The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology–Negros Island Region has denied allegations of abuse against persons deprived of liberty and visitors at the Negros Occidental District Jail–Male Dormitory.
BJMP-NIR, in a statement on Thursday, Dec. 18, said the jail management has submitted its comment and explanation refuting the claims as part of an ongoing investigation.
BJMP-NIR said the management of the Negros Occidental District Jail–Male Dormitory, headed by its warden, denied the allegations and submitted photographs and documents to disprove the claims.
The jail management said strip searches conducted at the facility are part of BJMP policy under Standard Operating Procedure 2010-05 and are implemented only under specific conditions and with consent.
BJMP-NIR said the jail denied claims that visual body cavity searches were conducted, adding that only strip searches were done by female jail officers on spouses requesting conjugal visits.
The management said the searches were implemented due to security concerns, citing recent incidents involving the confiscation of illegal drugs, smuggled mobile phones, and firearms linked to jail operations.
BJMP-NIR also denied allegations of inhuman food being served to PDLs, saying it submitted a 15- to 30-day menu list and photographs of actual meals served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The bureau said the meals were prepared within the P70 daily food allocation per PDL and included rice, eggs, chicken, pork, and vegetables.
The jail management further denied claims that it suspended sunning privileges, farming activities, and Alternative Learning System classes, saying these activities were only conducted in batches for security reasons.
Photographs showing PDLs participating in sunning, livelihood programs, and educational activities were submitted as part of the response, according to BJMP-NIR.
The bureau also refuted allegations of lack of medicines and health services, saying it provided photos showing the distribution of medicines and stocked clinic supplies.
BJMP-NIR Regional Director BGen. Brendan Fulgencio said jail officers found to have violated their oath will be punished if substantial evidence is presented.
He also encouraged complainants to submit additional evidence to support their claims as the investigation continues.*