Rival gangs clash in Manila City Jail; 8 inmates injured

At least eight persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were injured when rival gangs clashed inside the Manila City Jail on Saturday afternoon, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) confirmed to Super Radyo dzBB.

Violence erupted after members of the Bahala na Gang and the Commando Gang figured in the brawl, which happened shortly before 2 p.m.

The male dormitory was padlocked, while visits to the imates were suspended in the wake of the incident.

Six of the injured were from the Commando Gang, while two were Bahala na Gang members, a Super Radyo dzBB report said.

The BJMP denied that the incident was a "riot," the report added.

A spokesman for the BJMP was quoted as saying that an investigation has been launched into the matter.

Tensions were high between the two gangs as early as Friday over a basketball game, a report by Jamie Santos on 24 Oras Weekend said.

Six victims were given onsite medical treatment before being taken to a hospital. Two other victims sustained minor injuries.

Manila City Jail spokesperson Jail Officer 1 Elmar Jacobe said, "Kinakausap po natin ngayon 'yung dalawang grupo, 'yung dorm leaders po nila, para malaman po 'yung kanilang 'di pagkakaintindihan at para mapag-usapan kung paano sila magtutugma at 'di sila magca-clash po ulit."

(We are talking to the two groups and their dorm leaders to determine the cause of their misunderstanding and facilitate communication, be in good terms, and avoid having another clash.)

Earlier this month, 24 Oras reported that extreme heat and overcrowding were posing health risks to PDLs, including those in the Manila City Jail.

Over 700 inmates at the facility were crammed inside one building alone, the report said.

The city jail was designed to accommodate 1,000 people, but it is currently handling over 3,000 PDLs amid the extreme heat. — VDV, GMA Integrated News