The Philippine government Saturday announced that almost 4,000 youth offenders would soon to be transferred to rehabilitation centers from congested adult jails.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita told a press conference that a special task force composed of the justice, social welfare, interior and local government departments as well as the Council for the Welfare of the Children reached an agreement to ensure the speedy transfer of these juvenile offenders.

"Our overcrowded jails especially at the municipal and city levels are a perennial problem that deserve a long-term solution. Right now, we are focused on prison reforms that would include expanded rehabilitation programs for youth offenders and children in conflict with the law," Ermita said. Ermita said the transfer would be done in phases since proper court procedures must be followed by the agencies concerned.

Contrary to a CNN report that there are as many as 20,000 Filipino children behind bars, the records of the Bureau of Jail Management and penology show that as of July this year, there are only 3,705 children being detained in the 1,500 facilities nationwide, the government clarified. Ermita said that aside from the transfer of the youth offenders,the social and welfare department also initiated the accreditation of foster families who could provide custodial care and supervision over the children accused of various crimes released on recognizance or under custody provision.

He also welcomed the announcement of the Senate that the Juvenile Justice Bill had been approved at the committee level and would soon be submitted to the plenary for debates.

The bill, which would mandate local government units to put up separate detention cells for juvenile delinquents or youth offenders, has been certified urgent by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Unfortunately, prison population continues to increase nationwide while the number and size of local jails remain the same, Ermita said.

"We will continue to work with local government and the legislative and judicial branches of government to promote prison reforms. The task force will be coordinating closely with the judiciary on the gradual transfer of these children to the custody of DSWD," Ermita said.

Source:Xinhua