Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Sunday said the local government and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology - National Capital Region (BJMP-NCR) have begun the transfer of male Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) to its new city jail facility in Payatas to ease jail congestion.

Earlier this month, Belmonte said a total of 364 elderly and persons with disabilities and comorbidities were transferred to Payatas by the BJMP, assisted by the local Department of Public Order and Safety, Traffic and Transport Management Department, QC Police District, and Barangay Police security officers.

BJMP-NCR data noted that the city's male jail population is at 2,981.

Last March 2022, the 2.4-hectare jail facility was officially turned over by the QC government to the BJMP.

The city jail adheres to the United Nations standards, with its three 5-story buildings consisting of 440 cells, each having proper air ventilation, water supply, and lights.

The spacious cell can hold up to 20 PDLs with two electric fans, a bathroom area, and bunk beds. Currently, 240 cells are being utilized.

The facility also has dedicated places like a visiting area, basketball court, and sunning area for PDLs.

On 6 April, Belmonte personally inspected the new facility assisted by Jail Warden Supt. Glennford Valdepeñas.

Following the success of many programs implemented by the City Government in partnership with various non-government organizations and foreign embassies in the QC Jail Female Dormitory, Mayor Belmonte is committed to do the same for the male PDLs.

"I want our male PDLs to have various opportunities they can pursue like alternative education, seminars, and livelihood programs which can help them become productive citizens," Mayor Belmonte said.

The local chief executive also vowed to ensure that the PDLs receive proper treatment and care especially now that the city is experiencing high heat index.