DILG appoints new BJMP chief

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) appointed yesterday Brig. Gen. Allan Iral as the new head of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

Iral replaced Director Deogracias Tapayan who reached the mandatory retirement age of 56, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said.

Iral will supervise more than 13,000 jail officers and non-uniformed personnel, according to Año.

“Mataas ang inaasahan ko sa iyo,” Año told Iral during turnover rites at the DILG office in Quezon City.

Iral, a member of the Philippine National Police Academy Sandigan Class of 1995, was the BJMP deputy chief for administration prior to his appointment.

He held key positions in the BJMP and headed its Central Visayas and Davao region offices.

Iral vowed to continue the ongoing programs of the BJMP.

“We will ensure that all BJMP offices and jails are drug- and corruption-free. The agency and its personnel will co-serve in a culture of excellence, integrity and professionalism,” he said.

The BJMP supervises 476 jails and 136,881 inmates across the country.