More than 600 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Negros Occidental Jail in Bago City have initiated a “silent protest” to denounce what they describe as worsening conditions under newly appointed warden Jail Inspector Atty. Crisyrel Awe, according to political support group Kapatid.
Since Sunday, August 24, inmates have refused to participate in jail-run activities—including religious services, Alternative Learning System classes, cleaning duties, and other chores—as a form of collective resistance.
Kapatid said the protest stems from serious and well-documented grievances that echo longstanding complaints from Awe’s previous tenure at Dumaguete City Jail. These include:
– Severe food ration cuts: Only 6 PDLs per cell receive meals, despite an average of 20 inmates per cell—leading to widespread hunger.
– Visitation bans: Extended family members are denied access, violating Republic Act 7438 which recognizes them as immediate family.
– Cancelled livelihood programs: Inmate-run cooperatives and vegetable gardens, once vital for supplementing rations, have been shut down.
– Excessive isolation: Inmates report prolonged padlocking and restricted access to sunlight and fresh air.
– Medical neglect: Even elderly and sick inmates, including 77-year-old political prisoner Frank Fernandez, are denied medicine and care.
– Intimidation tactics: PDL negotiators say they were confronted by the warden in military gear, flanked by armed personnel—creating a climate of fear.
– Coupon system irregularities: Overpriced goods and missing receipts plague the jail’s “cashless” system.
Kapatid has formally endorsed the inmates’ petition to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), urging immediate investigation and intervention.
“This is an extraordinary act of unity in a space where fear of retaliation is constant,” said Fides Lim of Kapatid. “It signals a deep crisis in jail governance and human rights observance that demands urgent action.”
Kapatid’s Negros chapter described the protest as a “cry for dignity,” condemning what they see as repressive jail management that violates the Mandela Rules, Republic Act 7438, and BJMP’s own guidelines.
The group called on BJMP Chief Gen. Ruel Rivera to restore rights-based programs that once made NODJ a model facility under previous reformist wardens—and to protect inmate leaders from reprisal or punitive transfers.
Kapatid previously filed a complaint against Awe in December, citing lockdowns and extreme restrictions at Dumaguete City Jail, where inmates were reportedly confined 24 hours a day and allowed sunlight only twice a month.
CHR Chair Richard Palpal-latoc told Kodao he would look into the complaints, though he had not yet been fully briefed on the situation. As of this writing, BJMP has not issued any public statement. (ZIA LUNA)
