BACOLOD City – Persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Negros Occidental District Jail–Male Dormitory (NODJ-MD) in Barangay Tabunan, Bago City staged a protest on Thursday, August 28, over alleged human rights violations inside the facility.
According to Jail Senior Inspector Juniven Umadhay, spokesperson of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)–Negros Island Region, the PDLs raised concerns about alleged intimidation and the implementation of a cashless system in the jail.
Umadhay said BJMP–NIR Regional Director Jail Chief Supt. Brendan Fulgencio has already ordered a thorough investigation and directed the NODJ warden to respond to the allegations, which were earlier raised by human rights group Kapatid Negros in a press release dated August 27.
Initial investigation revealed that hours before negotiations between PDLs and jail officials on August 24, a firearm was intercepted after being thrown from outside into the facility.
“For safety reasons, the jail warden wore a bulletproof vest and helmet during negotiations,” Umadhay explained, adding that the interception prompted the warden to implement precautionary measures to protect both personnel and inmates.
He also recalled a past incident where a jail officer assigned to NODJ-MD was ambushed while washing his vehicle near the jail premises, further justifying heightened security protocols.
On the allegation of unjust isolation, Umadhay clarified that the two PDLs who were “padlocked” were suspected recipients of the firearm. He said their separation was a precautionary measure to protect them from possible retaliation by fellow inmates.
As for the cashless system, Umadhay explained that it is a BJMP policy, based on Memorandum Circular 110, which requires PDLs to deposit money and use coupons instead of cash to purchase necessities at jail commissaries.
He said the system is meant to create a safer, more orderly jail environment by eliminating the influence of moneyed inmates over others.
“We will address all complaints and allegations raised by individuals or groups concerning our mandate and lawful duties as jail officers and public servants. If substantial evidence is found, appropriate penalties will be imposed against erring personnel,” the BJMP-NIR director stressed.
Umadhay emphasized that the BJMP remains committed to ensuring humane safekeeping of PDLs while maintaining safety, security, and order inside jail facilities, alongside providing developmental opportunities for inmates./PN
