Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro welcomed newly appointed Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Chief Jail Director Efren Altamira Nemeño during the regular flag-raising ceremony at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Grounds on Monday, August 10.
Nemeño, a native of Barili, Cebu, joined Gov. Baricuatro, Provincial Board members, Capitol department heads, and employees during the ceremony following his appointment by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the new head of the BJMP last month.
His appointment makes Nemeño the first Cebuano to lead the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, marking a significant milestone for Cebu and the bureau.
Also present during the ceremony were BJMP 7 Director Jail Chief Superintendent Luisito C. Muñoz and Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith Econg.
Nemeño succeeded Chief Jail Director Ruel Rivera, who retired from government service.
Seasoned BJMP officer
Nemeño brings extensive experience in jail management and corrections to his new position.
He previously served as warden of the Cebu City Jail before taking on leadership roles in several BJMP regional offices as regional director.
Before being appointed as BJMP chief, Nemeño served as Deputy Chief for Operations beginning July 17, 2023. In the position, he oversaw the bureau’s frontline security operations and rehabilitation programs.
His experience in both jail administration and regional leadership paved the way for his appointment to the bureau’s highest position.
During his visit to the Cebu Capitol, Nemeño joined provincial officials and employees in the weekly flag-raising ceremony, highlighting his continued ties to his home province.
His appointment has also been welcomed as a source of pride for Cebuanos, as one of their own now leads the national bureau responsible for the management and rehabilitation of persons deprived of liberty.
The Cebu Provincial Government continues to work with national agencies and local partners in strengthening public safety, rehabilitation, and community-based programs across the province.
(Capitol PIO, Photos by YJB, FE, ARJ)
