Pa of dead inmate to sue jail officials

The father of one of the five inmates, who died of electrocution inside their cell at the Bagong Buhay Rehabilitation Center (BBRC) the other day said he will file charges against jail officials for their negligence that resulted to the death of his son.

Elpedio Restauro of barangay Tabunok, Talisay City told reporters that the BJMP officials failed to introduce the proper safety measures causing the accident.

Restauro said that they went to the Cebu City Hall yesterday morning to ask assistance, but they were referred to the city social welfare office in Talisay City.

His son, Mike, 19 years old, was detained at the city jail after a midwife filed charges against him for allegedly stealing her license.

"Gibutang-butangan lang ang akong anak, bisan kon dili siya nagkuha, karon namatay na hinoon siya gumikan sa dili maayong pagdumala sa BBRC," the father said.

Elpedio said he is planning to meet with the relatives of the other victims to ask them what action they plan to take.

"Wala pa ko makahibaw kon unsa usab ang himoon sa uban nga tagtungod, pero ako mupasaka gyud ug kaso," Elpedio said.

Aside from Restauro, the other fatalities were identified as Roberto Caballes, 21, of barangay Ermita; Nestor Luna, 52, of Barangay Sto. Nino; Rustom Cuervo, 36, of Barangay Ermita; and Sesinado Abala, 33, of Barangay Mabolo.

The five slept on the floor of the cell while six others who survived the electrocution slept on hammocks fashioned out of blankets.

BBRC warden Efren Nemeno said that Romulo Marinay, one of the six survivors noticed the wire touching the iron grills and immediately removed it. Marinay's effort however came late since the five victims were already unconscious.

The victims were rushed by jail personnel to the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC), but were declared dead on arrival. The six survivors did not sustain any major injuries.

Based on the investigation, inmate Rico Magdasal is believed to have caused the accident because early that night he was busy setting up his own hammock and could have accidentally made the live wire come loose.

Inmates use the electrical wires that hang out of the ceilings of the jail facility to tap power for the electric fans and lights.

City jail officials are now introducing preventive measures to avoid a repetition of the incident.

Meanwhile, acting Cebu City Police director Melvin Gayotin directed the homicide section to conduct a separate investigation of the incident.

Although BJMP officials are also conducting their own investigation, Gayotin said it is still necessary for the police to conduct their own investigation.

City hall has assigned personnel to check the electrical connections of the jail.

BJMP regional director for administration and operations, Sr. Supt. Cesar Balderas said that the incident is not enough basis to relieve Nemeno from his post.

According to Balderas, Nemeno introduced major changes at the city jail since he took over a few months ago.

Balderas added that there are operational problems at the BBRC, which can be solved by transferring the inmates to another facility.