DAVAO CITY – The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) will fast-track the construction of the P380-million Davao City mega jail to ease congestion at Davao City Jail in Barangay Ma-a.
BJMP spokesman Jail Inspector Edo Lobenia said the future jail building which would be located in an eight-hectare property in Wangan, Calinan, was already bid out by the Department of Public works and Highways (DPWH) 11.
The construction, Lobenia said would start this month. The jail facility could house 6,000 inmates.
“We want to fast-track the construction to ease congestion at Davao City Jail,” Lobenia said.
Congestion at the city jail in Maa is already placed at 696 percent with a population of 3,348 from an ideal number of 421.
Lobenia said congestion could result in risks like health and security concerns.
But, he said BJMP has always partnered with the Department of Health (DoH) to conduct medical mission in the jail.
Region-wide, Lobenia said the congestion rate in jail facilities had reached 559 percent.
Davao City, which receives at least ten inmates, is most congested. It is followed by Montevista town at 683 percent; Island Garden City of Samal at 407 percent, and Tagum City at 192 percent.
For Davao City alone, Lobenia said 80 percent of the inmates are facing drug cases.
BJMP is hoping to complete the mega-jail facility to address congestion. It is composed of three buildings with three storey. It will have solar panels and waste treatment facility.
BJMP will also promote organic farming for the food needs of the inmates. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)
