Being part of something new usually brings mixed emotions. Excitement and fun on one hand, while dread and apprehension on the other side.

BJMP-IX has been very fortunate for having been selected as part of inter-agency Incident Management Team (IMT) of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-IX. This is composed of personnel coming from Bureau of Fire Protection, PNP, and LDRRMO primarily organized to address the COVID-19 pandemic regionwide. With this rare opportunity, BJMP through its representatives (SINSP JULIUS SORIANO, INSP JUNEEL PACTOL, SJO2 Jeremy John Banitlan, and SJO1 Severo Opay, Jr.) had contributed a lot in the formulation of the Incident Action Plan (IAP) for the six (6) quarantine control points in the regional boundaries of Zamboanga Peninsula, namely: Rizal GCP located in Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte, Tambulig GCP in Tambulig, Zamboanga del Sur, Aurora GCP in Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, Tukuran GCP in Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur, Tungawan GCP in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay and Kalawit GCP in Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte.

Opportunity surely knocks considering that this exposure will be a learning experience to our frontline Human Resource, with the edge that the bureau will finally be considered as part of disaster resiliency and mitigation. Besides, the BJMP’s role is not closely confined within the four corners of the jail perimeter walls; there is also to consider the BJMP’s duties to the community. With this, BJMP Officers become better-rounded and be involved on the welfare of the community and thereby making our organization a strong cornerstone on nation-building. Hence, BJMP will now be a reliable partner during disasters.

JINSP JULIUS CAESAR GA SORIANO
Chief, Regional Investigations and Prosecutions Division