BJMP-7 to probe warden, jail guard

CEBU, Philippines - The jail warden and the compound guard of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-run facility in Medellin town will face administrative charges for neglect of duty following the escape of two inmates Thursday morning.

BJMP-7 deputy director Efren Nemeño said that jail warden, Insp. Leonilo Gimenez, and compound PNCO JO1 Reynald Hinogin will be investigated after Berly Tudtud and Roger Lagahit escaped.

Tudtud, however, surrendered on Sunday to PO1 Loliboy Terana in Barangay Pulambato, Bogo City. While Lagahit remains subject of a manhunt operation.

Nemeño said the jail warden and the guard have to face the consequences of their actions.

“Same sila and I guess there were four to five of them at that time…Gimenez falls under the doctrine of command responsibility in which duna gyud siyay liability,” Nemeño said in a phone interview.

The highest possible sanction that could be meted upon Gimenez and Hinogin would be dismissal from the service.

“Bisan pa ug na-recover niya tanan sa iyang effort but still the investigator would recommend the same charges against them,” Nemeño said.

 According to Nemeño, the jailers and the wardens know their responsibilities.

Tudtud, a former security guard, is facing charges for robbery with homicide. He was accused of killing three people and robbing a bank in Daanbantayan on New Year’s Eve. Lagahit on the other hand is facing a separate case for attempted murder.

The two escaped Thursday morning by scaling the jail’s perimeter fence using a coco lumber plank while they were out for a regular sunning and exercise.

Nemeño said there was lapse in security because all 18 inmates were allowed outside while there were only at least four guards on duty.

“Kung upat lang sila makabantay dapat upat lang pud ang gipagawas and eighteen, I think, they cannot handle all of them,” Nemeño said. (FREEMAN)