Operation Second Chance reinstated warden "shocked" at changes, tension in facility

CEBU, Philippines - Reinstated Operation Second Chance warden Chief Insp. Merlina Metante was shocked with the changes inside the facility and the children’s behavior, She admitted feeling the tension when she arrived.

“I was surprised to see the change in the appearance of the center and especially on the children’s behavior. It was so different when I left. There was tension when I arrived,” she told The FREEMAN.  

Aside from the physical changes, Metante also observed resistance from their older wards. “They are now grownups. They are the triggering factor of the hostage taking and the plan of escape,” she said. 

She also admitted that they are facing a challenge with the current situation but Metante promised to exhaust all possible means to earn back the respect and trust of their guests inside OSC.

“I have asked my men to constantly talk with their children to win them back,” she said.  

She said, however, that this feat can only be done with the fervent support of the OSC management board, BJMP-7 and other stakeholders.

Metante served as OSC warden for almost five years before she was replaced by Sr. Insp. Elsie Eireen Alcomendras and was assigned as deputy warden of the Mandaue City female dorm.

But last week, Alcomendras was reportedly relieved from her post after admitting that she could not discipline the minors.

Superintendent Efren Nemenio, deputy for operations and administration of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) -7, said that the relief of Sr. Insp. Elsie Eireen Alcomendras as OSC warden, was “a personal choice” after she could not address the pressing problems of the facility.

“Her (Alcomendras) relief was her personal choice. She had no faults during her stay and she is a good warden. She just noticed some problems which she admittedly could not resolve,” Nemenio said in Cebuano. He said the relief orders took effect last May 19, 2012.

Alcomendras is now temporarily assigned at the BJMP headquarters, while awaiting her next assignment.

Last March, when Alcomendras was new in her position, a jail officer was held hostage inside the facility by several of those detained at the facility.  

Nemenio said Metante was recommended by the OSC management board to be the new warden of the facility. –(FREEMAN)