BJMP clears Manila jail officials of abuse raps

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has wrapped up its investigation of alleged mistreatment of inmates at the Manila City Jail, clearing warden Superintendent Lyndon Torres and two other officials.

In a four-page resolution, the BJMP said “it has no grounds to file administrative complaint against Torres as far as the alleged corruption and maltreatment of inmate is concerned, considering the absence of concrete and opposite evidence.”

The investigation was sparked by a noise barrage held by inmates, mostly members of the Sigue-Sigue Sputnik gang, at the jail on June 6. They called for Torres’ removal, claiming that they were being abused and underfed.

The BJMP also cleared jail spokesman Inspector Antonio Gayagaya and Senior Jail Officer 4 Gemiliano Dionco, who denied the entry of construction materials hours before the noise barrage.

The investigating panel said the move was reasonable and valid, as far as security matters are concerned.

Torres told The STAR in a telephone interview that his officers denied the entry of the materials because the Sputnik gang was using it to smuggle illegal drugs and other contraband into the jail.

He said the construction materials could also be used to craft improvised weapons.

The same resolution said the Sputnik gang failed to submit proof to validate their complaint of corruption against Torres and his men.

Torres said the allegations against him were untrue because “the protest was just a coverup for their real intention. What they want is to get me out of here so they can continue with their drug trade.”

He also reiterated his claim that the Sputnik gang was behind the ambush of Senior Jail Officer Benjamin Signap outside the jail on May 4.

Torres said he was being asked to go back to his post at the jail but he refused, citing differences with a higher official. His current assignment is at the BJMP headquarters.