Inmates stage noise barrage in protest

CEBU, Philippines - At least 50 inmates of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Culasi town of Antique held a noise barrage in protest against regulations in the district penitentiary.

The protesting inmates struck whatever hard objects against the steel bars of their detention cells for about an hour Thursday morning while shouting in denouncing the poor quality of food served them and the frequent absence of the warden, Jail Inspector Nicanor Matining.

Aside from the noise barrage, the inmates tried to go on a hunger strike by refusing to take their breakfast.

But the tension, however, eased up after BJMP officials talked to them and the jail personnel resulting in a compromise.

Senior Jail Officer 2 Leo Lacerna, officer-in-charge of BJMP-Region 6's investigation and prosecution division, said Matining was relieved from post and replaced by SJO4 Raul Luminario.

"We will investigate all their (inmates) complaints and institute measures based on the result of our investigation," Lacerna said.

Jail Senior Superintendent Rex Delarmente, BJMP-6 regional director, also assured the inmates to send a team from the regional office to investigate on the matter, and then vowed to institute reforms based on the results of the investigation.  (FREEMAN)