BJMP: No threats observed amid Romualdez medical assessment in PGH

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) on Sunday said there were no threats monitored after former speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez was transferred to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) for an independent medical assessment. BJMP spokesperson Jail Superintendent Jayrex Bustinera made the statement as the agency said it is prepared for any eventuality when Romualdez was transferred to its custody. “Wala namang po (banta). Nakapaghandaan naman ang BJMP for any eventualities, kaya matatandaan natin, bago ma-turn over sa BJMP, may mga preparations na pong nilalatag,” Bustinera told Super Radyo dzBB. (There are no threats. The BJMP has prepared for any eventualities. To recall, we had preparations in place before it was turned over to the BJMP.) “Nakahanda na ang mga sasakyan, mga tauhan. Lahat naman ito kinoconsider at makikipagtulungan din po sa ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan, katulad ng Philippine National Police (PNP) o kaya pati local police kung saan yung hospital,” he added. (We have prepared the vehicles and our personnel. Everything is considered, and we also coordinating with other agencies like the PNP and local police where the hospital is located.) Bustinera also said several security personnel were deployed at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) due to previous cases of escape. Romualdez was brought to PGH in Manila from the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City on Saturday to assess if he needs medical confinement after an arrest warrant was issued against him. Otherwise, he could be detained at the Quezon City Jail. Bustinera explained that PDLs are generally detained with others, including those with health conditions, so BJMP can be alerted if anything happens. However, the recommendation will still depend on the assessment and evaluation conducted. Currently, there are 27 vacant cells at the Quezon City Jail, 900 in the newly renovated building, and additional vacant cells in the infirmary, according to Bustinera. He said there are currently 3,200 PDLs at the Quezon City Jail, which has a maximum capacity of 4,300. Each cell measures up to 50 square meters and can accommodate 10 PDLs in five double-decker beds. —RF, GMA News