Capitol shoulders groundwork

CEBU, Philippines - The Capitol will shoulder the ground preparation for the construction of a new jail facility in Danao City.

Acting Cebu Governor Agnes Magpale assured Bureau of Jail Management and Penology officials who visited her at the Capitol yesterday.

Danao City Deputy Jail Warden Insp. Leonilo Jimenez, Jr., JO3 Eric Capoy and JO2 Lucino Capul, Jr. met Magpale yesterday.

Jimenez told Magpale that the BJMP already has funds for the new jail facility to be constructed in Barangay Dunggoan where over a hectare lot was donated by Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano, III.

The area, according to Jimenez, is located in a hilly portion that needs ground leveling prompting them to ask the Capitol for assistance.

As soon as the area is leveled, the construction of the building will start immediately.

Magpale said Provincial Engineer Eulogio Pelayre assured her of the heavy equipment that will be deployed immediately.

“They are so scared because the building where they are in now is almost a hundred years old,” Magpale told reporters.

The present jail facility is located in a 240 square meters portion of a building adjacent to Danao City Police Station.

Although he is not sure of the jail facility’s capacity, SJO2 Edwin Martin told The FREEMAN that the area is so overcrowded with 214 inmates at present.

“Aside from the fact nga sobra na gyud kaayo sa capacity, hadlok sila sa sunog,” Magpale said.

Magpale understands the jail officials’ concern saying if the expenses for ground preparation will be taken from the funds intended for the building construction, it may not be enough.

Magpale did not mind asking how much the budget for the jail facility is since the BJMP officials did not ask for financial assistance but for the heavy equipment to start the construction.  (FREEMAN)