City jail warden: Dumpit safe in BBRC

CEBU, Philippines - Policeman Adonis Dumpit is already safe while he is being detained inside the Cebu City jail for murder charges, said Warden Maria Victoria Jimenez yesterday.

According to Jimenez, Dumpit is currently detained inside a small room separate from other prisoners. This is meant to protect him from possible attacks from people who may be harboring ill feeling against him.

Former warden Felixberto Jagorin was earlier relieved of his post, upon the recommendation of Mayor Michael Rama, for telling the court that he could not ensure the safety of Dumpit inside the city jail.

Jimenez explained that there is no need for Dumpit to go out of his cell every morning because his room can be reached by sunlight. The room also has a toilet and bath.

“Dili na kinahanglan nga si Dumpit mogawas pa aron mag-sunning kay mainitan ra man siya sa iyang selda,” the warden said. (He gets sunlight in his cell, so no need to go out for sunning.)

Jimenez herself believes that there is a threat against Dumpit if mixes with the other prisoners. He used to be responsible for the arrests of several criminals while he was active in service.

“Daghan g’yud ti-ngali nga mga dinakpan ni Dumpit kaniadto nga anaa pa sa city jail ang nagtinguha nga mobawos kaniya mao nga dili siya angay’ng isagol sa ubang priso,” Jimenez explained. (A lot of inmates may be itching to get back at him as he was responsible for their detention.)

Dumpit is detained for the shooting to death of Ronron Go, a minor who was killed while Dumpit was reportedly chasing a suspected robber at barangay Tejero a few years ago.

The warden said she is facing the problem of lack of personnel because the city jail currently has only 139 jail guards. The number is not enough particularly during weekdays where she needs more personnel to escort the detainees for their court hearings.   - (THE FREEMAN)