PDL injured in Negros jail stabbing linked to money dispute

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — A person deprived of liberty (PDL) was injured after allegedly being stabbed by fellow inmates inside the Negros Occidental District Jail (NODJ) in Barangay Tabunan, Bago City, on Saturday.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology–Negros Island Region (BJMP-NIR) said the incident occurred at about 7 a.m. while PDLs were on their “sunning” privilege.

Jail Chief Insp. Juniven Rey Umadhay, BJMP-NIR spokesperson, citing an initial report, said about four PDLs attacked the victim inside his cell using improvised ice picks.

The commotion was immediately pacified with the help of other PDLs and jail officers.

The victim sustained multiple stab wounds and was rushed to a hospital, where he is now recuperating.

Umadhay said the victim’s lawyer has been informed of the incident.

He added that the victim is facing a drug-related case, while two of the suspects are charged with murder and the other two with drug offenses.

Umadhay said the assault reportedly stemmed from the victim questioning how the “pangkat,” or inmate group, handled money intended for all detainees.

He clarified that the funds involved were from a period before such practices were disallowed and before the administration of Jail Supt. Crisyrel Awe, the NODJ warden.

The suspects have been isolated, and jail officials are identifying other PDLs who may have ordered or influenced the attack.

The alleged assailants may face sanctions under the jail’s grievance machinery, including possible restrictions on visitation privileges and disqualification from the good conduct time allowance.

For security reasons, the NODJ is considering requesting the transfer of the victim to a nearby jail facility.

Police are investigating the incident as authorities prepare to file appropriate criminal charges.