CPDRC warden asked to explain jail violence

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has ordered Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center warden Alfredo Abella to explain how 17 inmates in isolation where able to leave their cell and maul one inmate whom they suspected of squealing on the resurgence of the drug trade inside the jail.

Contrary to rumors that it was her brother, Capitol consultant on security concerns Byron Garcia, who mauled the said inmate, the governor pointed out the said 17 inmates were allegedly caught on surveillance cameras installed along CPDRC corridors to have trooped towards the cell of another inmate.

In addition, she said last Tuesday Byron showed her photos of the inmate who the 17 others allegedly ganged up on.

The governor, however, said she has yet to see footage of the mauling incident that occurred last week and that she is not sure if that was captured by the security cameras since there are no cameras inside the cells of inmates.

The attacking group was reportedly led by Merlito Saducas, the former mayor de mayores inside CPDRC.

They were put in isolation cells for mauling five other inmates who reportedly disclosed to authorities their plan to form a gang inside CPDRC last February.

Because of this violation of prison rules, Saducas and his 16 followers were reprimanded and returned to the isolation cells.

The victim, on the other hand, was given immediate medical attention after the mauling.

After Abella will have submitted his explanation on the said incident, the governor will then refer the matter to the Capitol committee on investigation and discipline for appropriate action. - Cristina C. Birondo