More than 200 detainees in Ormoc to benefit from improved facilities

By ICRC
October 29, 2010

ORMOC CITY, Leyte  –  More than 200 detainees in the Ormoc City Jail will enjoy better water supply, air circulation, and a new kitchen due to structural improvements initiated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The renovation projects, which began in August and will be handed over today to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), are meant to improve the living conditions of the Ormoc City Jail detainees.

"The ICRC identified Ormoc City Jail as one of the priority jails for intervention in 2010. These projects are part of a strategy to provide structural support for the BJMP in order to improve the living conditions of detainees," said Andres Casal, the ICRC's water and habitat coordinator.

The ICRC refurbished the jail's kitchen, which previously made use of firewood for cooking, by installing three stoves, stainless-steel preparation table, sink, tiled flooring, and a lavatory outside.

For the water supply, the Geneva-based humanitarian organization improved the jail's ground cistern tank and installed a 4,000 liter-capacity storage tank so detainees have steady access to safe drinking water.

Ventilation was also enhanced by removing a concrete wall in the main cell building and replacing it with steel bars to allow air circulation.

The ICRC works to promote dignity and respect for those detained in relation to armed conflicts by monitoring their treatment and living conditions. In the Philippines, the ICRC launched the "Call for Action" process to help authorities upgrade penal infrastructures, tuberculosis management in jails, and the criminal justice process.

"The 'Call for Action' process is a three-pronged approach that will benefit all persons deprived of freedom. With the support of agencies like the BJMP, we will be able to do more for those who suffer from the consequences of overcrowding in jails and prisons," said Casal.

Nearly 13,000 detainees in 27 BJMP jails and four provincial jails have benefited from structural projects done by the ICRC from January to August 2010, in line with the "Call for Action" process.