Separate jail dormitories seen

The Department of Justice is set to put up separate LGBT dormitories once it builds three separate maximum security prison buildings in remote locations nationwide.

According to DoJ Assistant Secretary and spokesman Atty. Mico Clavano, the agency is close to completing the implementing rules for Republic Act 11928, which provides for the creation of Alcatraz-like jails for high-level offenders in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

"The facility shall be built in a suitable location away from the general population and other persons deprived of liberty and preferably within a military establishment or on an island separate from the mainland," Clavano said.

He added that there will be three dormitory buildings for each facility — one each for male, female and LGBT detainees.

The Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 11928, otherwise known as the Separate Facility for Heinous Crimes, is ready for signature of the Secretary of Justice. Once signed, the IRR shall take effect 15 calendar days after publication.

Earlier, Clavano said the significant features of the IRR of RA 11928 include that the facility will be built in a suitable location away from the general population and other PDLs and preferably within a military establishment or on an island separate from the mainland.

It should be located in a secured and isolate place to ensure that there is no unwarranted contact or communication from outside if the penal institution.

There should also be at least three separate facilities for high-level offenders, with one facility each in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The transfer of PDLs classified as high-level offenders shall be made within a period of 30 days from the completion of the construction of the heinous crimes facility.