Byron "denies" security escorts for political detainee

CEBU, Philippines - Controversial political detainee Jigger Geverola was allegedly denied escort for medical check-up because of his refusal to be among the dancing inmates at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center, the secretary general of Karapatan- Central Visayas said yesterday.

Geverola was scheduled to undergo a CT scan at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center because of an ear infection, but Capitol consultant on security affairs Byron Garcia allegedly refused to provide him with security escorts.

 “Si Jigger dili man gyud na hilig mosayaw, unya wala gyud siyay gana nga mo-apil anang dancing inmates,” said Karaptan – Central Visayas Secretary General Dennis Abarientos.

Abarientos accused Garcia of having “personal hatred” on Geverola and is allegedly making it a point to punish the detainee. He said Garcia’s decision to deny Geverola security escorts for a check-up because of not dancing is “ridiculous.”

“The brand of discipline of Byron…kung dili mosayaw, bartolina dayon. Kung dili mosayaw, ibutang dayon sa maximum detention center,” Abarientos said.

“Nigawas gyud ang tinuod nga kinaiya ni Byron. Ang pagsayaw-sayaw kay pagtabon lang sa tinuod nga affair sa jail nga rehabilitation. Paka-uwaw man na sa piniriso. Wala’y choice ang mga piniriso…priority lang ana nila kay magpa-guapo ug magpa-cute,” Abarientos added.

Geverola is detained at the Central Command on charges of rebellion and his alleged membership with the New People’s Army. The court is yet to decide on a petition to transfer him back to CPDRC.

Sought for comment, Garcia said, “Kanang si Abarientos kay kulang ug pansin…dapat magpa priso na siya. Paaria na siya sa CPDRC para mosayaw ug kuracha, boogie, ug tango.”

Meanwhile, Geverola’s wife Eliza Badayos claimed the court already issued an order in 2006, which permitted her husband to a monthly check-up at VSMMC.

“Ako gyud gi-adto ang CPDRC unya ang warden ni-ingon nga karon daw ang sayaw, unya busy sila,” Badayos said.

Garcia, however, said there is no court order allowing Geverola to avail of such “special treatment.” Democracy, he said, should be followed and not the law of the communists. – Marjun A. Baguio/JMO (THE FREEMAN)