Press Releases

LC Jail to mount charity concert
THE ILOCOS TIMES
September 12-18, 2011
BY DOMINIC B. DELA CRUZ
STAFF REPORTER


FOR THE first time in the history of Laoag and even in the entire Region I, the Laoag City Jail Inmates Choir and Dance Troup will be having its first ever charity concert this September.

City jail warden J/Sr. Insp. Roque Constantino Sison said that the concert was conceptualized by the Holy Spirit Academy of Laoag Batch 86 headed by ABC President and Sangguniang Panlungsod ex-officio member Chevylle V. Fariñas. Sison related that Ms Fariñas and her group conceptualized the concert after the charity program they conducted last July dubbed “Reaching Out: A Post Father’s Day Celebration.” During the said event, the Laoag City Jail Choir serenaded the guests with several songs. The performance spurred Ms Fariñas and her group to mount a charity concert for the choir.

The concert will showcase the different talents of inmates, who are all busy practicing as of press time. Sison recounted that he welcomed the idea since he believes that this will further boost the inmates’ morale and with the proceeds will go to the city jail wherein a separate female cell has been proposed. Relative to this, the city jail launched its Laoag City Jail Choir and Dance Troupe as part of the inmates’ recreational activities.

Ms Fariñas said the inmates also deserve to be given attention despite of what happened to them. She added that with this charity concert, the inmates will be able to show their talents and at the same time help them through the proceeds.




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THE ILOCOS TIMES
August 1-7, 2011
LC jail wins 3 regional awards
BY DOMINIC B. DELA CRUZ
STAFF REPORTER

THE LAOAG City Jail took home three regional awards during the 20th anniversary celebration of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Region I in Bauang, La Union.
City Jail warden Jail Sr. Insp. Roque Constantino Sison III said the awards, which is now for the second time, is for the city jail’s “distinguished and unprecedented transformation and development.” He added that the award was based on the initiated various innovations and improvements for the transformation of the city jail not only in terms of the physical facilities
but making the jail a more desirable and humane place for the rehabilitation and development of those persons deprived with liberty.
With this development, Sison thanked the city government, especially Laoag Mayor Michael V. Fariñas as he stressed that the improvement and rehabilitation projects would not have been possible without the mayor’s full support.
In relation to this, Fariñas was also given a special recognition for his support and contribution to the city jail. Fariñas however was unable to attend the celebration and was represented by his executive secretary Raul Umengan. Earlier, BJMP also gave a Plaque of Merit to Fariñas for his support to the city jail.
Meanwhile, Sison was also recognized as City Jail Warden of the Year; he has earlier won the same award for three straight years while he was stationed in Dagupan City, Pangasinan. Aside from these, he also won the same in the national and regional levels while he was in San
Carlos City also in Pangasinan. With these recent awards, Sison expressed his gratitude to all the people behind the city jail’s success.






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THE ILOCOS TIMES
July 18-24, 2011 Issue
LC jail inmates reach 116
BY DOMINIC B. DELA CRUZ
STAFF REPORTER

TOTAL INMATES at the Laoag City Jail has reached 116 as of July 21, 2011, city jail warden Roque Sison announced.
Sison added that the sudden increase in the number of inmates was due to the active police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operations against illegal drugs in Laoag which has resulted in the arrest of several persons.
Sison however stressed that the sudden spike upwards in the number of inmates at the city jail is still manageable considering that they have eight big cells for males and one cell for females. He stated further that the type of cells at the city jail could accommodate up to 300 inmates, but this number has never been reached, he added. City jail records show that inmates involved in drug-related cases make up the majority of detainees followed by theft and other cases.
THE ILOCOS TIMES also learned that nine inmates have been transferred to the National Bilibid Prison while one was moved to the National Center for Mental Health on July 15. The huge increase notwithstanding, Sison said the jail is still manageable and inmates are still given proper meals.
Meanwhile, Sison has proposed the construction of a multi-purpose hall and a separate female cell to the Laoag City government. The multi-purpose hall would serve as a venue for various activities and programs while the separate female cell would be to put some distance between the male and female cells. The present female cell is located in the same building where the male cells are and according to Sison, there is always the possibility of inmates having romantic relationships while they are detained.
Sison expressed hopes that the city government through Laoag Mayor Michael V. Fariñas would act favorably on these proposals. The mayor was recently awarded a plaque of merit by the Bureau of Jail and Management of the Philippines for his continuous support to the city jail.




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LC BJMP MAINTAINS CLEANLINESS, ORDERLINESS THIS SUMMER
THE ILOCOS TIMES
April 18-24, 2011 Issue
NEWS Section Page 7
By Dominic dela Cruz
Staff Reporter






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LC JAIL HOLDS 1ST 'BEBOT' SEARCH 
THE ILOCOS TIMES      
November 8-14, 2010 Issue
NEWS Section Page 12
By Dominic dela Cruz
Staff Reporter




        In line with the 16th National Correctional Consciousness Week celebration, the Laoag City Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) conducted various activities to celebrate the occasion.
     Among these were feeding program, free dental and medical mission and sports fest, and serving as highlight of the celebration, the city jail launched the first ever Search for Miss BJMP Bebot 2010, organized by the female and gay inmates.
     The Miss Bebot search was participated in by male inmates who had the chance to display their wares dressed up like a woman.
     The ILOCOS TIMES learned that the said activity was featured in national television as a rare initiative of inmates despite their current legal troubles. 
     City jail warden Roque Sison said that the event was successful considering the joy it brought to inmates during the week long celebration.
     According to Sison, it was the inmates who initiated the Search for Miss Bebot to have a different aspect in the celebration aside from the usual activities during the annual celebration of the national Consciousness Week.
     Of all the 102 total inmates, 11 males participated in the Search wherein two representatives came from each detention cell.
     It was a very memorable event, according to Sison as it was the families and friends of the participants who shouldered and provided their needed attires during the event.
     Sison thanked all the benefactors and sponsors who helped the said activity become successful and hopes this will now continue for the coming years even though he might no longer be the city jail warden because he saw the happiness between and among all the inmates during the said event.
     Mark Allen Vergara with a case of violation of PD 166, otherwise known as illegal possession of firearm as well as violation of the Comelec Gun Ban won the Miss BJMP Bebot 2010 title.
     While Mark John  Aquino with robbery case, Jade Bumanglag with theft case, Byron Sao with RA 9165 case and Luck Wilson Bobis with murder won fifth, fourth, third and second places, respectively.
     Meanwhile, Sison also announced that in line with the upcoming Holiday Season, inmates of the city jail are now busy making Christmas decorations as one of their traditional livelihood sources.
     He said business establishments in the city have asked the help of the inmates to make Christmas decorations for commercial purposes with profit or income involved.
     Sison thanked these business entrepreneurs for their trust and confidence in the city jail inmates and for also giving them additional income opportunities while they are in detention.
    He added that the city jail will also celebrate its Christmas program with the inmates' families and friends as the main event during the Family Day celebration next month.

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LCJ INMATE UNDERGOES FREE MAJOR OPERATION 
THE ILOCOS TIMES      
October 4-10, 2010 Issue
FEATURES Section Page 10
By Dominic dela Cruz
Staff Reporter




      One lady inmate of the Laoag City Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) underwent a major operation at the San Lorenzo Clinic owned by the Diocese of Laoag. Laoag City jail warden Roque Sison III identified the inmate as Marilyn Diaz, 39 of Quezon City who suffered from myoma. Based on an earlier initial medical investigation, Diaz already suffered the said illness a long time ago until she was convicted by the court  for a minimum of two years and four months for theft. 
     Sison said that since Diaz was detained at the city jail on May 22, 2009, her illness was never acted upon and it was only when he headed the city jail that they gave her medical attention. Sison thanked the San Lorenzo Clinic which celebrated its 24th anniversary last month for giving free medical, dental and major operations where Diaz was referred. The only thing the city jail was hard up in the conduct of the operation according to Sison was the waiver which a member of the family of Diaz should personally sign LC jail inmate undergoes free major operation to conduct the operation. 
     A former inmate of the city jail who happened to be a friend of Diaz helped in searching her family members and that her brothers arrived in Laoag before the operation and signed the waiver. Sison thanked Dr. Marcel Leano and Dr. Gregorio Labio from the San Lorenzo Clinic who conducted the free operation with the help of the City Social Welfare and Development Office and the Provincial and City Health Offices. Diaz also took the opportunity to express her thanks to all the people who helped in her free operation. In a press interview, Diaz was so emotional thanking everybody who helped in the operation not only to the medical doctors, NGOs and government agencies but also the prayers they have extended to her fellow inmates. Diaz further thanked Sison for looking for some ways and the initiative to cure her long time illness. It was learned that the jail officers also had a hard time in accompanying Diaz before and after her hospitalization. “But this is a part of our role here at the BJMP Laoag to see to it the welfare of our inmates. Hindi porke’t bilanggo lang sila e ‘di na natin sila tutulungan dahil nagkataon lang na nandito sila”, Sison said. 
     Sison also said that this is no longer a new case for the city jail during his leadership but there were already other inmates who were hospitalized and the city jail found ways to pay for expenses being incurred. Though Sison said that the BJMP regional office gives free medicines but some does not conform to the illnesses of the inmates which need to be confined. Aside from the free medicines, the city health office, NGOs like the Ilocos Norte Medical Association and the San Lorenzo Clinic also conduct regular free medical and dental at the city jail. 
     Meanwhile, Sison also announced that the perimeter fence at the back of the city jail which is a project of the city government was already completed including the tower sentry station Relative to this, Sison thanked Laoag Mayor Michael V. Fariñas for continuously supporting the city jail. 


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2010 CITY JAIL OF THE YEAR. Laoag City Jail warden J/SINSP  Roque Constantino A. Sison III receives the Best City Jail of the Year 2010 award. The award is the first for Laoag City though Sison have won it in most of the places where he was assigned prior to his designation here in Laoag City.


WINNERS ALL. (From left) BJMP Region I Director SSUPT. Atty. Miguel A. Cawi; J/SINSP Jerry G. Palalay; J/SINSP Roque A. Sison III, of Laoag City; Laoag Councilor Atty. Donald Nicolas representing Laoag Mayor Michael V. Fariñas who received a special award; CSUPT Romeo S. Elisan, Jr., the event’s guest of honor and speaker; J/CSUPT Saturnino F. Taylan, BJMP Ilocos Norte provincial administrator who was awarded Provincial Administrator of the Year; and SJO2 Shiela Marie D. Sapaden, who was awarded Female NCJO of the Year.


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LC WINS BEST CITY JAIL IN REGION 1   
THE ILOCOS TIMES      
August 2-8, 2010 Issue
NEWS Section Page 14
By Dominic dela Cruz
Staff Reporter


           FOR THE first time in the history of the Laoag City, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) here won the Best City Jail of the Year award for Region I. Laoag City jail warden Roque Sison announced the win as he said the city will be receiving the award on August 6 at the BJMP regional office in Bauang, La Union. 
     Sison said the win was a source of great pride for the people of Laoag and this administration, headed by Mayor Michael V. Fariñas, considering the very short period of time they had in the preparation for this tilt and they ended up besting other contenders in the Ilocos region. 
     Sison, who is just in his 11th month as city jail warden, has made a lot of improvements and innovations for the city jail and the inmates, not only physically, morally but also spiritually. This included the improvement of the facilities and equipment, and the security measures that are being implemented. Sison proudly announced that in his current stint as city warden here, there was “zero escape” as he vowed to maintain this until his term expires. 
     With the continuous support of the city government, non-government organizations and private individuals, the award would be sustained as they expect to win more in the future. Sison hopes the second phase for the perimeter fence, which is a project of the city government, will start soon to complete the 100 percent security of the inmates. After garnering the best city jail award in the Region, Sison is now eyeing the highest award which is the Best City Jail for the Year of the whole country. 
     Meanwhile, Fariñas was also invited by the BJMP regional office to receive a special award in recognition of his continuous support and contribution for the city jail. BJMP provincial administrator Saturnino Taylan also  a recipient of  an award in the same awarding ceremonies in recognition of his long service in BJMP as he will receive the Provincial Administrator of the Year. 
     THE ILOCOS TIMES learned that Sison already made history in the BJMP after all the jails he served received awards as he also won as Best City Jail Warden. Sison said this proves his dream for the Laoag City Jail to be included in the list of Best City Jails in the Region.


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15 LC JAIL INMATES SET TO BE TRANSFERRED TO BILIBID PRISON
THE ILOCOS TIMES      
July 5-11, 2010 Issue
NEWS Section Page 10
By Dominic dela Cruz
Staff Reporter




      FIFTEEN convicted detainees at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) here in Laoag are expected to be transferred soon to the National Bilibid Prison in Metro Manila. Laoag City jail warden Roque Sison made this announcement after the BJMP national office granted his request for a new BJMP prisoners’ vehicle. The delay in the transfer of the inmates, Sison said, was because there was no appropriate vehicle for the transport.      
     THE ILOCOS TIMES learned that the BJMP Laoag has even resorted to using tricycles as vehicles for inmates in going to the Regional 15 LC jail inmates set to be transferred to Bilibid prison Trial Court (RTC) for hearings which is dangerous in case they try to flee. With the acquisition of a vehicle, Sison said his office will now start the completion of the necessary papers for the transfer . 
     The detainees to be transferred are those that have been convicted last year up to the present. Sison said these detainees were convicted in drug-related, murder and rape cases. With the expected transfer of the 15 detainees, Sison expects a more spacious for the inmates. Aside from the prisoners van, the Laoag City government also donated one van for the city jail staff’s use. 
     Relative to this, Sison thanked the BJMP national office and Laoag Mayor Michael V. Fariñas for the prisoners’ and staff vans respectively. On July 6, the two jail vehicles including other vehicles donated from by the business sector and those purchased by the city government were blessed right after the flag raising ceremony.    
     The mayor, for his part, said it is also but proper to help the city jail considering that they are here serving and guarding the inmates. Meanwhile, the mayor also accepted the request of Sison regarding the completion and construction of the second phase perimeter wall at the back of the Laoag City jail compound to assure the overall security of the detention center. The Laoag government funded the construction of the first phase of the perimeter fence of the jail.

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NEW FACILITIES AT THE LC BJMP. The Laoag City government assisted the Laoag City Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, under the able leadership of warden Roque Sison, in constructing new facilities at the city jail. Among these are the Administration and Diagnostic Room, Supply, Medical and Search Room, elevation of the perimeter fence, Conjugal Rooms and Comfort Room.


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LC BJMP CELEBRATES 19TH ANNIVERSARY, CITY JAIL WARDEN COMMENDED
THE ILOCOS TIMES      
June14-20, 2010 Issue
NEWS Section Page 14
By Dominic dela Cruz
Staff Reporter

     IN CELEBRATION of the 19th Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) anniversary, the Laoag BJMP held a series of activities for the last week of June. Laoag City jail warden Roque Sison said that the celebration was kicked off by a free medical and dental mission sponsored by the Ilocos Norte Medical Society and the Laoag City Health Office. In line with the week-long celebration, the BJMP Laoag also conducted a livelihood product exhibits, sports fest and feeding program. 
     Sison said that all the products in their livelihood program were sponsored by non government organizations, with special mention to Flowers and Crafts by Genevieve where the product will be displayed and will be for sale. Different sports activities including basketball, volleyball and other indoor activities like chess were also held and participated in by inmates. Sison thanked all the sponsors in the conduct of the said celebration likewise with all the inmates who joined and participated in all the events. 
     Meanwhile, Sison also expressed his happiness after receiving a commendation from the BJMP regional office. The commendation was signed by JSS Atty. Miguel A. Cawi, DSC on June 16. Based on the letter, the commendation was due to the exemplary performance of Sison in discharging his duty as a warden from September 2009 up to the present. 
     The great transformation of the jail into a more desirable place for inmates’ welfare and rehabilitation was noted by the BJMP regional inspection team. The BJMP further stated that the accomplishment of Sison “bespeaks of his diligence, initiative, resourcefulness and managing ability that could uplift the morale of his subordinates in performing their tasks for the good of the Bureau and the clientele.” 
     Relative to this, Sison thanked the BJMP regional office for the commendation and for giving him their trust and confidence as well as praising his accomplishments in his less than a year of service. Earlier, BJMP Laoag was nominated for the best city jail search and best city jail warden nationwide for this year.

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INMATES at the Laoag City Jail prepare the list of names of candidates for the May 10 polls as some of them have been allowed by the courts to vote in the first automated elections in the country.

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LC BJMP EYES 2 NAT'L AWARDS 
THE ILOCOS TIMES 
April 26-May 2, 2010 Issue
NEWS Section Page2
By Dominic dela Cruz 



        IN LINE with the Annual Search for BJMP’s Bests, the Laoag Bureau of Jail Management and Penology has been nominated in two categories— Best City Jail of the Year and City Jail Warden of the Year. City jail warden Roque Sison made this announcement as he said they currently completing the nomination forms in terms of their accomplishments and which they expect to submit before the end of April. Among the criteria to be used include the improvements and in   novations of the jail undertaken during Sison’s incumbency.
      With these nominations, Sison believes this is a big break for the city BJMP to be included in a competition, especially since this is a national search. With all the improvements as the Laoag jail compound recently, Sison said this is the best time for the city BJMP to be in the spotlight. Among the improvements include the perimeter fence elevation, innovations in the upliftment of the jail’s physical aspect, construction of a receiving and admission areas, search, medical and supply rooms beautification projects, strict implementation of the city’s clean and green program and Oplan Dalus Code and the conduct of livelihood program trainings.
      Sison has been a four-time awardee in the past, winning as the Best City Jail and Best City Jail Warden in Dagupan and San Carlos Cities in Pangasinan. This, Sison said, prompted him to strive for the same here in Laoag. Upon submission of the forms, validators from the BJMP national office would personally visit the city jail to confirm the veracity of information given them.



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50 LC JAIL INMATES SET TO VOTE IN MAY POLLS
THE ILOCOS TIMES 
April 26-May 2, 2010 Issue
NOTICES Section Page 9
By Dominic dela Cruz 



      LAOAG City jail warden Roque Sison said at least 50 inmates from the city’s Bureau of Jail Management and Penology are expected to cast their votes in the May 10 elections. Earlier, the number was 80 but the court only granted the request of 50 inmates. The reason for the reduced number of inmates allowed to vote was because some of them have already been released and as such could now vote where they are registered. As of press time, the city BJMP is compiling the complete lists of inmates who have been allowed to vote in the synchronized elections. Sison added that five of the 50 inmates have been allowed to vote in their respective precincts as the remaining inmates would vote in Barangay 1. 
     Sison assured that all inmates would be escorted by BJMP personnel and that they have coordinated with the city election supervisor for them to be prioritized and have been allowed to vote in the first hour the polls open. The warden further disclosed that they have been rehearsing security procedures for this event. He also mentioned that the Commission on Elections has allowed BJMP personnel accompanying inmates to bring their firearms inside the polling place which is why he said he was sure the inmates would be able to vote peacefully and orderly.
      However, Sison said their only problem now is the availability of vehicles that would be used as he has requested additional vehicles from Laoag Mayor Michael V. Fariñas, which he hopes would be granted soon.
      Relative to this, THE ILOCOS TIMES noticed the eagerness of the inmates to vote for their chosen candidates.

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MAKING EFFECTIVE USE OF THEIR TIME. Inmates at the Laoag City Bureau of Jail Management and Penology makes effective use of their time with some livelihood projects featuring handicrafts to help them earn income that they could use to support themselves and their families.


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NEW LOOK LC BJMP. To usher in the new administration headed by city jail warden Roque Sison, BJMP Laoag now sports anew look with a Calesa display, which signifies the city and a security outpost at the roof top. Other areas of the city jail are still under rehabilitation with the help of the Laoag City government and some non-government organizations.

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LC BJMP GEARS UP FOR GENUINE DEVELOPMENT
THE ILOCOS TIMES 
February 1-7, 2010 Issue
NEWS Section
By Dominic dela Cruz



      NEWLY installed Laoag City jail warden J/Sr. Insp. Roque Constante Sison stated that the Laoag City Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has big potential in terms of physical facility set up and inmates’ discipline. 
     Upon assuming the post in September last year, Sison said he has implemented various innovations to improve security measures, inmate discipline as well as transforming jail cells into conducive habitat for inmates and putting all things in order within the jail premises. 
     Sison thanked the Laoag City LC BJMP gears up for genuine development government, through Mayor Michael V. Fariñas, for its continued support to the city jail, the latest of which are the expansion of the perimeter wall, the installation of closed-circuit television system and the ongoing construction of sentry stations. The jail warden also thanked several non-government organizations,  religious groups and private individuals as he stressed that without them, provisions for the inmates’ basic needs, health services, livelihood opportunities, educational services, sports and recreations and others would not have been possible. 
     As a previous multiple winner of the Best City Jail Warden while he was in Dagupan and San Carlos Cities and Best Jail for three consecutive years in Dagupan City, Sison said he also wants the Laoag City jail to become a model jail soon. Meanwhile, Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) Pres. and Sangguniang Panlungsod exofficio member Chevylle V. Fariñas, standing in for her husband mayor as guest speaker during the 15th National Correctional Consciousness Week, challenged Sison to exceed his previous performances in his stint here in Laoag City. Ms Fariñas also assured Sison the city government’s support for the transformation and development of the Laoag City Jail.


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LAOAG City Jail warden J/Sr. Insp. Roque Constantino A. Sison III points at the newly constructed vertical expansion of the jail’s perimeter wall. The said construction, which was financed by the Laoag City government, was made after an inmate scaled the old wall and escaped recently.


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LAOAG CITY JAIL NEW MANAGEMENT GEARED TOWARD GENUINE DEVELOPMENT
By LCG - CRU Desk 

     S/INSP ROQUE CONSTANTINO A SISON III, the newly installed City Jail Warden said there’s a big potential for the city jail to be fully developed in terms of its physical facility set up and in the aspect of inmates discipline and welfare because of the outpouring of support coming from the city government under the administration of HON. MAYOR MICHAEL V. FARIÑAS, the various religious groups, GO’s, NGO’s and capable private individuals.
     Upon assumption of post last September 09, 2009 Sison immediately buckled down to work, implemented various innovations in security measures, focused on the inmates welfare and discipline, started to transform the cells into conducive habitat for the inmates and put all things in order within the jail premises.


     Sison said that if there exist a problem in the jail facility security then we could not fully implement our plans and programs to possibly make our inmates productive while in jail and we could not push thru with our mission and vision to apply humane safekeeping and development of our inmates thru the implementation of several services in coordination with the local government various GO’s, NGO’s, religious groups and capable private individuals like the provision of their basic needs, health services, livelihood activities, educational services, sports and recreation, visitation services, paralegal services, and religious services. 
     Our proposed project to the HON. CITY MAYOR MICHAEL V. FARIÑAS; the construction of vertical expansion of existing whole perimeter wall surrounding the jail premises and the construction of 3 units’ sentry station was immediately acted upon by the good Mayor and its now ongoing, and the installed  CCTV surveillance cameras in strategic areas of the jail will surely enhance the overall security of Laoag City Jail and for this we could not thank the Chief Executive enough Sison added.


     It can be recalled that Sison was already a multi-national awarded city jail warden, having won as Best City Jail Warden and his jail as Best City Jail for 3 consecutive years during his stint in Dagupan City Jail, Pangasinan, Best City Jail Warden during his stint as Warden of San Carlos City, Pangasinan. Because of the numerous projects he had undertaken that resulted to the welfare of the inmates and personnel thru the continuous support extended to him by the local officials and various groups.
     During the culminating program of the 15th National Correctional Consciousness Week HON. CHEVYLLE V. FARIÑAS was the guest of honor and speaker in behalf of the HON. City Mayor, her message was full of hope for the inmates as she said “Habang may buhay may pag-asa” and even challenged the new warden to exceed his performance he had done in other jails where he had served, and assured the warden of their support for the transformation and development of Laoag City Jail for the welfare of the inmates and personnel.