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Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Standoff at rehab center lasts 10 hours
By Jay Dooma Balnig, Ruby P. Silubrico and Lory Ann B. Bilbao
AROUND 200 inmates of the new Iloilo Rehabilitation Center (IRC) held a noise barrage Monday, which lasted for 10 hours, to protest the alleged poor jail management under retired Supt. Juan Mabugat, the jail warden.
The inmates headed by a certain Ernie "Jojo" del Castillo, a suspect in the Jefferson Tan kidnapping, through his counsel, lawyer Edeljulio Romero claimed the inmates complained of poor food supply among others.
Mabugat explained that they serve food starting 6 a.m. The huge number of inmates makes serving last till 8 a.m.
"Serving more than 800 inmates is not easy and quick," Mabugat said.
The inmates also asked for additional budget for food.
The budget allotted for food was P1 million per month but Mabugat said the amount is not enough to feed more than 800 inmates in the new IRC.
The inmates also demanded for a refrigerator.
Mabugat said he would not allow giving all their demands to comfort them like by putting a refrigerator, television, radio and electric fan in every cell "because it needs another budget.
"Anyway, the new IRC is 'open air'," he said.
They also asked for sufficient water source, separation of mentally ill inmates from the mess hall, electric power for 24 hours, regular dental and medical check up and extended time for 20-minute conjugal visits among others.
Del Castillo's group also demanded Mabugat to designate a Mayor de Mayores just like when they were in the old IRC building.
Mabugat said he will not allow this because other inmates are complaining that unfair penalties are implemented to inmates by those designated as leaders in each cell.
Mabugat added in an interview with Aksyon Radyo that they actually imposed new policies but not as worst than what the inmates are claiming.
Standoff
The standoff started at around 8 a.m. and lasted until in the afternoon.
The inmates destroyed their beds and other cell fixtures while chanting and yelling.
A prisoner, Bobby Sampiyano was reported accidentally hit by a jail officer's warning shot.
The inmates threatened to have a massive jailbreak if Mabugat does not grant their demands.
The guards refused to collide with them but kept their heavy watch.
It was noted last Friday that the original plan of inmates was to hold riot as a sign of protest but guards were able to intercept their plan as early as Friday morning.
The inmates' wives immediately rushed to the IRC to show their support.
Appeal
Del Castillo has already sent their appeal letter to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), various cause-oriented groups and media for immediate action and humanitarian consideration of their demands as far as their condition is concerned.
Less freedom
Provincial Administrator Manuel Mejorada said Monday that as jailed persons who were entitled to suffer penalties, the inmates should be deprived of the privileges that only free people outside the jail can avail.
He pointed out that what the inmates asked like entertainment sets should be given limited.
Guv gives in
Meanwhile Governor Niel Tupas Sr. said he would give the inmates their request of a television, radio set and refrigerator.
(March 21, 2006 issue)
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