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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BJMP pressed to review 'oppressive' policies in PH jails

BJMP pressed to review 'oppressive' policies in PH jails

Published Aug 25, 2022 04:56 pm

Kapatid, a support group of families and friends of political prisoners, urged the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to review the system of cooperatives as well as “oppressive” policies that often drive hunger in jails.

The group’s statement was issued after more than 100 detainees in Iloilo District Jail protested due to lack of food on Wednesday, Aug. 24. While hunger is evident in Philippines jails, Kapatid reiterated that it was not because of lack of food but due to “oppressive” policies.

INMATES of the Iloilo District Jail (IDJ) in Pototan, Iloilo protest the insufficient food served to them. (Photo courtesy of ZNL)

“We press government authorities to investigate worsening prison conditions across the country that contravene the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. We likewise call on the BJMP as well as the Bureau of Corrections to reverse the many arbitrary restrictions on food that further drive hunger in jails,” said Kapatid Spokesperson Fides Lim on Thursday, Aug. 25.

Among these restrictions on food, according to Lim, include transferring the contents of any food in sachets like coffee and milk into a clear container. Kapatid then urged BJMP to allow handing over of uncooked food from outside into jails.

“There is also no reason why drinking water should be restricted when clean water is hardly available inside jails. They must likewise allow Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) to cook food without demanding questionable fees for cooking as they do for sleeping space and even receiving visitors,” Lim added.

Apart from these, Kapatid also slammed cooperative stores in jails who were allegedly selling food at a higher price. These coops, said Lim, are part of the problem and cannot be the solution to the growing problem of hunger in Philippine jails.

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