An 8-hour protest staged by Persons Deprived of Liberty at the Negros Occidental District Jail in Barangay Tabunan in Bago City yesterday led to the removal of the warden, Jail Chief Inspector Crisyrel Awe who was replaced by Jail Senior Inspector Raymond Aro as the new officer-in-charge.
Aro’s appointment from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Negros Island Region (BJMP-NIR) came late in the day after jail officials were not able to subdue protestors, some of whom were seen chanting on top of the jail building with placards calling for Awe’s ouster.
The protest, according to reports, started last Sunday August 24, when Awe issued an order for jail personnel to be more vigilant and firm following the discovery of a gun thrown from the outside of the gates and was luckily found by a roving jail personnel last Sunday.
In a petition letter dated Aug. 25, the detainees accused Awe of harassment and intimidation prior to negotiations, saying he entered talks wearing a bulletproof vest and military helmet, accompanied by armed personnel, which they described as creating an “atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.”
They also cited non-compliance with agreed reforms such as the 6 a.m. sunning schedule and participation in livelihood programs, the unjust isolation of two detainees, and alleged overpricing and lack of transparency in the jail’s cashless coupon system.
BJMP-NIR spokesperson Jail Senior Insp. Juniven Rey Umadhay denied the allegations saying the stringent protocols issued by Awe stemmed from two incidents that recently happened in the jail.
First was the attempted shooting of a jail officer last month and the recovery of a homemade .45 caliber pistol with seven live bullets that was thrown into the facility last Sunday but was intercepted by a roving jail guard.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology–Negros Island Region (BJMP-NIR) said the weapon was likely intended to harm jail officers or PDLs.
Umadhay also denied the PDLs’ allegations, saying officers wore protective gear for safety following the firearm incident and that the cashless system was a lawful program from the BJMP central office meant to prevent detainees with money from exerting influence over others.
“The implementation of the cashless system is noble and we are surprised that they are against it,” Umadhay said, adding there is no evidence of maltreatment.
He also clarified that Awe’s relief was only to ensure order in the facility while investigation is ongoing and that Aro will also continue to serve as the regional operations chief while overseeing the provincial jail.