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Philippines

BJMP assures safety of PDLs after series of strong quakes

By Rudolph Ian Alama

DAVAO CITY, Nov 5 (PIA) - The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Office Region Office- XI (BJMPRO-XI) assured the public that Persons-Deprived of Liberty (PDL) detained at BJMP-XI facilities in quake-hit areas are safe.

“Despite all the destructions incurred by some establishments in the region, we would like to inform the public that persons deprived of liberty (PDL) under our jurisdiction are safe and well-secured,” the BJMPRO-XI said in its official statement.

The Bureau commended the vigilance of jail officers who were well-equipped with skills, knowledge and training on Disaster Risk Reduction Management and other program courses which prepared them to act with ease and control.

The jail facility in Digos City had incurred minor structural damages after it was hit by earthquakes on October 16, 29 and 31.

“After each occurrence each facility was closely monitored by their respective wardens and that the Quick Response Team of the BJMPRO-XI instantaneously headed to the affected jail units,” the statement read.

The bureau also declared that all jail units in the region are safe to be inhabited as determined by engineers-officers.

The BJMPRO-XI also reported that outreach activities are being conducted and participated by jail officers and also the PDLs. Food packs, water and toiletries packed by PDLs of the Davao City Jail Dormitory were delivered to quake affected Magsaysay town in Davao del Sur.

Personnel of Montevista District Jail personally delivered their donated goods at the Task Force Davao Headquarters in Sta. Ana wharf, Davao City, they also helped in repacking the goods.

In the statement the BJMPRO-XI said it will continue to deliver its services to its clientele while praying for the end of this unpredictable calamity. (PIA/RG Alama with reports from BMPRO-XI)