An agreement has been forged to help persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in Northern Mindanao reform, build a better future, and prevent them from committing crimes again after their release.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Northern Mindanao (BJMP-10), the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), and the Central Mindanao University (CMU), signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the Recidivism Evaluation and Forecasting Optimization with Rehabilitation Metrics or REFORM Project.

This is a data sharing agreement between the BJMP-10 and the two schools to support collaborative research, innovation, and evidence-based strategies in rehabilitation and jail management.

The project aims to maximize artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to predict and mitigate recidivism or the tendency of PDLs to reoffend once they are released.

This will also strengthen rehabilitation programs for PDLs and promote their successful reintegration into society.

Through the program, data sharing between BJMP and the partner universities will be faster and more efficient, enabling the schools to design programs for PDLs.

“We believe that our PDL’s have second chance but how can we help them to have this second chance? if we are going to look at kung unsa ba gyud ang reasons why they are here? ngano naa man sila dinhi? unsa man diay ang ilang nabuhat?” USTP Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Lory Liza Bulay-og, said.

“In simple terms we are harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning to have the BJMP 10 address the cycle of the reoffending, analyze vast amounts of data, this project aims to a decision support system,” CMU Assistant Professor, Nathalie Joy Casildo, added.

BJMP-10 assured that all data will be handled securely in compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012, and with respect for the privacy, dignity and rights of PDLs.

BJMP-10 hoped that the partnership will open more opportunities for PDLs to successfully reintegrate into society and secure livelihoods after release.

“Ma-identify katung mga PDL nga maka-avail ani through research gyud siya kay data driven man gyud ta, identify tanan kuhaon ang mga data nila, where they are residing tanan nga mga data kanus-a sila malaya para ang program is in place gyud para nila,” BJMP-10 Director, Jail Chief Superintendent Felixberto Jagorin, said.