Help decongest detention cells, House urged

MANILA, Philippines - The National Capital Region Police Office is urging the House of Representatives to help decongest several detention cells in Metro Manila.

NCRPO Director Oscar Albayalde said he asked lawmakers to pass a bill that would help the Philippine National Police improve detention cells that have become congested since the government implemented the anti-drug war last year.

At least 20,200 drug suspects have been arrested and detained over the past seven months, or an average of 96 arrests per day, Albayalde said. 

The NCRPO issued the call after 26 inmates from different detention cells in the metropolis died from illnesses caused by overcrowded facilities.  

Albayalde inspected detention cells in Taguig City on Friday and disco-vered that more than 200 inmates occupy a cell that can accommodate only 62 people.

He said 150 of the inmates were transferred to Camp Bagong Diwa after the inspection.