MANILA, (PIA) -- The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has reported that the congestion rate of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) per cell in their facilities has decreased by up to 367percent from the previous 600 percent.

According to BJMP spokesperson Jail Chief Inspector Jayrex Bustinera, there are currently 126,000 PDLs crammed inside their 478 jail facilities nationwide.

He said the 367 percent congestion rate is a big drop compared to the previous 600%, which was recorded in 2018, which was the height of former Pang's war on drugs. Duterte

“[Before], six in the space of one. Now, our congestion rate is only [three to four] so there are three to four in the space of one. Our numbers have come down," he said, in a radio interview.

Bustinera assured that the BJMP continues to take steps to solve the overcrowded prisons.

This includes the renovation and construction of larger jail facilities.

He also emphasized the importance of supporting local government units (LGUs) so that the BJMP can build new facilities. (PIA-NCR)