The 478 jail facilities under the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) were placed on red alert status to ensure the safety of the persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and orderliness of the prison cells during the observance of the Holy Week.

BJMP Acting Chief Jail Chief Supt. Ruel Rivera said the move is part of the measures to preempt untoward incidents in jail facilities this Lenten season.

He said they have already coordinated with religious leaders to conduct various activities such as Holy Mass, recollections and religious processions.

However, Rivera asserted that the PDLs under the BJMP’s supervision are prohibited “from practicing self-flagellation in order to safeguard their health and well-being.’’

Likewise, Rivera assured the provision of essential needs such as food, water and medical supplies.

The BJMP head also directed all jail personnel to exercise extra efforts to beef up their security during the Holy Week to prevent any jail incidents.

He also urged all wardens to oversee the readiness of the jails including their action steps in attending to summer-related diseases.

“Be vigilant in guarding our PDLs. Make sure that they are all safe, secured and all accounted for,” Rivera emphasized.

In addition, Rivera has called for “a safe and peaceful observance of Holy Week all over the country especially, in all 478 jails under the BJMP.’’

“Mula sa buong hanay ng BJMP, hangad namin ang isang mapayapa at mataimtim na selebrasyon ng Semanta Santa. Nawa’y madama ng bawat isa, lalong lalo na ng ating mga kapatid na pansamantalang nasa aming pangangalaga, ang presensya ng Diyos sa kanilang buhay at mas lalo pang mapalapit sa Kanya (From the BJMP organization, we wish for a peaceful and solemn Lenten season celebration. I wish that everyone, especially our brothers who are temporarily under our care, to have God present and have Him at the center of their lives),’’ Rivera lamented.