Negros jail warden steps down after PDL protest vs alleged mistreatment

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology–Negros Island Region (BJMP-NIR) has designated a new officer-in-charge at the Negros Occidental District Jail (NODJ) in Barangay Tabunan, Bago City, following an eight-hour protest by Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) over alleged unfair treatment on Thursday.

According to Jail Senior Inspector Juniven Rey Umadhay, BJMP-NIR spokesperson, Jail Chief Superintendent Brendan Fulgencio, BJMP-NIR director, appointed Jail Senior Inspector Raymund Aro as officer-in-charge, replacing Jail Chief Inspector Crisyrel Awe, who stepped down after serving for less than a month.

Umadhay said the leadership change aims to maintain order while an investigation is underway.

Aro also concurrently serves as BJMP-NIR’s operations chief.

Some PDLs staged a noise barrage from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., calling for Awe’s removal following the implementation of stricter jail protocols.

The protest came days after a “gun-throwing” incident inside the facility on Aug. 24, prompting authorities to tighten security for the protection of both inmates and personnel.

Umadhay said two PDLs were identified as the intended recipients of a homemade .45-caliber pistol, along with a magazine and seven live bullets, that were thrown over the jail’s perimeter wall.

As a precaution, the two inmates were isolated to protect them from potential retaliation.

He added that both are undergoing disciplinary procedures while the investigation continues.

Umadhay denied reports of maltreatment, clarifying that security measures — including requiring jail officers to wear bulletproof vests and helmets and allowing tower personnel to carry long firearms — were implemented in response to a previous assassination attempt on a jail officer.

“These measures are not meant to intimidate or maltreat inmates,” he said.

“It’s for the officers to protect themselves.”

The BJMP-NIR also addressed concerns over the jail’s cashless system.

Umadhay explained that the system is an official BJMP policy aimed at preventing bribery, extortion and inequality among inmates, where financial influence could lead to abuse.

He said the policy is lawful and implemented under existing BJMP guidelines.

Jail officials met this week with PDLs and their legal counsels to explain the changes.

Umadhay said the discussions were constructive and aimed at promoting cooperation for better policy implementation.

“The negotiation turned out well,” he added.

In a statement, Fulgencio said all complaints will be investigated, and any personnel found guilty of misconduct will face disciplinary action.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) deployed officers to assist with external security following the protest.

Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson, said police support is limited to managing the perimeter, controlling crowds and assisting jail operations only when necessary and under BJMP coordination.

She clarified that police do not intervene inside the jail unless formally requested by BJMP authorities.

Malong emphasized that the police operate within the bounds of law and human rights, prioritizing the safety of the public, inmates and jail staff.