MANILA, Philippines — Visitation of inmates in the Pasay City Jail was suspended on Thursday after 12 inmates caused a “commotion” at the facility, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said.
In a text message to reporters, BJMP spokesman Jail Chief Insp. Xavier Solda initially said 14 “stubborn” inmates refused to exit their jail cells as they were about to be transferred to another facility.
He later clarified that 12 inmates, who were subjected for transfer, became rowdy at around 1 p.m.
“There is a commotion at Pasay City Jail. Fourteen PDL [persons deprived of liberty] are scheduled to be transferred ng jail facility. Accordingly, ito yung mga “pasaway” kaya ililipat ng facility. [Accordingly, they are tagged as ‘stubborn’ that is why they will be moved to another facility.],” Solda said.
“When they learned of the transfer nagreresist na at ayaw ng lumabas ng selda [they refused to go out of their jail cell],” he added.
Solda said four out of the 12 detainees have pulmonary tuberculosis.
In a phone interview, Pasay City Jail Chief Insp. Joe Jay Arejola told INQUIRER.net that they are still conducting “negotiations” with the inmates.
Arejola said visitation is still suspended for safety measures. /muf