BJMP-6 Tightens Security for Voting of 6,561 PDLs

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Western Visayas is tightening security to ensure the safe and orderly voting of 6,561 registered persons deprived of liberty in the May 12 midterm elections.

Jail Senior Inspector Juniven Rey Umadhay, BJMP-6 spokesperson and legal chief, said Negros Occidental—including Bacolod City—has the highest number of PDL voters at 4,001.

This is followed by Iloilo with 1,991, Capiz with 378, Antique with 82, Aklan with 66 and Guimaras with 43.

Among urban centers, Bacolod City and Iloilo City account for 1,450 and 1,336 voters, respectively.

To prevent overcrowding and maintain order, PDLs will cast their votes in batches at designated precincts inside jail facilities, Umadhay said.

He added that a few newly committed detainees, with court approval, will be allowed to vote outside jail premises.

Umadhay said most of the eligible PDLs were registered through voter registration drives conducted by the Commission on Elections inside jail facilities.

Of the region’s total jail population of 10,722, only 6,561 met the eligibility criteria, with the rest either unregistered or disqualified due to legal status as insular prisoners.

BJMP-6 will deploy its full force of 1,817 personnel, who will be on full alert to secure the voting process.

Jail officers will also assist the Commission on Elections in handling election paraphernalia, including transporting ballots and Automated Counting Machines.

Umadhay said the bureau aims to support a transparent and efficient election.