The Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory (QCJMD) has made a significant move towards decongesting its overcrowded facility by releasing 1,798 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), according to the first female warden, Police Supt. Michelle Ng-Bonto. In an interview with The Manila Times, Ng-Bonto attributed the release of PDLs to a circular issued by the Supreme Court last year, with the support of Mayor Maria Josefina “Joy” Belmonte and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-National Capital Region.
Ng-Bonto explained that the regular processing of PDLs’ papers has been ongoing, with the intention of releasing them from detention once they have completed their jail term through the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) and other applicable measures. However, due to the absence of court orders, these individuals have remained in detention. The recent circular allows for the release of PDLs without the need for a court order, as long as they have served their sentence and have no other lawful reason to stay incarcerated.
The Supreme Court’s Office of Court Administrator (OCA) circular, issued by Court Administrator Raul Villanueva, states that judges, clerks of court, and officers in charge of first and second level courts no longer need to issue release orders (ROs), as it does not affect a PDL’s completion of their sentence of imprisonment. The high court directive emphasizes that any further delay in the release, except for legally permissible reasons, is unjust.
Ng-Bonto further highlighted the contribution of the newly built jail facility in Barangay Payatas towards addressing the congestion problem. The Payatas facility, situated on 2.4 hectares of land donated by the city government to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), comprises a five-story structure with three buildings. The facility includes areas for non-contact visitation, laundry, livelihood training, sports and recreational activities, a medical infirmary for PDLs, as well as an administrative building and billeting for jail personnel.
Mayor Belmonte emphasized that the construction of this expansive facility aims to facilitate the rehabilitation of PDLs, offering them a second chance at life. Ng-Bonto added that once the perimeter fence is completed, all PDLs in the Kamuning facility will be transferred to the new Payatas facility.
The release of over 1,700 detainees from the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory is a significant step towards addressing the issue of overcrowding in the facility. The collaboration between the Supreme Court, Mayor Belmonte, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-National Capital Region has allowed for the expedited release of PDLs who have completed their jail term through the Good Conduct Time Allowance. This move not only helps decongest the jail but also ensures that individuals who have served their sentences are given the opportunity to reintegrate into society.
The Supreme Court’s circular, eliminating the need for court orders in certain cases, ensures that the release process is more efficient and just. By removing unnecessary delays, the justice system can focus on cases that require immediate attention. The newly built jail facility in Barangay Payatas provides a more conducive environment for the rehabilitation and reformation of PDLs, with various amenities and resources available to support their journey towards a better future.
With the completion of the perimeter fence, the transfer of detainees from the Kamuning facility to the Payatas facility will further contribute to the overall goal of reducing congestion and improving conditions for both PDLs and jail personnel. The efforts made by the Quezon City government and law enforcement agencies demonstrate a commitment to upholding justice and providing opportunities for rehabilitation within the criminal justice system.
Source: The Manila Times
