Inmates’ transfer to CPDRC needs Davide’s approval

CEBU, Philippines - With the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center still exceeding its maximum capacity, the transfer of detainees from municipal and city jails would have to be approved by the Office of the Governor.

Yesterday, CPDRC warden Romeo Manansala went to the office of Governor Hilario Davide III, raising the issue of the CPDRC which have already reached its maximum capacity.

Manansala reported to Davide that the facility is only good for 1, 200 inmates. But at present, they already have 1, 600 detainees.

This has been raised as a concern early this year which then acting governor Agnes Magpale decided to decline transfers from municipal and city jails, asking for executive judges in municipal trial courts to retain first the inmates in jails in their respective areas.

Davide said yesterday that they would have to forego with this process.

He informed Manansala that no transfers would be done to CPDRC unless it is approved by his office.

For his part, Manansala was grateful for Davide’s decision since they have made amends just to address the over-capacity status of the facility.

He said around 200 inmates lie down on mats or “banig” since they do not have beds anymore.

Earlier, Manansala said they have transferred inmates were transferred to Muntinlupa in Manila, which helped ease the burden but then they still have a lot to handle.

He assured though that even if they have more than what the facility can accommodate, health concerns is not an issue.

Meanwhile, acknowledging that the world-renowned CPDRC inmates have already made a name for themselves and for Cebu, Davide said the dancing of the inmates would push through.

Although admitting that he has not witnessed personally the inmates yet, he said they would continue with the dancing. He added that he would discuss further the matter with Vice Governor Magpale and the board members. — (FREEMAN)