SIX jails in Negros Occidental under the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Western Visayas signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Regional Service Providers Council (RSPC) in rites held at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City on Wednesday.

These included Negros Occidental District Jail (NODJ) in Bago City, Talisay City District Jail, Silay City District Jail, Metro Bacolod District Jail-Special Intensive Care Area (MBDJ-Sica) in Barangay Taculing, and MBDJ Male and Female Dormitories in Barangay Handumanan, both in Bacolod City.

The signing between pastors and priests from various religious groups and wardens of the six jails was witnessed by Senior Superintendent Joel Superficial, regional director of BJMP-Western Visayas, and the RSPC members.

Chief Inspector Castle Masip, jail warden of NODJ, said the agreement allows the religious groups to help Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in their spiritual reformation, development, and rehabilitation inside different custodial facilities in the province.

Based on the agreement, the RSPC can conduct lectures and dialogues, teach PDLs with livelihood programs, educate them about personal and social development, among others.

Masip said the program which is an annual activity is initiated by the regional office through Superintendent Josue Elmer Tumamak, regional chaplain.