CEBU, Philippines — The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Female Dormitory in Mandaue City is nearing completion, with the transfer of female persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to this new facility in Barangay Basak scheduled for February 2026.
Senior Inspector Roselle Paracale reported that the new female dormitory is now 90 percent complete. The administrative building is also approximately 90 percent structurally complete and around 85 percent complete overall, including fixtures, furniture, and other essential facilities.
The current female dormitory, located in Barangay Looc, will be relocated to the new site to address severe overcrowding and to improve the living conditions for female PDLs.
Paracale noted that the initial target for the transfer was January 2026; however, construction delays caused by a recent typhoon and earthquake have pushed the timeline back.
“Hopefully, ako gyud unta gani gi-target is January unta, pero tungod sa earthquake and sa bagyo nalangay siya. So, probably February 2026,” Paracale said.
She also commended the local government unit (LGU) for constructing a two-meter embankment at the new dorm site to prevent flooding during high tide and heavy rains—an issue that frequently affects the area.
The new female dormitory will have four cells and its own administrative building, which Paracale said will make jail operations and services more efficient. With offices in place, she said that services will no longer be delayed.
“Thankful mi ni Congresswoman Emmarie "Lolypop" Ouano-Dizon kay naa ‘mi admin building,” Paracale said. “Tungod sa office, tanan nga services dili na siya malangay kay naa may opisina,” she added.
Currently, the female dormitory has a population of 112 PDLs, far exceeding its ideal capacity of only 25.
The female PDLs have yet to be transferred and remain housed at the current facility in Barangay Looc. Paracale said the transfer would be expedited following flooding incidents during Typhoon Tino last November 4.
She added that the aging structure of the current facility has caused persistent roof leaks, with water continuing to drip even during hot weather due to trapped rainwater.
Paracale said the cells at the new female dorm are already ready, and only the completion of the administrative building remains before the transfer can finally proceed.
She stressed the importance of relocating the female PDLs as soon as possible to ensure their safety and welfare. — (FREEMAN)