• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Negros Island Region (BJMP-NIR) has launched an investigation following a stabbing incident that occurred inside the Negros Occidental District Jail Male Dormitory (NODJ-MD) in Barangay Tabunan, Bago City, on the morning of January 17.
According to the police report, five Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) assaulted alias Palo, 51, a resident of Barangay Villamonte, Bacolod City, who was also detained in the facility, during his sunning activity.
The suspects have been identified as alias Eduardo, 42; alias Joseph, 27; alias Reynold, 32; alias Ronald, 45; and alias Marjun, 36. Two of the suspects have prior convictions for murder, while the others are detained for drug-related offenses.
BJMP-NIR Spokesman Atty. Juniven Rey Umadhay stated that inmates are given sunning privileges, and the suspects assaulted the victim inside his cell using improvised ice picks and bladed weapons.
“Based on our initial investigation, the weapons were improvised small steel bars taken from steel fences. The suspects secretly cut them during their sunning privileges,” he explained.
Several other PDLs, upon noticing the commotion, assisted by jail officers, pacified the situation and prevented further harm.
The victim sustained several minor stab wounds across his body, but is now in stable condition and is no longer in serious danger at the hospital.
Further investigation revealed that the attack was motivated by the victim questioning how the “pangkat” (group of inmates) used the money intended for all PDLs.
“The money [being] questioned by the victim was from a time when such funds had not yet been disallowed, or before the management of Jail Superintendent Crisyrel Awe,” Umadhay clarified.
The administration of NODJ-MD has already segregated the suspects and is currently determining if other inmates may have directed the attack, as the investigation continues.
PENALTIES FOR ASSAILANTS
All alleged assailants will undergo grievance procedures, which may result in limitations or regulations on their visitation rights, as well as disqualification from their good conduct time allowances.
NODJ-MD is now considering requesting the transfer of the victim to a nearby facility for his safety, as police continue to investigate and prepare to file the appropriate criminal charges against the suspects.*
