Address congestion in Mindanao jails – COA

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Audit (COA) has called the attention of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) on the worsening congestion in Central Mindanao jails.

In a report released on Wednesday, state auditors said congestion in prison facilities in Region 12 has reached an alarming rate of 392 percent.

Data gathered by COA shows that as of Dec. 31, 4,510 inmates are occupying jail facilities that should accommodate a maximum of only 917 persons.

State auditors said the situation is in violation of the United Nations Minimum Standard Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.

State auditors said jail congestion, could be due to the rise in drug-related crimes and the slow justice system. Some of the pending cases date since 1996, COA said.

There are 14 jails in three cities, 10 districts and a town in Central Mindanao.