KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO -The significant reduction in the number of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the South Cotabato Rehabilitation and Detention Center (SCRDC) is the result of swift judicial action and improved coordination among key institutions, Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. said.
Governor Tamayo attributed the decongestion inside the detention facility to the strengthened collaboration between the Provincial Government, jail management, and the judiciary, which has led to the faster disposition of pending cases.
He emphasized that the critical role of the judiciary’s prompt response in resolving cases involving PDLs, noting that timely judicial action directly contributes to decongesting detention facilities and ensures efficient delivery of justice.
“The quick action of the judiciary in resolving cases has greatly contributed to the decrease in the number of PDLs inside the facility,” Governor Tamayo noted.
He added that the development reflects a justice system that is working effectively, one that upholds due process while ensuring humane and orderly detention conditions.
Aside from judicial efficiency, the Governor cited the strict and disciplined implementation of security protocols as another key factor in improving jail management at the SCRDC. He noted that the facility is now operating in a more organized, cleaner, and tightly secured environment, which helps maintain order and prevents violations within the detention center.
Security measures at the SCRDC have been significantly strengthened to prevent the entry of contraband, including illegal drugs, cellular phones, bladed weapons, and other prohibited items. These efforts are aimed at maintaining discipline among PDLs, curbing illegal activities inside the facility, and ensuring the safety of both inmates and jail personnel.
Governor Tamayo stressed that maintaining a contraband-free detention facility is essential in creating a controlled and rehabilitative environment for PDLs, while also supporting the broader goal of public safety in the province.
The intensified security drive aligns with the Governor’s directives to Jail Warden Barney Condes, who currently heads the South Cotabato Rehabilitation and Detention Center. Under Warden Condes’ leadership, the SCRDC has reinforced its internal policies and monitoring systems to ensure strict compliance with jail regulations and national standards for detention facilities.
Governor Tamayo reiterated his administration’s commitment to good governance, a strengthened justice system, and detention facilities that operate with discipline, transparency, and respect for human rights.
He also called on concerned agencies and stakeholders to sustain the gains achieved at the SCRDC through continued coordination, emphasizing that effective jail management is a shared responsibility of the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and local government units.
Provincial officials said the improvements at the South Cotabato Rehabilitation and Detention Center reflect the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to deliver responsive and efficient public service, uphold the rule of law, and ensure a safe and orderly community.
