The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
At least 11 jail facilities in Region IV-A (Calabarzon) amounting to P366 million is now undergoing bidding process at the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in an effort to solve overcrowding in various Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facilities.
DILG Secretary Ismael “Mike” Sueno said the additional jail facilities will be built on the male and female dorms of Naic Municipal Jail, Tanza Municipal Jail, Imus City Jail, San Pablo City Jail and Calamba City Jail.
Others jails where the additional buildings will also be put up are in Batangas City Jail, Quezon District Jail, Sta. Cruz District Jail, Los Banos Municipal Jail, Lipa City Jail and Gumaca Municipal Jail, he said.
“With the help of these additional facilities, malaki ang mababawas sa pagsisikip sa mga kulungang ito at tiyak na bababa ang congestion rate ng mga 75% sa nasabing rehiyon,” Sueno said, adding, “We are now dealing with the jail overcrowding problem head-on.”
According to Chief Supt. Serafin Barreto, BJMP director, the additional buildings/ facilities will be built on lots already donated to or owned by the BJMP.
“Part pa ng 2015 budget yan, kaya dapat talaga maiaward na ngayong taon, so they can start the project immediately,” Barreto said.
Recently, lawmakers and human rights groups called for swift reforms in the jail and penology system due to the worsening jail conditions, made worse by the government’s relentless crackdown on illegal drugs.