BJMP urged to lift lockdown, ‘arbitrary restrictions’ at Dumaguete jail

Kapatid, a support group for political prisoners, called on the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to immediately lift what it says are arbitrary restrictions, including a 24-hour lockdown imposed on political prisoners and other inmates at the Dumaguete City District Jail–Male Dormitory.

In a press statement on Tuesday, Kapatid said the inmates are allegedly "severely compromising their well-being and their right to communicate with their families and lawyers."

The group said they have appealed through a letter sent by Fides Lim, the group's spokesperson, to BJMP chief Ruel Rivera highlighting the following concerning conditions since May 2024 at the Dumaguete district jail:

1. 24-hour lockdown: Persons deprived of liberty (PDL) are confined to overcrowded cells 24 hours a day, with little opportunity for physical movement or social interaction. Meals are delivered to their cells, further isolating them.

2. Severely restricted communication: Detainees are allowed only one 10-minute phone call every two weeks through a call center system, severely limiting their ability to communicate with their legal counsel and family members.

3. Limited and irregular sunning: Political prisoners and other detainees are allowed only 30 minutes of sunlight every two weeks, often canceled due to staff shortages. The lack of adequate sunlight has a detrimental impact on health.

Kapatid noted that based on the reports from Negros human rights groups, the said measures were instituted after Attorney Crisyrel Awe became warden, allegedly to curb the entry of illegal drugs into the facility.

"Political prisoners have no record of engaging in illegal drug activity. And why must all PDLs be made to suffer needlessly for the supposed fault of one?" Lim stressed.

Kapatid urged the BJMP to investigate the lockdown and restore access to regular visits, communication, and sunning to safeguard the rights and welfare of detainees—which "they do not forfeit even behind bars."

Lim said they previously reported to the BJMP a similar lockdown imposed on three women political prisoners for over three years at the Quezon City Female Dorm in Camp Karingal, which amounted to what is considered prolonged solitary confinement by international law. Lim noted that  Rivera moved to investigate this and ordered the lockdown to be lifted.

"We appeal to the BJMP to similarly take prompt action to protect the rights of political prisoners and other inmates at the Dumaguete jail and allow them to celebrate the Christmas season with dignity and peace," Lim added.

GMA News Online has sought comment from BJMP but has yet to receive a response as of the publication of this story. —Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News