By Tracy Cabrera
With growing concerns over the impact of the severe El Niño, focus has shifted to the conditions within the country’s detention facilities which are notoriously jampacked and overcrowded with thousands of persons-deprived-of-liberty (PDLs).
Just imagine what it would be like for those inside these facilities in cramped areas with very little space to move. So, the authorities are anticipating the effects of hotter temperatures and the possibility of water supply problem.
To address the concern, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has directed all its officials in prisons and penal farms across the country to map out strategies that would ease the burden on PDLs under their respective custody.
According to BuCor director general Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., his instruction specifically focuses on establishing a contingency plan that not only covers the well-being of PDLs but also the agency personnel manning detention facilities.
The plan, Catapang noted, must include measures to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential services such as safeguarding the health, safety and welfare of both PDLs and BuCor personnel.
“The contingency plan should include possible challenges associated with prolonged heat and water shortages, including the availability and conservation of water, adequate food supplies, medical services, sanitation, ventilation, and emergency response measures,” said Catapang.he pointed out.
This early, PDLs and employees with health conditions and vulnerable to adverse effects of hotter temperature are being properly identified through
“appropriate monitoring, preventive measures and referral procedures to ensure timely intervention” when an emergency arises.
BuCor’s chief stressed that these preparation measures are crucial in maintaining peace and order and preventing disruptions to correctional operations during the anticipated climate event.
In order to ensure compliance, Catapang mandated that all prison superintendents should submit their completed El Niño Contingency Plans to the Office of the Director General (ODG) no later than tomorrow, November 2.
He said his office will consolidate the submissions and assess the proposed measures for implementation across all BuCor facilities.
