Some 100 inmates of a district jail in Pototan, Iloilo climbed onto the building’s roof on Wednesday to protest the current warden for allegedly restricting food access inside the jail.
Following yesterday’s protest, The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said they had directed an immediate investigation into the “unfortunate incident” and ordered the district jail warden to temporarily be relieved from his position while an impartial probe is conducted.
The inmates carried various paper and cardboard signs that read, “Gutom kami, layas warden! (We’re hungry; get out warden!)” and “Media, sugod! (Media, come in!),” calling for members of the press to enter the jail and report on their condition.
Inmates told reporters they were only given meager meal rations and food donated by their families had been blocked and poached by officials. They also said their families were only allowed to donate money to buy overpriced food from the jail “coop”.
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) spokesperson Xavier Solda confirmed that Chief Inspector Norberto Miciano, warden of the BJMP district jail in Barangay Nanga, Pototan has been temporarily relieved from his post.
The DILG also ordered BJMP Region 6 director Clint Tangere to ensure that the inmates receive enough food and other essentials.
Yesterday’s protest, which reportedly lasted until 2pm, subsided after Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr appealed to the inmates and pledged to meet BJMP representatives and discuss the forms of assistance the provincial government could provide.
