Mayor Alfredo Alfredo “Albee” Benitez paid a surprise visit to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Male Dormitory in Brgy Singcang Airport, Bacolod City, to check on the condition of the overcrowded jail on Saturday, May 18.
The mayor noted the worsening condition of the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in the 300-capacity jail that is overcrowded with almost 700 prisoners, Singcang Airport Barangay Captain Caesar Distrito, who also serves as the mayor’s spokesman, said Sunday.
Aside from being overcrowded, the PDLs are also enduring the scorching heat due to El Niño, Distrito said.
Jail Personnel also explained that aside from having a very small building, the property belongs to the Bacolod City Police Office and the BJMP is just borrowing it. They are asking if they can transfer to a bigger location, Distrito said.
“PDLs are humans also that deserve a humane treatment and should be entitled to a livable condition. They are still innocent individuals until they are finally convicted. But their present state is so degrading and pitiful,” Benitez said.
Benitez suggested the transfer of the BJMP facility to the Brgy Granada property that the city government purchased. One hectare can be allocated for the jail facility that will give the PDLs enough space for gardening and other livelihood activities, he said.
Benitez was accompanied by Distrito and former councilor Homer Bais.*