Netizens raise howl as Bacolod cops transport 3 inmates on PUJ

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Netizens have criticized the city police after pictures of three handcuffed inmates being brought back to jail on board a public utility jeepney (PUJ), have gone viral online since Monday. 

Senior Superintendent Larry Decena, acting city police chief, confirmed getting reports that the three detainees were transported from the Hall of Justice to Police Station 1 aboard a jeepney.

A passenger took photos of the handcuffed inmates and posted these on Facebook last Monday. The photos drew negative comments from netizens.

As a result, Decena said, Senior Inspector Lanel Mae Ree Lanado, officer-in-charge of Police Station 1, and two of his men may face suspension of not more than 15 days if they are found guilty of doing it.

Decena said he instructed Chief Inspector Ulysses Ortiz, chief of the city police’s Investigation Division and Management Branch, to conduct an investigation into possible violations committed by Ortiz and his men.

The three inmates – identified as Ian Velarde, 29; Michael Tangian, 26; and Edward Sain, 30 – were charged with illegal gambling before the city prosecutor’s office last Monday afternoon.

Although illegal gambling is considered a light offense, netizens fear that they still may have an instinct to kill since they were handcuffed, Decena said, adding that the incident could create panic among civilians.

Decena said inmates, whether accused of light or grave offenses, should be transported in a marked police vehicle, with no civilians together with them.

Police Station 1 personnel explained that they brought the inmates to the Hall of Justice on board their patrol car but had to transport them back aboard a PUJ because their vehicle was no longer available.

“But it’s not a valid reason to transport the inmates on a PUJ with civilians because they could have hired a jeepney or taxi with no other passengers,” Decena said.

He said there were actually instances when inmates were also transported on vessels or aircraft but police have found ways not to alarm civilians.