THE Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) assured Thursday, March 14, sufficient supply of water for its jail facilities.

BJMP spokesperson Chief Inspector Xavier Solda said they have anticipated water shortage during summer, prompting them to coordinate with their water suppliers ahead of time.

He said they coordinated with the Bureau of Fire Protection for water supply assistance and they also procured water drums in their jail facilities in order to stock water.

“Fortunately, for BJMP facilities in Metro Manila, wala kaming problema sa tubig (we have no problem with water)... We assure the public, the families ng PDLs (persons deprived of liberty) na enough ‘yung supply ng tubig sa jail facilities natin (that the water supply in our jail facilities is enough). Napaghandaan siya ng BJMP (We were able to prepare for it),” he said.

Solda noted the importance of water in all jail facilities, as it affects the hygiene of the inmates.

He also said the BJMP has enough supply of medicine for the inmates in case they experience illness, particularly the common diseases during summer.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Oscar Albayalde directed all PNP units in areas affected by the water shortage to observe water conservation measures to help avert a possible water crisis in Luzon on the onset of summer.

He said the PNP tapped workers to inspect on wasteful or unnecessary water usage in police facilities.

Albayalde also directed PNP units to assist barangay authorities in maintaining order and crowd control in water rationing points to allow efficient and orderly distribution of water to residents.

“Local PNP units are directed to ensure safety and security of water service providers against unruly crowd and persons who may want to provoke chaos in the water distribution points,” Albayalde said.

PNP spokesperson Senior Superintendent Bernard Banac said police units will also be on the lookout for unauthorized tampering or pilferage of water from fire hydrants and main water lines. (SunStar Philippines)