BJMP implements ‘no contact visitation’ policy

By Ana-Liza Macatangay

NAGA CITY --- After two years of not seeing their loved ones, the persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) staying at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology’s (BJMP) - Naga City District Jail Female Dormitory, can now finally see them personally and hear their voice.

This, after BJMP OIC Warden and Jail Senior Inspector (JSINSP) Kinneth Gayle Florece decided to open the doors of the BJMP to PDL’s visitors through the “no contact” visitation approach.

Under the program, the PDL and her visitor can see each other face to face in the no contact visitation area and converse using an in-phone or intercom-type unit. There are two cubicles where the PDL and the visitor are separated by a transparent glass. Visitors should still wear face mask and use the alcohol placed outside each cubicle.

“For two years in the COVID-19 pandemic, it hindered our PDL from physical contact with their family and loved ones but that ends today as today. For now, they can avail the no contact visitation. Finally, their immediate family and loved ones can visit and talk to them in person. Sa ating mga PDL, sa wakas, makalipas ang dalawang taon, ito na ang inyong pinakahihintay at pinakaaasam, ramdam at alam namin kung gaano kayo kasabik na makita at mahagkan ang inyong pamilya,” Florece said.

The Naga City District Jail Female Dormitory houses 40 PDLs. Florece said that she decided to allow visitors as an early Christmas gift to the PDLs and after considering the current minimum health risks. Naga City and other adjoining provinces are now under Alert Level One after COVID 19 cases went down and vaccination rate went up.

Though the female dorm served as their second home, Florece said that the PDL still long for their real “home” which they can feel after being able to talk to their loved ones.

“Kayo man ay nakahanap ng bagong tahanan at pamilya sa institusyong, ang BJMP, iba pa rin ang kalinga ng inyong tunay na pamilya. kaya ikinagagalak namin kayo’y mabigyan ng pagkakataon upang makita sa personal ang inyong mga mahal sa buhay sa kabila ng banta ng Covid19 pandemic. Naway sa ganitong paraan maibsan ang lungkot at pagkasabik ninyo sa kanila,” Florece added.

For a PDL like Jen (not her real name), the program is an answered prayer.

“Isang masayang hapon po sainyong lahat, nagagalak po kami lahat dito sa Naga City District Jail, dahil makalipas ang dalawang taon at anim na buwan ay nagkadaupang palad tayo. Matagal na panahon ang dalawang taon, simula nang magsara ang pintuan namin para sa mga taong nagbibisita. Halos mawalan kami ng pag-asa kung kailan at paano pa namin makikita ang aming mga mahal sa buhay, na siyang bukod tanging nagbibigay sa amin ng lakas sa sitwasyon na aming pinag dadaanan. Kaya salamat po sa aming responsive na warden,” Jen said.

After the blessing of the No Contact Visitation area, held Sept. 27, Tuesday, at Brgy. Del Rosario, Naga City, members of the media were led to the livelihood area where several items were displayed for sale. These, according to Florece, were made by the PDLs as a source of income.

Those who want to visit may check E-Dalaw, BJMP’s official Facebook page. (PIA5/Camarines Sur)