QC jail chief sacked over Ivler party photos

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) relieved the warden of the Quezon City Jail Friday night as part of an investigation into the reported special treatment given to accused road rage killer Jason Ivler, an official said yesterday.

BJMP director Rosendo Dial said the relief of warden Senior Superintendent Hernan Grande is part of the bureau’s probe into allegations that Ivler was allowed to hold a Christmas party last year, in violation of jail regulations. Videos and photos of the supposed party were posted on the popular social networking websites Facebook and Youtube. 

“The relief was done to show the impartiality of the investigation into whether Ivler was given VIP treatment,” Dial said.

Grande was replaced as Quezon City jail warden by Superintendent Joseph Valle.

Dial said the Quezon City Jail warden last December, when the alleged party took place, was Superintendent Nestor Velasquez. According to Dial, Velasquez was relieved in January for “violations of office rules.” 

Velasquez is currently assigned at the BJMP’s National Capital Region Office. Grande was also transferred there following his relief as Quezon City Jail warden. 

Dial said if the investigation finds that Velasquez allowed the reported Christmas party for Ivler, he could face administrative sanctions, but “at the moment we are looking into possible lapses in the implementation of security.” he said.

The BJMP chief ordered the investigation after photos and videos circulated on the Internet that Ivler was having parties inside the jail, with women and liquor allowed inside. Dial, however, said last Friday that the pictures were taken during the holiday season in 2010 and during the preparation for barangay elections.

The BJMP chief said the photos were taken on Dec. 31, 2010 during the term of Velasquez. Grande assumed office in January.

“The picture showing Ivler with a woman and a child was taken Dec. 31, 2010 inside the jail. In the spirit of Christmas, we allowed (the) festive mood,” Dial said.

He added that another picture showing Ivler with a girl inside the cell was taken while inmates were preparing for the 2010 barangay elections.

Dial said Ivler “denied he was allowed to hold parties inside the jail. Some of the pictures were taken in 2009.”