BuCor Confirms Safety of PDLs and Staff in quake-hit Visayas and Mindanao
In the wake of a series of earthquakes that shook parts of Cebu and Davao Oriental, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has reassured that Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) and its personnel in the Visayas and Mindanao are safe. Initial assessments indicate no casualties and no significant structural damage within the Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF) and the Leyte Regional Prison (LRP).
Thorough Inspections Underway
BuCor noted that all personnel and PDLs at the affected facilities have been accounted for. Following the quakes, superintendents at the DPPF and LRP conducted thorough inspections to ensure the safety and security of both staff and inmates. The agencies emphasized that safety remains the top priority as the situation evolves.
Coordinated Response with Authorities
To maintain readiness, the DPPF and LRP are closely monitoring the ongoing conditions in collaboration with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs). This coordination aims to quickly detect any aftershocks or new risk factors that could affect prison operations or the welfare of the PDLs and personnel.
Commitment to Welfare and Disaster Readiness
BuCor reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of all personnel and PDLs, while upholding high standards of safety and disaster preparedness. The agency’s statements underscore a proactive approach: continuous monitoring, immediate on-site checks, and interagency cooperation to ensure resilience in the face of natural hazards.
What This Means for Inmates and Staff
With no casualties reported and no significant damage at the DPPF and LRP, inmates and staff can expect routine operations to resume and continue with heightened alertness. The BuCor’s ongoing risk assessments and drills are designed to prevent disruption to essential prison functions and to protect lives during emergencies.
Looking Ahead
As seismic activity can be unpredictable, BuCor’s leadership indicates that monitoring will remain vigilant. The agency will issue updates as new information becomes available, ensuring transparency for families, staff, and the public while maintaining security and order within the facilities involved.
