BY GERRY LEE GORIT
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The P900-million new Misamis Oriental provincial jail, touted to be the most state of the art in the country once it operates, is expected to start accepting inmates in August if plans don’t miscarry.
“All the structures are already finished. Only the land completion needs to be smoothened.
And with the ongoing rainy season, we are still hoping that we can meet the deadline,” Misamis Oriental provincial board member Dexter Yasay said.
“But we can’t compromise on safety so even if we have to extend, we must adhere to sound construction practice.”
Yasay, in his capacity as chairman of the committee on ways and means, participated in a hearing on the updates of the jail construction last Tuesday (June 27).
Misamis Oriental provincial board Gerardo Sabal III said, the new jail will house separate detention facilities for men, women and minors unlike the current overcrowded Misamis Oriental provincial jail along Antonio Luna St. in Cagayan de Oro City where detainees are cramped into each other.
GGL-4 Misamis Oriental provincial board members Dexter B. Yasay.
Safety is paramount for both inmates and the general public.
The soon-to-inaugurate jail located at barangay Kamelon in Initao municipality is housed in a five-hectare area away from residential neighborhoods and is five kilometers from the main Cagayan de Oro-Iligan highway.
It presents a stark contrast to the current facility in Cagayan de Oro City where it is only a stone’s throw away from a major shopping center and the seat of the provincial government.
The jail will be automated and the height of its fences is in accordance to international standards.
All inmates in the jail are those awaiting trial.
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