40 Human Rights Situation in Police Lock-up Cells 2. Right to communicate with family and friends The second component requires not only that there is opportunity given to communicate with family and friends but that there must be an effective communication. An opportunity is not enough because the very purpose of this right is to let the detainees’ family and friends know their circumstances and needs so that the necessary assistance can be extended to them. The research reveals that this right to communication is observed by NCR Police Stations, except in ten (10) PS where detainees reported not having the opportunity to communicate with their families, namely: QCPD-La Loma PS-1; Masambong PS-2; Talipapa PS-3; Novaliches PS-4; Anonas PS-9; Galas PS-11; Warrant/CIDU; MPD-Jose Abad Santos PS-7; SPD-Muntinlupa City PS; and EPD-Mandaluyong City PS-3. Aside from denial of opportunity to communicate, a number of detainees were not visited by their families/relatives because either the latter were not informed of the inmate’s arrest and detention, or that they have no money, or are all residing too far from the place of detention. 190 In some cases, according to some detainees, their family/relatives simply stopped visiting them. Police Stations should coordinate with their counterparts in the area where the detainees’ family reside to relay the necessary communication about the arrest and place of detention of the PDL concerned. They can also document the reasons why communication (correspondence or visits) failed. C. Access to Information and Records It is also essential that the details of the arrest and detention, such as the time thereof, the identity of the law enforcers involved therein and the place of custody, must be recorded. 191 These information as contained in the police records shall be made available to and accessible by the detained person or his counsel. 192 This right also includes access to information as to the duration of interrogation and intervals between interrogations, the identity of the authorities who conducted such interrogations, as well as other persons present. 193 D. Right to Speedy Trial A person detained on a criminal charge is entitled to trial within a reasonable time or to release pending trial. 194 190 PDL in the lock-up cells of Manila Police District, PS-7; Quezon City Police District: PS-1, PS-2, PS-3, PS-4, PS-9, PS11, QCPD-Warrant; Eastern Police District: PS-3; and Southern Police District: Muntinlupa City Police Station are not visited by their families and relatives. 191 Principle 12. Body of Principles. 192 Principle 12 (2), Body of Principles. 193 Principle 23 (1), (2), Body of Principles. 194 Principle 38, Body of Principles.