Pubdate: Sat, 07 May 2005
Source: Freeman, The (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 The Freeman
Contact:  http://www.thefreeman.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3437
Author: Wenna A. Berondo
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines

BJMP TO BUILD JAIL FOR DRUG OFFENDERS

With the upcoming construction of the new jail in barangay Kalunasan
exclusively for inmates with drug cases, the city government is
hopeful that the Bagong Buhay Rehabilitation Center in barangay Apas
will soon be decongested.

Top officials of the Bureau of Jail Management from Manila and the
regional office visited City Hall yesterday to discuss the proposed
detention facility for inmates with drug cases.

The P30-million facility, which could house up to 1,600 inmates, will
be built inside the premises of the new city jail in barangay
Kalunasan. It will compose the administration office, inmates' cells,
multi-purpose area to accommodate the visitors, indoor livelihood area
and religious activities, therapeutic room, infirmary, centralized
kitchen and open area for sunning and recreational activities.

"To separate our inmates with drug-related cases will solve the
congestion in BBRC. For many years, we were not given capital outlay
for the new jails," said Supt. Joseph Taysa, chief of the BJMP
directorial staff.

Taysa said that 60 percent of inmates nationwide are facing drugs
cases.

With this, he said the Department of Interior and Local Government
released at least P100 million for the construction of separate
detention facilities for inmates with drug cases in the National
Capital Region and in Regions IV and VII.

About P40 million of the fund had been allocated to the NCR while the
remaining P60 million were divided between Regions IV and VII.

Taysa said the construction of the PDEA-Cebu project was delayed
because they could not find a location for it.

He said the construction of the project would start after the bidding
next week. 
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