Swift response of PH Red Cross in Cabuyao city jail water contamination issue commended 

The swift response of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) in managing the cases of amoebiasis in Cabuyao City Jail which affected more than 80 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) was commended by the Cabuyao City Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

PRC and its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Gordon were presented with certificates of recognition by the Cabuyao City Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

The jail management expressed its gratitude to Gordon for his swift action and contribution to Cabuyao City Jail until its water contamination issue was resolved.

The Cabuyao City BJMP further cited that Gordon’s “work as a leader and a public servant is greatly admired.”

“What you have done and what you will do in the years to come will be valued,” the jail management told Gordon.

Upon learning the situation, City Jail Warden JSINSP Shiela Moliquino noted that the PRC did not hesitate to extend help to BJMP by sending water tankers.

Gordon quickly took action after reports from Red Cross Laguna Administrator Frank Sorromero confirmed clustered cases of diarrhea since Sept. 16.

“The goal of our penitentiary is to rehabilitate these individuals with hopes to have them reintegrated into society and given another chance at life - how can we successfully do that if they will feel neglected?” Gordon said.

Guided by the Red Cross’s principles of neutrality and impartiality, Gordon said that “we should help all who need help” adding that everyone who needs help “should be regarded with dignity and given due aid.”

The PRC was able to supply 470,000 liters of clean water for the whole jail compound with a population of 657 PDLs and 43 personnel.

The bladders were also the only water source while pipes were being disinfected. PDLs were also provided with hygiene kits to keep themselves clean and free from diseases.

Gordon also made sure that the “visitor less” PDLs or those not being visited by their relatives were also given the much-needed supplies to maintain their cleanliness.