Bago city: The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Negros Island Region (BJMP-NIR) is ensuring the safety and security of both persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and jail officers amid the protest aired by a group of inmates at the Negros Occidental District Jail (NODJ) Male Dormitory in Bago City.
According to Philippines News Agency, the inmates gathered and held a noise barrage on the rooftop of a building overlooking the main road in Barangay Tabunan, carrying placards calling for the removal of jail warden Chief Inspector Crisyrel Awe due to his alleged inhumane policies, among others. 'We are implementing maximum tolerance. As long as they will not cause harm or destroy properties, we will take note of their grievances,' BJMP-NIR spokesperson Juniven Umadhay said in a media interview.
The Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection deployed personnel in the vicinity of the NODJ Male Dormitory upon request for assistance from the BJMP. The inmates' protest came a day after the BJMP-NIR issued a statement responding to the claims of a group called 'Kapatid Negros' on social media of alleged violations of the rights of PDLs in the male dormitory.
On the reason why Awe and other personnel were supposedly in full battle gear, the BJMP-NIR said this was intended for safety reasons after duty jail officers intercepted a firearm thrown from the outside hours before Awe was set to hold negotiations with the PDLs, as well as following a previous attempt on the life of one of the jail officers. 'The wearing of bulletproof vest and military helmet of the jail warden and personnel during the negotiations are solely for the purpose of their safety and security considering the situation brought about by lawless individuals and groups and not for the reasons perceived by the 'Kapatid Negros',' it said.
The BJMP-NIR said the two PDLs that were padlocked 'were the ones alleged to be the supposed recipients of the firearm thrown inside the jail facility,' based on the initial unit investigation. It also defended the question raised on the use of BJMP coupon to facilitate cashless transactions for PDLs in jail commissaries. 'This system aims to promote a safer, cashless environment within jails and follows guidelines outlined in BJMP Memorandum Circular 110. The cashless system will eliminate inequality among PDLs, where moneyed PDLs have influence over other PDLs,' it added.
BJMP-NIR Director Chief Supt. Brendan Fulgencio said they will cater to the complaints and allegations of individuals or groups on matters about the mandate of the BJMP, and if there is substantial evidence, an appropriate penalty will be meted on the erring personnel. 'We are steadfast in our commitment and mandate to not only provide humane safekeeping of PDLs, but also ensure that our jails are safe, secure, and peaceful for our PDLs and jail officers,' he said.
