Iligan City – The Iligan City Justice Zone (ICJZ), part of the Tri-City Special Justice Zone comprising Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Ozamiz cities, conducted a significant outreach program at the Iligan City Jail. The event included a jail visit and dialogue with Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) from both the male and female dormitories, coupled with a medical mission and a gift-giving activity.
The delegation, led by Judge Alberto P. Quinto of Branch 1 of the Regional Trial Court in Lanao del Norte and lead convenor of the ICJZ, aimed to address the needs of the PDL and enhance their reintegration into society. The dialogue was designed to foster trust and cooperation between the authorities and the PDL, allowing them to voice their concerns, which helps improve their living conditions and legal situations. Additionally, it provided insights into the functioning of the justice system, highlighting areas needing improvement to ensure a fair and effective system. Also present at the activity were members of the local judiciary, clerk of courts, city and provincial prosecutors, the parole and probation office, and representatives of the local government unit of Iligan City.
During the visit, JCI Carmelo A. Corsame, warden of the Iligan City Jail-Male Dormitory, expressed his appreciation for the delegation’s efforts, stating, “We are truly honored to welcome the delegation from the Iligan City Justice Zone. This visit not only brings much-needed medical support and gifts for our PDL, but also reaffirms our shared commitment to their rehabilitation and reintegration. Your presence here today is a testament to the strong cooperation among our justice sector institutions.”
JINSP Mary Rose S. Pacana, warden of the Iligan City Jail-Female Dormitory, emphasized the positive impact of the program, stating, “Today, we, the BJMP personnel and PDL, are provided with the opportunity to take part and support the Iligan City Justice Zone’s endeavors, which primarily help us with the reduction of jail facility population and improvement of the reintegration of the PDL.”
The Tri-City Special Justice Zone is a collaborative initiative launched by the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Ozamiz cities. Supported by the European Union through its Governance in Justice program (GOJUST), this initiative focuses on increasing coordination and communication among justice sector institutions to protect children from online exploitation. The cities were selected due to their high number of operations and convictions related to OSAEC.
This event underscores the importance of joint efforts and community engagement in achieving a safer and more just society.
