Zambo jail inmates stage noise barrage

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  - A noise barrage rocked a detention facility here Wednesday as hundreds of inmates staged protest over their alleged “unfair treatment” and demanded the removal of the jail warden of Zamboanga City Reformatory Center (ZCRC).

The inmates banged their kettles, pots and pans,  while rattling the iron grills of their cells and shouting in unison for the ouster of Jail Warden Inspector Julius Arro.

Two of the inmates, who were allowed to speak with the media, said they are being treated inhumanely and served spoiled food and rotten rice. The inmates also denied reports that the use of illegal drugs is rampant among them in the detention facility.

Arro said the noise barrage and protest came following his meeting with the prison cell leaders Tuesday informing the latter of his decision to transfer them to other cells in the facility after investigation showed that these leaders were allowing the proliferation of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu inside the facility.

Arro said the inmates resented his order, prompting the protest.

The jail warden also denied that food being served were already spoiled, saying that they even slaughter cattle for the inmates.

He said the detention facility is housing about 1,100 inmates, including women. Each prisoner has a P75-food allocation.

Arro said they have submitted a report to the national office about the incident for further investigation.

The jail officer said he welcomes any investigation on the inmates' allegations. - Roel Pareño