ILOILO City – An Ilonggo has come home to take the helm of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Western Visayas, with a firm commitment to improve jail facilities and promote the welfare of both personnel and persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
Senior Superintendent Jhon Montero formally assumed as BJMP Region 6 director on October 23, succeeding Chief Superintendent Simeon Dolojo Jr., who retired last month.
A native of Iloilo, Montero is no stranger to the region. He previously served as warden of the Iloilo District Jail in Barangay Nanga, Pototan from 2017 to 2018 before being assigned to the national headquarters, where he headed the Retirement and Separation Benefits Administration Service Office from July 16, 2021 until October 16, 2025.
Montero said he is honored to return and serve his fellow Ilonggos, adding that his priorities include facility preparedness, inmate welfare, and personnel safety, especially during adverse weather conditions.
“Need naton ma-check ang mga jail facilities para mabal-an naton ang mga needs sang aton PDLs especially sa health nila. We have to improve the cleanliness of the cells para indi magkasakit ang mga priso. We have also to maintain their budget for foods and we have to do our best to improve their food allowance,” Montero told Panay News.
He also vowed to personally inspect the 19 jail facilities across Panay Island, which currently house 5,382 inmates, to ensure humane living conditions and proper health monitoring.
BJMP personnel welcomed Montero’s appointment, describing him as a proactive and compassionate leader whose management style embodies the bureau’s values of service, protection, and compassion./PN
