FLAGELLATION and crucifixion are strictly prohibited in jail facilities under the supervision of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) this Holy Week, a ranking official said yesterday.

According to BJMP-National Capital Region director Chief Supt. Efren Nemeño, PDLs should not be allowed to hurt themselves even as they claim it as their own way of sending a message that they regret what they have done and that they will get forgiveness.

Flagellation and crucifixion are religious practices in the country usually seen during the Holy Week.

Nemeño instead, encouraged PDLs to just “read the passion” or simply known as “pabasa” in Catholic devotion which is popular in the Philippines during the celebration of Holy Week along with other activities representing their respective traditional vows.

“Hindi natin pinapayagan yang mga ganyang kagawian, bawal ang penitensya o yung sinusugatan nila ang kanilang sarili, . . .much better na magdasal na lang at ibang religious activities na lang, Nemeño told this writer in the phone.

Meanwhile, the BJMP official also reminded all wardens under his command to have a heightened vigilance and conduct round-the-clock inspection under the red alert directive from the national headquarters.

Jail gate personnel are also instructed to intensify further searching and body frisking procedures among visitors of PDLs.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Joel dela Torre