Jail 'abuse' probe terminates today

CEBU, Philippines - The investigation of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology–7 into alleged abuse by eight jail officers assigned to the Cebu City Operation Second Chance will conclude today, said BJMP-7 Assistant Regional Director Efren Nemeño.

Nemeño said by today, the BJMP Regional Investigation and Prosecution Division headed by Supt. Anacleto Dusara must submit their investigation report to Regional Director Deogracias Tapayan.

They were given 72 hours to finalize their report regarding Monday’s incident in the OSC where a jail officer was held hostage by a group of children in conflict with the law.

Nemeño said Dusara finished getting statements from the children, 18 BJMP personnel, 10 house parents, four social workers and two volunteers yesterday.

Once Tapayan receives the report, he will endorse the reports to their legal office and to their national headquarters. The BJMP-7 legal office will determine any appropriate charges against the eight.

OSC warden Sr. Insp. Elsie Irene Alcomendras yesterday met with the jail’s 174 occupants who are already over 18 and set to be transferred to another cell. Dusara said meeting was to clarify some “misunderstood” information which reportedly led to the hostage-taking.

BJMP-7 has also scheduled an orientation course for eight new jail officers who will be replacing those who were relieved. The BJMP-7 Regional Health Service will conduct the orientation on how to handle child in conflict with the law.  (FREEMAN)