DILG orders probe after Iloilo jail inmates’ protest

ROOFTOP PLEA –  Inmates at Iloilo District Jail in Pototan town stage a rooftop protest rally on Wednesday and demanded the removal of the jail warden due to food rationing issues. (PHOTO COURTESY OF ZARRAGA NEWS LIVE STATION)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday ordered an investigation after Iloilo District Jail inmates staged a protest calling for the removal of the current warden, allegedly because of lack of food.

In a statement, DILG also said that it has already ordered the temporary relief of jail warden Chief Inspector Norberto Miciano.

 “We have ordered Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) chief, Jail Director Allan Iral to conduct an immediate investigation on the unfortunate incident and to temporarily relieve Jail Chief Inspector Norberto Miciano from his post as jail warden to give way to an impartial investigation,” said the DILG.

The DILG added that it also ordered BJMP VI regional director Clint Tangere to immediately address the concerns of the persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and make sure they receive enough food and other essentials.

At least 100 inmates gathered on the roof of the jail’s administrative building on Wednesday morning, with handwritten banners: “Gutom Kami! Layas Warden!” (We are hungry! Go away, warden!). 

The demonstration only subsided following an appeal from Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., who pledged to meet with BJMP representatives to resolve issues and discuss any form of assistance  that can be extended by the provincial government.

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