BJMP ISSUES 90 BRAND NEW M-16 ASSAULT RIFLES TO STAR TEAM

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) yesterday issued 90 units of M-16 assault rifles to its Special Tactics and Response (STAR) Team in Metro Manila to beef up its logistics and improve its operational capability.

The firearms, which were all brand new and of the latest model, were turned over to the members of BJMP-NCR’s STAR team during the bureau’s 20th anniversary celebration at its new Headquarters at Seneca Bldg. along E. Rodriguez Avenue in Quezon City.

In a report to DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, BJMP-NCR Director C/Supt. Benito M. Dorigo said the newly-issued firearms will be used by the STAR Team especially when escorting high profile and high risk inmates who have to attend court hearings or need to be hospitalized.

“With these new firearms, BJMP personnel will now be more than ready to provide custodial and escort services to high profile and high risk inmates,” Dorigo said.

Recently, Maguindanao massacre suspect Zaldy Ampatuan was hospitalized due to several illnesses at the Philippine Heart Center and must have to be escorted there from his detention cell in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, while carjacking suspects Dominguez brothers regularly attend court hearings in Bulacan.

Dorigo also said the firearms will help strengthen the defense of jail personnel in cases when inmates try to escape from jail premises.

“As of now, BJMP-NCR has a zero escape record and we would like to maintain that,” he said.

During the anniversary celebration, BJMP-NCR also conferred individual and group awards (Plaque of Merit) for the outstanding performance of jail personnel and city and municipal jails during the year.

Among the awardees are: Supt. Baby Noel P. Montalvo - Jail Warden of the Year; Supt. Esmeralda A. Azucena - Jail Wardress of the Year; , C/Insp. Ma. Loraintina Manengyao - Staff Officer of the Year; C/Insp. Josephine B. Pacadaljen - Senior Officer of the Year; Insp. Clifford Jay Calanoga - Junior Officer of the Year; Muntinlupa - City Jail of the Year; Pateros - Municipal Jail of the Year; and Special Award to JO1 Florante S. Goyena, Jr. DILG