Presidential Adviser on Muslim Affairs Almarim C. Tillah has proposed a separate facility for more than 2,800 Muslims who are persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in seven prison facilities of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) nationwide.
The proposal was conveyed by Tillah to BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. during their meeting on Friday, Feb. 23.
“During our dialogue and consultations with our Muslim brothers and sisters with various national government agencies, one of the discussions was the plight and challenges of Muslim PDLs inside our penitentiaries and the suggestion to have a separate prison for Muslim PDLs had been raised,“ Tillah told Catapang.
The separate facility could significantly benefit Muslim PDLs particularly in the preservation of Muslim culture even inside the penal institutions, Tillah said.
He also told Catapang that a separate facility for Muslims would enhance prison management, protection and safety of PDLs by minimizing risk of violence and conflict and most specially the preservation of culture of Muslim PDLs.
He pointed out that Muslims have significant practices which consist of five prayers daily, proper preparation and serving of Halal meals and the celebration of the month of Ramadan which includes fasting for one whole month with different meal times.
At the same time, Tillah told Catapang that even if the detained Muslims are considered PDLs, they are still entitled to practice their faith which can help them transform to a better person.
In response, Catapang said he will discuss Tillah’s proposal with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla.
He assured that all Muslim PDLs under the care of BuCor are allowed to practice their faith and they see to it that the food served to Muslim PDLs are those permissible to eat according to the teachings of Islam.
Of the 2,803 Muslim PDLs, 1,039 are confined at the New Bilibid Prison, 661 in Davao Prison and Penal Farm, 647 in Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm, 207 in Correctional Institution for Women, 135 in Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, 87 in San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm, and 27 in Leyte Regional Prison.
Catapang said a total of 657 Muslim PDLs had been released under the administration of Secretary Remulla.