With 8 cells to house 500 inmates: 'Palace-like' jail opens in Carcar

CEBU, Philippines - With its eight dormitory cells, the new, "palace-like" Carcar City Jail was inaugurated yesterday, ushering in more space and more conducive atmosphere for around 500 inmates.

Mayor Nicepuro Apura said the city government spent P6 million on its construction and P1 million for perimeter fence on the 2,000-square meter lot in Sitio Tacdog, Barangay Poblacion 3. The two-storey jail was funded using local funds.

Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Regional Director Deogracias Tapayan said the new jail is a "beautiful" facility in the entire Central Visayas as it looks like a "little palace."

City jail warden Roger Daligdig told reporters that the edifice, which has eight dormitories, can accommodate more than 500 inmates.

Limited space has been a primary concern at the old jail since such a condition is considered inhumane and susceptible to proliferation of different diseases, Daligdig said.

Daligdig said the transfer from the old city jail to the new city jail will take place on Monday.

As of now, there are 128 male inmates and eight female inmates at the city jail in Carcar. The facility is also secured with closed-circuit television cameras.

Cebu First District Rep. Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas said that transformation should be the priority and humane treatment of inmates should be observed.

Gullas will also fund an P8-million road concreting project leading to the new jail facility, which will be undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways. (FREEMAN)