was observed that despite the pandemic some of the detainees were arrested
because of their economic needs. On the other hand, amidst the pandemic some
detainees violated laws not minding the impact of it in their lives e.g. illegal gambling
& violation of quarantine laws. In case of the BJMP controlled jails, regular jail
visitation is still suspended for reason of health security brought about by the
covid19. Further, most cases of the inmates / detainees are drug related cases.
During the course of jail visits, the issues and concern encountered were the
following;
1.
2.
3.
PNP detention cell detainees could not be transferred to the BJMP Jails
for health reasons e.g. all inmates must be swabbed before they will be
admitted by Provincial Jails and BJMP district jails;
Congestion in the jails because of violation of quarantine laws & illegal
gambling;
Alleged planting of evidence by arresting PNP officers;
Still, Aringay Police Station, Aringay, La Union has no building of its own.
IV.
ASSESSMENT, FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
With the covid19 pandemic, inmates / detainees’ rehabilitation & reformation
were only focused on individualized activity in observance of the health protocol e.g.
mandatory social distancing. Some PNP Detention Cells are still overcrowded
because of the stringent requirements of Provincial Jails and BJMP controlled jails.
All other activities inside the jail facilities were suspended during the duration of the
pandemic.
Further, social services are provided to the inmates on case to case basis
with the strict observance of the health protocols in coordination with jail personnel
and PNP officers. PNP Stations Officials and Jail personnel are doing their best to
address the needs of detainees’ / inmates without violating health protocol
standards.
Lastly, the meal / food allowance of inmates / detainees in both the provincial
jails and BJMP Jails remains at seventy pesos [P70.00] per inmate per day. Still,
detainees within the PNP detention cells have no food / meal allowance provided
because it is not within their budget of the police stations yet foods of the detainees
are given by the PNP personnel themselves for humanitarian reasons.
V.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that the following be further undertaken;
1.
Periodic jail visit and/or monitoring of jail situation using alternative mode of
jail visit;
2. Intensify information drive inside the jail thru alternative electronic means;
3. Additional personnel;
4. Additional budget solely for the conduct of jail visitation.
Prepared by:
Approved by:
ERNESTO B. DONGAEL
Investigator–in-charge
ATTY. HAROLD D. KUB - ARON
Regional HR Director
Gov’t Extension Center 2, Aguila Rd., Capitol Hill, Sevilla, San Fernando City, La Union
Tel. Nos. (074) 607-8706
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