marami pang ibibigay. Napakalaking bagay nito sa pag-iwas natin sa sakit,” said DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos during the Monday turn-over event at the Manila City Jail Male Dormitory.

Abalos meanwhile lauded the BJMP for the release of 74,590 PDLs and for providing legal and paralegal services in line with their decongestion initiatives.

“Ang overcrowding noong January ay 281%, ngayon lumalabas nasa 238% na so nababawasan natin ito ng husto at magtatrabaho pa tayo tungkol dito,” he said.

He further suggested programs to convince inmates to reform and become more productive members of society.

“Ang tema rito ay koreksyon, makorek kung ano man ang pagkakamali, wala naman taong hindi nagkakamali, at para huwag nang bumalik uli. Ang solusyon ay hindi gumawa ng bagong kulungan, ang tamang solusyon ay maiwasan ang krimen at huwag bumalik sa kulungan,” he said.

From January to October 2023, 7,647 PDLs were released on bail, 6,249 were acquitted of their charges, and 4,677 PDLs were released on permanent dismissal. — DVM, GMA Integrated News