Jail expert asks for more time

Give us a time to initiate changes in the facility.

This was the call of Jose Marie Gastardo, Capitol consultant on jail matters, and acting jail warden Napoleon Miranda to relatives of Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) inmates.

Gastardo’s call came amid calls for an inquiry on the suspension of jail visits and reports of alleged delays in the delivery of food at the CPDRC.

“I told them this is a temporary suspension of privileges,” said Gastardo, who implemented some reforms in the jail after a near-riot among inmates last week.

He said that he would welcome any investigation from the Commission on Human Rights.

“If the management would be able to assess that it’s safe na for everyone, that inmates are ready to conform with the management, discipline inside. We will wait for the assessment from the warden to be given to the governor,” he said.

Gastardo, who also introduced revisions in the operational manual of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC), said he had submitted it to the Provincial Board (PB) for their review.

“If the PB would ask opinions from the national agencies like CHR, it’s up to them. We have nothing to hide,” he told reporters.

“We are trying our best, I especially … Dili man gyud na ingon ana kasayon masulbad ang problema,” he said.

After the riot, surprise inspections were done regularly to minimize the entry of contraband in jail. /Correspondent Carmel Louise Matus