ILOILO City — The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Region 6 has acknowledged that a critical manpower shortage at the Aklan District Jail may have contributed to the stabbing of four persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), as authorities launched parallel administrative and criminal investigations into the security breach that exposed serious lapses inside the facility.
The incident, which occurred during the morning meal distribution on July 4, has also prompted BJMP-6 to review its deployment and security protocols, intensify surprise inspections, suspend jail visitation, and consider sanctions against personnel found negligent.
BJMP-6 spokesperson Atty. Juniven Rey Umadhay said only two jail personnel were on duty when the violence erupted.
“We acknowledge that there is a shortage of personnel in the facility, and this could have been one of the factors that affected our response during the incident. We are now reviewing our deployment and security protocols to prevent a similar occurrence,” Umadhay said.
According to the BJMP, four inmates — three detained for murder charges and one facing a drug-related offense — were allegedly attacked by two fellow detainees facing drug charges using improvised pointed and bladed weapons.
All four victims survived the attack and were reported to be in stable condition as of press time.
Umadhay admitted that the discovery of improvised bladed weapons inside the jail underscored serious security deficiencies now under investigation.
“The fact that prohibited weapons were able to enter the facility indicates that there were lapses in security. We are conducting an administrative investigation to determine accountability among our personnel,” he said.
Aside from the BJMP’s internal investigation, the Philippine National Police is conducting a separate criminal probe that could result in additional charges against the suspects.
Umadhay warned that jail personnel found liable for negligence could face severe administrative penalties.
“If our investigation establishes negligence or misconduct on the part of our personnel, the appropriate administrative sanctions will be imposed. Depending on the gravity of the offense, these may range from suspension to dismissal,” he said.
Following the incident, BJMP-6 regional director John Montero ordered intensified greyhound operations, or surprise inspections, at the Aklan District Jail to recover contraband and identify other security threats.
The jail administration also temporarily suspended visitation privileges while authorities restore order and complete security assessments.
“Our priority is to ensure the safety and security of everyone inside the facility. Visitation has been temporarily suspended while we conduct clearing operations and strengthen our security measures,” Umadhay said.
He assured families that PDLs were still allowed to communicate with their relatives to inform them of their condition.
The BJMP also said the two suspects could lose their Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) privileges for allegedly violating jail regulations.
Meanwhile, Umadhay said the regional office is evaluating the immediate deployment of additional personnel to the Aklan District Jail to address the staffing shortage and strengthen security operations.
“We are already evaluating the possibility of augmenting the jail’s manpower. We want to ensure that our personnel are sufficient to effectively maintain peace and order inside the facility,” he said./PN
