KORONADAL CITY – September 26, 2025 | Barely two weeks into his new post, Jail Warden Barney Condes has already spotted several problems in the facility following the escape of a Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL) last September 13.
Condes said he spent his first 14 days observing daily routines and checking the overall condition of the jail.
From his assessment, he discovered issues such as low security, poor perimeter lighting, defective switches, and weak barriers.
“These lapses cannot be ignored,” Condes said, adding that repairs and improvements are now underway to fix the problems and strengthen security inside the compound.
He also stressed that his reforms will not only focus on security but on rehabilitation as well.
“The total rehabilitation will really take long, but initially we have some proactive measures to address the problem, so escapes will not happen again,” he added.
For Condes, rehabilitation should benefit not only the PDLs but also the jail guards, making sure discipline, accountability, and stricter management are followed by everyone.
The hot pursuit operation continues to track down the PDL who escaped earlier this month. Condes, however, assured the public that under his watch, discipline and order will be strictly observed.
“This is for the welfare of everyone,” he further said.
