Duterte vows to defend jail personnel facing job-related cases

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte assured personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) that he will defend them in their involvement in operations that may lead to killing of drug offenders.

Faced with human rights review by the United Nations Human Rights Council, Duterte advised jailguards and officials to do their duty properly.

“Stay on the right track. As I have been telling this to everyone time and again, maybe for the nth time before (that) you just do your duty according to the books. And you do not have to worry about (criminal) cases,” Duterte said during the 28th anniversary of the BJMP at Camp Aguinaldo last Friday.

If there are some problems that might later arise, Duterte said the concerned officials should just be truthful in giving him details of what really transpired. 

“Just do your duty… I’m sure General Año and me will look at it in a very positive way. As long as there are no abuses,” Duterte said, referring to retired general, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año.

Duterte insinuated he would not mind if hardened criminals get killed during operations while under detention.

“If they are killed while in detention …well that’s better … We have cases like that. But I assure you, I will not abandon them (BJMP personnel),” Duterte said.

“If there’s anything that I can do and I said especially cases that are duty connected or in the fulfillment of your duty, (but) do not (lie),” he said.

“Do not invent a story… I will provide the (cover story) not you, so when I talk to you, tell me the truth.”

At the start of his speech, Duterte lauded the BJMP personnel for their enduring commitment to bring positive changes in the lives of detainees.

Duterte reported the government has allotted P3 billion for the construction of 60 new jail facilities to reduce congestion.