Elderly, PWD inmates moved to new Quezon City jail

April 15, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Quezon City government have begun the transfer of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to a new jail facility in Payatas.

According to the city government, 364 male inmates – either persons with disability (PWDs), elderly or with comorbidities – were transferred to the new jail facility earlier this month.

The BJMP-National Capital Region was assisted by the city’s department of public order and safety, traffic and transport management department, Quezon City Police District and barangay security officers in the transfer of the inmates.

The transfer was part of efforts to decongest the city’s male jail population, which is currently at 2,981. The male dormitory is located on EDSA in Kamuning.

The 2.4-hectare new jail facility was officially turned over by the city government to the BJMP in March 2022.

It has three five-story buildings consisting of 440 cells that can hold up to 20 inmates each. More than half are currently being utilized.

The local government said the new facility complies with standards set by the United Nations, including proper air ventilation, water supply and lights.

Each cell has two electric fans, a bathroom area and bunk beds.

The facility also has a visiting area, basketball court and sunning area for PDLs.

Mayor Joy Belmonte personally inspected the new facility last April 6.

“I want our male PDLs to have various opportunities they can pursue like alternative education, seminars and livelihood programs, which can help them become productive citizens,” she said.

She vowed to ensure that inmates receive proper treatment and care, especially with the intense heat experienced in the country.