Human rights group Kapatid has amplified the call of its Negros chapter for the immediate removal of Jail Superintendent Atty. Crisyrel Awe, warden of the Negros Occidental District Jail–Male Dormitory, citing “cruelty, arbitrariness, and systematic violation of fundamental human rights.”
In a position paper released on November 25, Kapatid-Negros documented what it described as severe ordeals faced by persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) under Awe’s watch.
These include drastic reductions in food rations, suspension of livelihood and educational programs, extreme visitation restrictions, prolonged solitary confinement, and neglect of elderly and sick detainees. The group said such neglect led to the death of PDL Warlito Turbela on November 7.
Kapatid pointed to a recent ruling by Bacolod RTC Branch 44 Judge Ana Bernad, who granted a writ of habeas corpus to detainee Lorenzo Perolino after finding that his solitary confinement exceeded the 15-day legal limit.
The group said the decision “confirms the abuses at the Negros Occidental District Jail–Male Dormitory are real, unlawful, and cannot be ignored.”
The organization also questioned Awe’s reinstatement on September 19 despite repeated complaints, noting that other wardens facing similar allegations are usually suspended and investigated.
“Why is Warden Awe given special treatment, even as drugs reportedly continue inside the jail, while PDLs are subjected to a stranglehold of control, deprivation, and arbitrary punishment?” asked Kapatid spokesperson Fides Lim.
Kapatid further criticized Awe’s recent promotion to Jail Superintendent despite multiple charges from detainees alleging “harsh, demeaning, and degrading treatment,” including reports that food rations were cut to six PDLs per cell despite populations nearing 20.
The group pressed six urgent demands from its Negros chapter:
– Immediate suspension or removal of Warden Awe
– Restoration of educational, rehabilitative, and livelihood programs
– Improvements in food, medicine, sunning, and visitation for PDLs
– Protection of detainees and their families from retaliation
– Independent investigations by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and BJMP National Headquarters
– Intervention by the provincial government of Negros Occidental and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
Kapatid emphasized that the issue is of national concern and urged the BJMP and DILG to act swiftly to end what it described as Awe’s “escalating abuses.” (ZIA LUNA)
