At least 50 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) from the Misamis Oriental Provincial Jail (MOPJ) were transferred to the Cagayan de Oro City Jail to decongest the detention facility.

Through a court order, 46 male inmates and four female inmates were moved from the MOPJ to the Cagayan de Oro City Jail.

MOPJ warden Francis Sarangay said the transfer was among the measures to address the problem of overcrowding at the jail, which has already exceeded its capacity.

The jail official added that the health of all PDLs is being monitored constantly, especially with the extreme heat. 

“Dako kaayo ang ikatabang kay makita man gud nato karon nga taas kaayo ang heat index dinhi sa ato, katong mga na-decongest, nakuha nga 50 ka PDLs, maluagan gamay atong pasilidad. Kabalo man ta nga atong jail facility, mag-cater lang siya og 330,” Sarangay said.

MOPJ explained to the families of the inmates transferred that the management only followed the court’s order.

“Dili kami makabuot o bisan si kinsa nagbuot ato sa MOPJ kung dili nagtuman lang mi sa gi-issue sa Regional Trial Court nga ipangbalhin sila. Wala man ta’y mahimo kung naa’y court order, ato gyud na i-enforce,” Sarangay added.

The management of the Cagayan de Oro City Jail, on the other hand, said the families of the inmates transferred may still visit during the visitation schedule.