• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has allocated a one hectare lot in Barangay Granada, for the transfer of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility, from Brgy. Singcang Airport, Bacolod City, after he personally witnessed the worsening condition of inmates in the jail.
During a recent surprise visit to the BJMP Male Dormitory in Brgy. Singcang Airport in Bacolod City, Benitez noted that a supposed 300-capacity jail is being occupied by almost 700 prisoners.
Aside from being overcrowded, the inmates had to endure the scorching heat due to El Niño.
Aside from having a very small building, the local BJMP leadership explained to Benitez that the property they are occupying belongs to the BCPO, and they are just borrowing it from the police.
“PDLs are humans also that deserve humane treatment, and should be entitled a livable condition. They are still innocent individuals until they are finally convicted. But their present state is so degrading and pitiful.” Benitez said.
In response to the request for them to transfer to a bigger location, the mayor said that he will allocate a one hectare lot from an area purchased by the City government in Brgy. Granada, Bacolod City, to transfer their facility.
This will also give them enough space for gardening and other livelihood activities inside the new facility, said Benitez, who was accompanied by Atty. Caesar Distrito and former Bacolod City Councilor Homer Bais.*
