CHR: Makati jail inmates beaten after riot

MANILA, Philippines - Almost all of the over 500 inmates of the Makati City jail claimed to have suffered beating from some members of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) following a riot earlier this month, according to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

Gilbert Boiser, regional director of CHR National Capital Region, told The STAR yesterday that inmates have claimed to have been beaten up by jail guards after the March 9 incident.

He said even the inmate who supposedly died of tuberculosis, identified in some reports as Arnold Marabe, sustained bruises that might have been caused by the beating.

While initial reports said Marabe died of the respiratory illness, Boiser said they would request an autopsy to check on the bruises that they found on his body.

The CHR official said they have already identified at least six jail guards who participated in the supposed beating, which was captured on video by media.

Their names have yet to be released as the agency is still conducting its investigation, the CHR said.

Boiser said they will ask for the guards’ side on the allegations hurled at them by the inmates and their relatives.

“First impression is that there is a violation of human rights (or the inmates),” he said.

The BJMP is also conducting its own investigation, saying the guards involved in the beating have been removed from the posts.

The CHR, meanwhile, said it may forward its final report to the Ombudsman or the prosecutor’s office if it determines criminal liability on the part of the jail guards.

At least 30 inmates were reportedly injured following the noise barrage that escalated into a riot.

Leaders of different groups operating in the city jail were transferred to Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan after the incident.