Tension escalated at the ongoing “silent protest” being conducted by more than 600 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Negros Occidental District Jail-Male Dormitory in Bago City today as rubber bullets and tear gas canisters were reportedly fired against the protesters, political prisoner support group KAPATID said.
The PDLs also held a noise barrage Thursday morning, local news outfit XFM Bacolod reported.
KAPATID said it is time for Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) director general Ruel Rivera to step in to end the standoff between the PDLs and jail warden Jail Inspector Atty. Crisyrel Awe.
“KAPATID reiterates our appeal to the BJMP National Office to step in and stop the violence, and address the inmates’ petition with urgency, transparency, and accountability,” it said in a public appeal.
“You told us in one dialogue that you don’t want any kind of violence to escalate in jail and prefer to step in to avoid conflict situations,” the group told Rivera.
KAPATID said there are 24 political prisoners at the jail facility, including the very sick 77-year-old Fr. Frank Fernandez, peace consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.
“This standoff harms no one more than the PDLs, who include political prisoners whose safety and rights we deeply uphold,” KAPATID said.
The inmates launched a silent protest last Sunday to call for Awe’s removal as warden and the return of the facility’s last administrator.
READ: 600 Bago City inmates conducting ‘silent protest’ vs. warden
In a separate statement, San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza likewise appealed to authorities to listen to the PDLs.
“Today’s reports of disturbances at the jail facility should be immediately investigated and any concerns soberly managed, giving proper care to calmly deescalate tensions,” Alminaza said.
The prelate called on the jail management to ensure fair treatment, including conscientiously making available the lowest prices for foodstuffs and other necessities.
“It is morally reprehensible for persons in authority to take advantage of PDLs, especially as most detainees and their families carry additional financial burdens and situational challenges that come with deprivation of liberty,” Alminaza added.
Meanwhile, the BJMP-Negros Island Region (NIR) said it has directed a thorough investigation on the PDLs complaints as reported by KAPATID last Tuesday, August 27.
“[If] ever there is substantial evidence on their allegation, an appropriate penalty is in order against erring personnel.” BJMP-NIR regional director JCSupt. Brendan Fulgencio said. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
