QC, BJMP transfer PDLs to new city jail facility

To ease congestion at the Quezon City Jail, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-National Capital Region (BJMP-NCR) and the city government began transferring male persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to the new city jail facility in Payatas.

Earlier this month, 364 elderly and persons with disabilities and comorbidities were transferred to Payatas by the BJMP, assisted by the Department of Public Order and Safety, Traffic and Transport Management Department, QC Police District, and Barangay Police security officers.

According to the BJMP-NCR, the city jail had a male population of 2,981.

Last March 2022, the QC government officially turned over the 2.4-hectare jail facility to the BJMP.

The city jail adheres to the United Nations standards, with its three 5-storey buildings consisting of 440 cells, each having proper air ventilation, water supply, and lights.

The spacious cell can hold up to 20 PDLs with two electric fans, a bathroom area, and bunk beds. Currently, 240 cells are being utilized.

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

On April 6, Mayor Joy Belmonte inspected the new facility assisted by Jail Warden Supt. Glennford Valdepeñas.

Following the success of many programs implemented by the city government in partnership with various non-government organizations and foreign embassies in the QC Jail Female Dormitory, Belmonte committed to doing the same for the male PDLs.

"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," Mayor Belmonte said.

The mayor also vowed to ensure that the PDLs received proper treatment and care especially now that the city was experiencing a high heat index. — DVM, GMA Integrated News