WHILE investigation on allegations that a jail brawl resulted in the death of one inmate and the injuries of another, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia does not see the need to suspend inmates’ privileges.
The governor also refused to comment on the initial findings of the committee probing the death of Angelito Cabal-quinto and the injuries sustained by Benjie Undit.
She said she will wait for the final report and will not meddle in the ongoing investigation led by lawyer Lito Astillero, also Capitol's consultant on discipline and decorum.
Garcia said if Undit wants to transfer to another facility, he should course his request to the court.
The governor’s reaction was sought after Fortunata Undit, mother of Benjie, said her son wanted to be transferred to another jail because he feared for his life.
Undit is confined at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) after his family obtained a court order and presented it to Warden Lito Gabuya that he needed immediate medical attention for severe bruises.
Benjie’s brother, Elizer, said they are still waiting for the results of his brother’s chest and skull X-ray. He said as of yesterday, Benjie was still spitting blood.
Astillero, in an earlier interview, denied the death of Cabalquinto and the mauling of Undit was due to their refusal to dance.
Gabuya also said he has done everything for the CPDRC and is not afraid if he will be relieved over the two cases, which the Commission on Human Rights promised to look into.
He said he has been CPDRC's warden for more than two years and has been connected with the facility for 20 years.
Meanwhile, Garcia said the dancing of the inmates will continue every last Saturday of the month.
Yesterday, she said the inmates will do a two-minute dance material for "You'll always be my number one," a theme song of ABS-CBN's new show entitled “Idol.”
Garcia said the inmates will be featured as part of the campaign of the television program that will have its pilot run on Sept. 4.
The actual shoot of the dance will be on Aug. 27.
ABS-CBN will donate P300,000 to CPDRC.
Garcia earlier said the Capitol will come up with a guidebook, which will define the handling of donations given to the inmates, particularly for their regular dance performances.
About 25 percent will be retained by the provincial jail while 75 percent will go to the inmates’ pooled fund. (RSA)