ILOILO City – The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Western Visayas has launched an investigation into allegations of corruption, abuse, and misconduct involving personnel at the Roxas City Jail – Female Dormitory.
The probe was prompted by a complaint from a concerned citizen, alleging that certain jail officers were selling goods and food items to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs), extorting money in exchange for special treatment, and even borrowing cash from detainees under the guise of helping speed up their release.
The complaint further alleged abusive behavior by some jail personnel and exploitation of inmates, including making them babysit the children of duty officers.
Additional claims included the serving of substandard meals such as plain rice porridge and the sale of cigarettes inside the facility — an alleged factor in the recent spread of tuberculosis among inmates.
BJMP Region 6 director Jail Chief Superintendent Simeon Dolojo Jr., in a statement dated July 4, confirmed that the Regional Investigation and Prosecution Division has been tasked to conduct a full inquiry.
“We will not condone any malfeasance or misfeasance of any of our personnel,” Dolojo emphasized. “We assure the public, specifically the complainants, that I will hold any personnel liable and they will be penalized appropriately if the evidence warrants.”
Dolojo added that administrative cases will be filed against any personnel found guilty of misconduct, reiterating BJMP’s zero-tolerance policy against abuse and its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the humane treatment of all PDLs./PN
