MANILA, (PIA) -- The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) aims to build more facilities to further reduce the congestion rate in their jails nationwide.

It can be recalled that BJMP spokesperson Chief Inspector Jayrex Bustinera said the congestion rate of their jails has now dropped to 367percent compared to the previous 600 percent, five years ago.

According to Bustinera, despite the fact that the congestion rate has decreased, they are still working on ways to relieve the prisons, including the construction of new facilities with the help of local government units (LGUs).

He said they also ensure that the cases of persons deprived of liberty (PDL) under their care are coordinated with the courts so that they can be released immediately.

"[This is] to release our PDLs early and also to improve the facilities so that they can be expanded and the congestion rate goes down," he said.

In this regard, Bustinera also assured that they are also preparing for the possible emergence of summer-related diseases in their facilities.

He said that their staff is also undergoing training to deal with such illnesses.

Bustinera assured that currently the PDLs in their custody are in good condition. (PIA-NCR)