Caloocan jail warden axed after 6 inmates die

MANILA, Philippines — The warden of the Caloocan City jail was relieved from his post yesterday as the number of fatalities during Monday’s riot rose to six while 33 others were injured.

Lt. Col. Neil Subibi was sacked for command responsibility, according to Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) spokesman Lt. Col. Xavier Solda.

Subibi was replaced by Lt. Col. Lloyd Gonzaga, who was appointed officer-in-charge of the Caloocan jail.

“We have deployed additional jail personnel to the facility to ensure peace and order and prevent another riot,” Solda said.

Four of the six fatalities were identified as Arturo Biasa, Hans Omar, Sherwin Perez and John Patrick Chico.

Probers said the brawl between members of the Sputnik Gang and Commando Group was triggered by a disagreement over a coin game, locally known as cara y cruz.

All activities in the detention facility were suspended while the inmates were restricted to their cells, Solda said.

“Sa kasalukuyan, tahimik at maayos na sa loob ng Caloocan jail,” Solda said.

PNP, DILG probe riot

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched its own investigation of the incident.

“Police are looking into the incident in coordination with the BJMP because it involves multiple casualties,” PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said in a statement.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) also ordered an inquiry into the riot at the Caloocan jail.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año directed the BJMP to form a special investigating team.

DILG spokesman Jonathan Malaya said the BJMP should determine who were responsible for the brawl and if violations of standard operating procedures were committed.

“The DILG condoles with the families of those who died in the incident,” Malaya said in a statement.

He said more personnel were deployed to lessen the tension in the detention facility, which has been placed under heightened alert status.

A dialogue will be conducted between the two groups that figured in the riot, Malaya said.

The DILG asked the Caloocan local government to fast-track the donation of a new city jail, saying the facility is congested. – Romina Cabrera, Marc Jayson Cayabyab