Mendoza explained that the e-dalaw service was being provided by the BJMP in the past years, but its importance was recognized more during the COVID-19 pandemic with the lockdowns restricting movements in the entire country.
During the recent Yuletide season, while face-to-face visitation has been allowed in the city jail facility, more PDLs still used the e-dalaw service to reconnect with their loved ones
“Matagal na ang e-dalaw pero nung nag onset ng pandemic, mas naging useful sya lalo na noong panahon na wala nang face-to-face at contact visitations sa jail facilities. Noong nag lockdown e-dalaw na ang pinaka resort nila para makausap nila (PDLs) ang family nila sa labas,” Mendoza said
The e-dalaw service is also a way to provide a sound mental health and psychological status among the PDLs especially with the pandemic, according to Mendoza. He explained that even if they are locked up in the facility, the PDLs are not deprived to a healthier body and mind since the mental health and psychological support to the PDLs since the pandemic has been the utmost concern of the BJMP.
“Ang e-dalaw ay isa sa mga ways para mastrengthen natin ang psychological at mental health lalo na kapag nakakausap nila ang mga kapamilya nila sa labas,” Mendoza said.
“Lalo na dito sila naka detain tapos tatanggalin pa natin ang privilege nilang yun. At least pag nandito sila at nakakausap ang mga kapamily nila sa labas, namemaintain natin ang relationship nila, pati na din ang kanilang mental health ay maayos,” he added.
