WITH the increase of detainees in the Baguio City, alternative areas are being eyed for those to be incarcerated.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan said the city government is planning Shalom House at upper Session Road to become an extension of the city jail if needed.
Domogan said the situation of the city jail is still acceptable with inmates having their own beds as well as spaces to move unlike other parts of the country where there is a shortage of sleeping areas.
"We do not want that to happen here in our city," Domogan said citing overcrowding of jails in the country.
Domogan said a report of the Baguio City Jail revealed there are 469 male detainees while the women jail has 55, a number which can still accommodate more with humane conditions adding inmates still has a bed to sleep in.
The mayor said Shalom House lease from the city has long expired and can be used for emergency purposes.
Domogan said the increase of inmates is due to the intensified drive against drugs which has accumulated thousands of surrenderees from all barangays.
The local chief executive added the eventual set up of a larger and permanent city jail is also being eyed within Mt. Sto Tomas.
Domogan said he does not want to see a cramped jail where inmates will not have humane conditions to withstand.