Riot in Quezon City jail ‘staged’

MANILA, Philippines — The riot between rival gangs at the Quezon City jail that left an inmate dead and nine others injured last week was reportedly staged to force the removal of its warden.

Citing intelligence information, jail warden Supt. Michelle Bonto said on Tuesday the riot was purposely carried out to have her removed from her post.

According to Bonto, the inmates wanted her out because of the reforms she put in place, which curbed the proliferation of drugs in the jail.

She said the inmates were particularly against the strict search of items that are being brought by visitors, commonly known as “paabot.”

The presence of narcotics detection dogs from the Quezon City Police District was another measure imposed by Bonto.

Authorities seized illegal drugs, firearms and other prohibited items from the inmates during an “Oplan Greyhound” raid on Tuesday.

Around 700 grams of marijuana worth P87,500, a .38-caliber handgun, a .45-caliber pistol and 29 bullets were among the items that were confiscated during the operation.