First woman city jail warden assumes post

CEBU, Philippines -  Superintendent Felixberto Jagorin, Jr. yesterday formally turned over his duties as warden of the Cebu City jail to Supt. Ma. Victoria Jimenez, two weeks after Mayor Michael Rama expressed his loss of confidence on Jagorin.

Jimenez is the first female jail warden since the city jail was built in 2006 on its current location in Barangay Kalunasan.

In a turnover ceremony yesterday morning, Jagorin said it was a pleasure working at the Cebu City jail. He had served the city jail for eight months.

As Jimenez takes her post yesterday, Jagorin was appointed as officer-in-charge of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-7.

Two weeks ago, Mayor Rama announced that he lost trust in Jagorin after Jagorin testified in court that he could not secure SPO1 Adonis Dumpit inside the city jail.

Dumpit, who is facing a murder charge, is now at the Talisay City Jail. He was first detained at the Criminal Investigation and Detention Group office but was transferred to the Cebu City jail following reports that he was allowed to leave detention.

With Jagorin’s testimony, Rama requested the BJMP 7 for his relief. The mayor also asked for a replacement who is “more competent, capable and responsible.”

Rama was surprised when Jagorin submitted his report to the court, which stated that he could not assure Dumpit will be safe in the jail, without seeking the advice of the Police Coordinating Advisory Council (PCAC).

Worse, there were also incidents of inmates escaping from the jail while Jagorin was warden.

When asked for his comment on his replacement yesterday, Jagorin only said, “No comment lang. It’s my pleasure to serve Cebu. Thanks sa tanan.”

BJMP-7 officials attended yesterday’s brief ceremony at the city jail. (FREEMAN)