Labella mulls new jail facility

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella is planning to establish a new jail facility in Barangay Guba to decongest the Cebu City Jail in Barangay Kalunasan.

"Because we decongest, then congest again. We have to have a bigger facility," said Labella.

The mayor is looking at a 20-hectare property in Barangay Guba to house the male dormitory. He said he is targeting to implement the plan within the year.

Labella said the facility in Kalunasan will be converted into a women's jail or Operation Second Chance.

Aside from the necessity to have a bigger facility, Labella said another purpose of the construction of another city jail is to prevent congestion and provide a healthier space.

He described congestion as unhealthy and unsanitary which "makes the problem worse."

"That problem has been going on for several decades," said Labella.

Ideally, he said, the City Jail in Barangay Kalunasan can only accommodate at least a thousand. However, at least 6,000 persons are currently placed there. He added that the facility has no more room for expansion.

Labella said that either the city government or the national government can provide the funds for the construction of the new jail facility.

Meanwhile, Labella commended Police Regional Office-7 Director Brigadier General Albert Ferro for the successful greyhound operation over the weekend that yielded various contraband including, illegal drugs, inside the city jail.

He also advised the jail management to just write him a letter for whatever assistance they need.

"Just write us a letter and we will provide them with necessary help," said Labella.  FPL (FREEMAN)