To decongest jail facilities
TACLOBAN CITY – Efforts to improve detention conditions for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in Eastern Visayas are gaining momentum, with Tacloban City set to build a new jail facility while Northern Samar has just completed a modernized detention center.
The provincial government of Northern Samar has inaugurated a newly constructed two-story jail facility at the Northern Samar Provincial Jail (NSPJ) in Bobon town, providing a safer, more spacious, and rehabilitative environment for over 200 PDLs.
The new facility, inaugurated last Feb.28, features 31 cells, each with a lavatory, alongside seven comfort rooms, six bathrooms, and three urinals, significantly improving health and sanitation standards. It is also equipped with proper ventilation, a stable water supply, a generator set, and a ramp for persons with disabilities.
Security has been enhanced with a modern CCTV system comprising 16 cameras and a dedicated monitoring room to ensure safety within the premises.
A function hall at the center of the ground floor is designed for trainings, dialogues, physical activities, and wellness programs to support rehabilitation efforts.
Governor Edwin Ongchuan emphasized the province’s commitment to reforming and rehabilitating PDLs, stating that the new facility reflects the government’s dedication to providing a humane detention environment and offering second chances to offenders.
Meanwhile, in Tacloban City, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has started construction on a P150-million New Tacloban City Jail located in New Kawayan.
BJMP Chief Superintendent Luisito Muñoz led the groundbreaking ceremony on February 27 alongside BJMP Regional Director Bernardo Sanchez, Tacloban Jail Chief Inspector Jim Buranday, and Liga ng mga Barangay Tacloban president Raymund Romualdez, who represented his father, Mayor Alfred Romualdez.
The new 10,428-square-meter facility aims to reduce congestion at the current Paterno Extension jail, which has long struggled with overcrowding.
Once completed, it will accommodate 1,760 detainees—1,584 in the male dormitory and 176 in the female dormitory.
“This facility will provide a safer, more humane, and rehabilitative environment for detainees. It is part of the government’s broader initiative to modernize detention systems across the country,” said Engr. Tabacon.
Funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) through DPWH-8, the facility is expected to improve living conditions for detainees and enhance rehabilitation programs to prepare them for reintegration into society.
“This facility will provide a safer, more humane, and rehabilitative environment for detainees. It is part of the government’s broader initiative to modernize detention systems across the country,” said DPWH Regional Director Engr. Edgar Tabacon.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
