MEPZ firm employs Lapu-Lapu jailbirds

CEBU, Philippines - A Japanese firm that operates inside the Mactan Export Processing Zone in Lapu-Lapu City has provided work to more than 100 inmates of the Lapu-Lapu City Jail.

Lapu-Lapu City Jail Inspector Renante Rubio told The Freeman that Trigger Company helps inmates earn a living while inside the jail.

Rubio said Trigger Company, which manufactures blades for distribution in Japan, has come up with the idea of hiring inmates of the city jail.

Rubio said this development, which serves as gainful employment and a diversion, has made the inmates happy.

However, Rubio said they adopted measures for the safety of the firm’s employees and the health and safety of the prisoners.

“Gituman gayud nato ang hustong mga lagda aron wala kita’y problema nga masugatan sa umaabot nga mga adlaw,” Rubio said.

He said other Mactan Export Zone locators have expressed interest in offering work to jail inmates.

More than 1,000 inmates, including women inmates, are detained at the city jail.