Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Philippines | September 4, 2025-–The South Cotabato Rehabilitation and Detention Center (SCRDC) jail congestion eases and is no longer experiencing congestion in its jail facilities, according to Provincial Warden Juan R. Lanzaderas Jr.
“The population of our PDLs dropped, leaving us with vacant cells,” Lanzaderas said.
As of the latest count, the detention center holds 467 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), composed of 446 males and 21 females.
Lanzaderas explained that the decrease in the facility’s population has eased pressure on jail cells, which for years had been challenged by congestion.
“This is the first time in recent years that our population has gone down to this level. From over above 500 PDLs before, we are now down to 467,” he added.
He said this development is a positive indicator of improved jail management and processes.
Meanwhile, with fewer inmates, the SCRDC has also recorded no recent incidents of confiscated contraband inside the facility, a concern that has previously posed risks to safety and order.
Lanzaderas emphasized that maintaining a manageable population allows the jail to strengthen monitoring and sustain programs intended for rehabilitation.
