Outgoing Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año on Monday called on personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to support his successor Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr.

“He is a very capable man — someone who has time and again proven himself as a man of action during his season as the Mayor of Mandaluyong City and then during his tenure as head of the Metro Manila Development (Authority). I hope that you will back him in his efforts to bring peacebuilding, public safety, and local governance to greater heights,” Año said in his last command visit to the BJMP headquarters.

As he bade farewell to jail personnel, he also urged them to “rise to higher pedestals” in building a safer nation.

“Huwag sana kayong magsawang paglingkuran ang ating mga kababayan, dahil naniniwala akong isa sa mga pinaka-marangal na propesyon sa mundo ay ang trabaho ng isang taga-pamahala ng bilangguan at penolohiya (May you never tire of serving our countrymen, for I believe one of the most honorable professions in the world is the work of a prison manager and phenologist),” Año said.

The DILG has supervision under the BJMP as well as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP).

Año recalled how the BJMP has been a steadfast partner of the DILG in ensuring public safety and engaging the community in the rehabilitation and development of persons deprived of liberty.

“Thank you for becoming the haven for reformation and redemption among our persons deprived of liberty,” said Año.

He also commended the BJMP personnel for their sacrifices especially, during the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, Jail Director Allan Iral thanked Año for all his guidance and support to the bureau.

“Malayo na ang nararating ng BJMP dahil sa pagsisikap niyo na magpaalala at gumabay sa amin (The BJMP has come a long way because of your efforts to remind and guide us). And the institutions in our service, which you help make possible through your guidance, support, and leadership will no doubt, find more milestones in the BJMP, even beyond our time,” Iral said. (PNA)