BJMP-6 probes sexual solicitation allegation at Pototan jail

ILOILO CITY — The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Region 6 is investigating allegations that several persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were “padlocked” at a jail facility following an alleged failed attempt by a jail officer to solicit sexual favors from a female visitor.

BJMP-6 learned of the allegations through an anonymous complaint sent to a vlogging platform by 29 individuals claiming to be PDLs.

Jail Chief Insp. Juniven Rey Umadhay, BJMP-6 spokesperson, said the investigation was initiated despite the lack of specific information, including the identity of the jail officer involved, the name of the alleged female visitor, and the date and location of the incident.

Umadhay said Jail Chief Supt. Elena Rocamora, BJMP-6 regional director, directed the Regional Investigation and Prosecution Division to conduct a thorough investigation into the complaint.

Investigators subsequently identified the facility involved as the Iloilo District Jail-Male Dormitory in Barangay Nanga, Pototan, Iloilo.

Jail Supt. Jairus Anthony Dogelio, warden of the Iloilo District Jail-Male Dormitory, was immediately ordered to submit a report addressing the allegations.

Umadhay said Dogelio submitted his explanation to BJMP-6 on Saturday, Oct. 24, vehemently denying the accusations.

According to the jail’s management, there was no evidence supporting the alleged sexual solicitation.

However, the jail had recorded the denial of a conjugal visit requested by an 18-year-old woman.

The woman allegedly presented a certificate of cohabitation to justify her visit to a PDL.

Jail personnel, however, questioned the certificate’s authenticity.

The PDL whom the woman intended to visit had reportedly been incarcerated for nine years.

“So, if she’s just 18, does that mean that they have been cohabitating since she’s 11 years old?” Umadhay quipped.

He explained that conjugal visits are allowed for legally married spouses who present a certified true copy of their Philippine Statistics Authority-issued marriage certificate and a valid identification card.

For unmarried couples, he said they must present proof that they had been living together before the PDL was committed to the jail facility.

Under the BJMP’s revised conjugal visitation policy issued in 2019, qualified common-law partners may also avail themselves of conjugal visits, subject to documentary and other eligibility requirements.

Inmates allegedly segregated over violations

Meanwhile, addressing claims that the 29 inmates were “padlocked,” Dogelio explained that they had been segregated because of violations uncovered during earlier greyhound operations and drug tests.

“Because they were found to have violated jail rules due to contraband could in their cells and failing the drug test, it was part of their administrative sanctions,” he said.

However, the affected PDLs continued to receive other privileges, although their visitation rights were restricted.

“It’s a valid and lawful to limit their privileges given their violations,” Umadhay said.

The allegations surfaced amid heightened security measures at BJMP facilities in Western Visayas following a series of greyhound operations, or surprise searches for contraband, and drug tests.

On Sept. 14, authorities seized suspected shabu, drug paraphernalia, and mobile phones during surprise inspections at the Iloilo District Jail-Male Dormitory and its annex in Barangay Nanga, Pototan.

The discoveries prompted an investigation into possible lapses in jail security and the subsequent reassignment of two jail wardens.

Umadhay said BJMP-6 would continue strengthening security measures and protocols across its jail facilities following operations that uncovered illegal drugs and cellphones and identified several PDLs who tested positive for illegal drug use.

He acknowledged that the stricter security measures, particularly those intended to prevent contraband from entering jail facilities, had affected some PDLs.

Umadhay also suggested that the allegations could be attempts to undermine the bureau and its personnel following efforts to eliminate illegal drugs, contraband, and other prohibited activities inside detention facilities.

Meanwhile, BJMP-6 is awaiting a formal complaint personally executed by the alleged female visitor to substantiate the anonymous allegations.

“Rest assured that any complaint no matter how bare it is, will be investigated by the Regional Office to determine the truth of the matter alleged. However, any spurious complaint that is intended only to malign the BJMP-6 or its personnel will also be dealt with accordingly,” Rocamora said in a statement.