Inmates protest relief of Pasay jail warden

Inmates at the Pasay City Jail staged a noise barrage yesterday to protest the relief of their "beloved" warden.

Members of the Sigue-Sigue Sputnik gang led more than 700 inmates to show support for relieved city jail warden Superintendent Mariano Andres, who allegedly allowed violations of prison rules and tolerated activities of inmates during his short time at the helm of the jail.

The noise barrage started at around 9 a.m. and lasted for more than an hour, affecting operations at the city police station located below the bottom jail building. The area is just behind Pasay City Hall and beside a public school.

The disturbance caused by the inmates’ protest prompted Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) officials to come running to the facility and pacify leaders of the protesting gangs.

When the inmates calmed down, the go-signal was given for the turnover ceremony to proceed.

Andres, who served as jail warden for seven months, was replaced by Superintendent Nestor Velasquez.

Andres was re-assigned to a unit at BJMP main office in Quezon City.

BJMP National Capital Region Director Superintendent Armando Llamasares immediately clarified that the replacement of the warden was part of regular rotation of officials at all city jails in Metro Manila.

"Alam naman naming napamahal na yung mga inmates kay Superintendent Andres kaya siguro ganoon na lang ang reaksyon nila," Llamasares said.

However, he admitted that the BJMP has yet to complete investigation into the discovery and confiscation of various contraband items in the facility during a surprise inspection last April 3.

"There are no recommendations yet. The investigation is still ongoing and the administrative charges are being properly reviewed," Llamasares stressed.

BJMP Director Arturo Alit and other officials made a surprise visit to the city jail last month and discovered violations of prison rules, including excessive use of appliances by inmates. Apart from this, a small amount of shabu was also confiscated from an inmate.

Alit immediately ordered an investigation on the lapses in security and implementation of rules in the facility. Also investigated were the prison officials that implemented them.

Before the turnover, members of Sigue-Sigue Sputnik gang were allowed to have party in celebration of their anniversary last Sunday. Relatives of the inmates were also allegedly allowed to enter the facility and some even stayed overnight.

Officials had downplayed the incident, saying it was something expected of gangs during anniversary celebrations at all jail facilities.

As for the new jail warden, he said he would focus on reforms and stricter implementation of rules in the city jail.

"Our responsibility here is two-fold. We should work on security while performing rehabilitative programs," Velasquez said.

He stressed that while having a harmonious relationship with inmates is important, respect of authority and prison rules should always be observed.