"Call for Action" expands in Tacloban

By ICRC
December 2, 2010

MANILA  –  The working group on criminal justice process was launched today in Tacloban, as part of the "Call for Action" initiative, which addresses the causes of jail congestion and its consequences on health and living conditions of inmates.

The working group brings together representatives of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Philippine National Police, Public Attorney's Office, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, judges and prosecutors, and is facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The participants will identify the challenges in processing the cases of inmates in Tacloban City Jail, and propose concrete solutions to speed up the process.

"This is the second working group launched in the Philippines to address the causes of jail congestion, - says Christoph Sutter, deputy head of ICRC delegation in the Philippines. Previous example of Manila City Jail demonstrated that by sharing information between agencies concerned we can tackle legal and procedural problems leading to overcrowding."

Also in line with the "Call for Action" process, the ICRC has initiated rehabilitation projects in Tacloban City Jail, building a new infirmary, kitchen, and improving water facilities.