DILG orders thorough probe into Caloocan City Jail riot

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday ordered the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to conduct a thorough probe into a riot in the Caloocan City Jail on Monday that killed six killed inmates and injured 33 others.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has directed BJMP chief Director Allan Iral to form a special investigating team from BJMP National Headquarters to determine the cause of the incident and those to be held responsible.

“The DILG extends our sincerest condolences to the families of those who perished in this tragic incident. We assure the families of the PDLs and the public that we will pursue a thorough investigation as to why and how this incident happened,” DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said in a statement.

Malaya said the BJMP National Headquarters also deployed more personnel to lessen the tension inside the jail.

Meanwhile, the inmates' activities and mobility will be restricted as their cells have been padlocked.

The DILG undersecretary added that they will get the testimonies of the jail officers on duty and other witnesses and check the CCTV footage.

“The current jail is congested and over capacity. We need to transfer to newer and better facilities for the benefit of our PDLs. We appeal to the Caloocan LGU to fast track the donation of the lot intended for the new Caloocan City Jail,” he added.

Authorities said that Monday's riot erupted between members of rival Commando and Sputnik Gangs following a game of cara y cruz.

The jail facility was back to normal operations by Monday night.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it was investigating the incident and would check on the warring gangs inside the jail. — BM, GMA News