24/10/2025
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
October 24, 2025
Manila City Jail Male Dormitory
Email: [email protected]
Contact No.: 0991-368-1533
Manila City Jail Strengthens Ties with Justice Agencies for PDL Support through Ugnayan at Talakayan
Manila, Philippines — In celebration of the National Correctional Consciousness Week (NACOCOW) 2025, the Manila City Jail Male Dormitory, under the leadership of JSUPT MICHELLE NG BONTO, City Jail Warden, in partnership with the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) and the Parole and Probation Administration (PPA) Manila, conducted an “Ugnayan at Talakayan” with Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) on October 23, 2025, held at St. Dimas Chapel, North Sector of the facility.
The “Ugnayan at Talakayan” served as a meaningful platform for PDLs to raise their legal concerns and issues related to their cases. It also provided an opportunity for partner agencies to extend direct assistance and legal guidance.
The event was attended by PDLs, jail personnel, Atty. Allan De Asa from PAO, and representatives from PPA Manila led by Mr. George P. Perez, Chief Probation and Parole Officer. Along with him were Ms. Ma. Jessica C. Aquino (CPPO), Ms. Margarett V. Visaya (CPPO), Ms. Lynette L. Surat (SPPO), Ms. Joniel Patricia M. Regero (Probation and Parole Officer I), Ms. Angeline P. Napoles (Admin Aide IV), and Ms. Yusaida P. Bato (Admin Aide IV) — all of whom devoted their time and expertise to address the concerns of the PDLs.
During the opening program, JCINSP JOEL M. CRUZ, Assistant Warden, delivered his welcome remarks, expressing gratitude to the visitors from PAO and PPA for their commitment to justice and rehabilitation. He emphasized, “The jail provides a holistic approach to the rehabilitation and reformation of our PDL. ‘Ugnayan at Talakayan’ is one step toward genuine transformation.”
Following the introductions, one-on-one consultations between PDLs and representatives from PAO and PPA were conducted. While waiting for their turn, PDL participants received information kits containing materials on Gender and Development (GAD) and Laws on Parole and Probation, as part of the activity’s information drive. In addition, the PPA distributed food packs and hygiene products that included toothpaste, shampoo, bath soap, deodorant, and detergent bars and powder.
The program also highlighted the essence of parole—to provide individuals a structured, supervised transition back into the community, helping them reintegrate with guidance rather than isolation. As stated in the 2023 Annual Report of Atty. Bienvenido O. Benitez, Jr., Administrator of PPA, “Rehabilitation programs aim to create positive social, emotional, psychological, and spiritual changes in clients under supervision, preparing them for reintegration as envisioned by the Parole and Probation Administration.”
To conclude the program, JSINSP VICTOR A. GARCIA, Chief of the Administrative Section, delivered the closing message on behalf of JSUPT BONTO, expressing heartfelt appreciation to PAO and PPA for their unwavering partnership. He remarked, “Through this kind of activity, we reaffirm our commitment to serve with compassion and sincerity.”
Through the strengthened partnership among the pillars of the justice system—BJMP, PAO, and PPA—the PDLs were given meaningful opportunities to voice their concerns, gain legal guidance, and restore hope. This collaboration reinforces the shared mission of these institutions to promote rehabilitation, fairness, and second chances, empowering PDLs to rebuild their lives with dignity and renewed purpose.
BJMP-Manila City Jail-Male Dorm
"We Serve, We Care, We Transform"
Manila Public Information Office
Nacare Corese
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology
BJMP National Capital Region
Office of the Vice Mayor - City of Manila
Isko Moreno Domagoso
Public Attorney's Office - Manila District