The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) female dormitory in Mandaue City is nearing completion, with the transfer of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to a new facility in Barangay Basak expected by February 2026.
Senior Inspector Roselle Paracale said the female dormitory is already 90 percent complete, while the administrative building has reached about 90 percent structural completion and around 85 percent overall, including furniture and fixtures.
The relocation will move female PDLs from the existing facility in Barangay Looc to the new site in Barangay Basak, a move aimed at addressing severe overcrowding and improving detention conditions.
Paracale said the transfer was initially targeted for January 2026 but was delayed by a recent typhoon and earthquake.
“We were aiming for January, but the calamities caused delays. The transfer will most likely happen in February 2026,” she said.
She also lauded the local government unit (LGU) for constructing a two-meter embankment around the new facility to prevent flooding during high tide and heavy rainfall, a recurring issue in the area.
The new female dormitory will feature four cells and a separate administrative building, which Paracale said will help streamline jail operations and services.
Paracale expressed gratitude to Congresswoman Emmarie “Lollypop” Ouano-Dizon for supporting the construction of the administrative building, noting that having offices on-site will help prevent service delays.
As of this writing, the female dormitory houses 112 PDLs—far beyond its ideal capacity of 25.
Female PDLs remain housed at the old facility in Barangay Looc, which experienced flooding during Typhoon Tino on November 4, 2025. Paracale also cited recurring roof leaks due to the structure’s age, with water dripping even during dry weather.
She said the cells at the new facility are already prepared, with only the completion of the administrative building remaining before the transfer can proceed, stressing the urgency of relocating the female PDLs as soon as possible. (VCL)
Photo by VCL
