BACOLOD City – A person deprived of liberty (PDL) survived after being assaulted by fellow inmates inside the Negros Occidental District Jail–Male Dormitory (NODJ-MD) on January 17.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology–Negros Island Region (BJMP-NIR) said the victim is now in stable condition.
Jail Chief Inspector Juniven Rey S. Umadhay, regional spokesperson of the BJMP, said the incident occurred at around 7 a.m. while PDLs were availing themselves of their regular sunning privileges.
The victim was allegedly attacked inside his cell by four fellow PDLs, who reportedly used improvised ice picks, causing several minor stab wounds. Authorities withheld the identities of both the victim and the assailants.
Jail officers, with the assistance of other PDLs, immediately intervened and were able to pacify the situation, preventing further harm.
The wounded PDL was rushed to a hospital for medical treatment and is now recuperating, Umadhay said.
Initial investigation revealed that the assault was allegedly triggered by a dispute over the use of funds intended for the entire PDL population. The victim reportedly questioned how the pangkat, or group of inmates, managed and utilized the money, which may have led to the attack.
Following the incident, NODJ-MD authorities immediately segregated the alleged assailants and were determining whether other PDLs may have directed or instigated the assault.
The suspects will be subjected to the jail’s grievance machinery, which may result in the restriction of visitation privileges and possible disqualification from the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA).
For the victim’s safety, jail officials are also considering requesting his transfer to a nearby detention facility.
Meanwhile, Umadhay said the Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a parallel investigation and is preparing the filing of appropriate criminal charges against the alleged assailants./PN
