ACTING Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Col. Hansen Marantan expressed concern over the well-being of individuals in detention cells and urged police stations to ensure they are exposed to sunlight regularly.
During Monday’s flag-raising ceremony at DCPO headquarters, Marantan emphasized the importance of providing for detainees’ basic needs, including access to sunlight.
He directed all police stations to take detainees outside for 20-30 minutes of daily sun exposure.
“We have a moral duty to care for the basic needs of our detainees, including access to free sunlight,” Marantan said.
“It is important for their health to bring them outside and avoid potential illnesses like leptospirosis,” he added.
Marantan, who has personal experience with incarceration, stressed the importance of upholding the presumption of innocence and providing detainees with necessities like water and sunlight.
He expressed concern about the detainees’ pale appearance and the unsanitary conditions within the cells, noting that the odor was circulating throughout the police stations.
Marantan urged all personnel to prioritize the well-being and dignity of detainees.
