Advocates Urge Dialogue on Tacloban Jail Harassment
In a pressing call, detainee rights group Kapatid urged Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) chief Gen. Ruel Rivera to initiate a dialogue with families of political prisoners after harassment complaints surfaced against Tacloban City Jail officials. The group emphasized the need for immediate action to address these serious allegations and protect inmates’ rights.
Last week, Altermidya Network formally filed a complaint against Tacloban City Jail Female Dormitory warden Jail Inspector Eva Naputo and Senior Jail Officer 1 Dalmacio C. Canayong Jr. They are accused of abusive behavior toward persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), based on reports from the families and support groups of detained activists Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Marielle Domequi.
Concerns Over Abuse and Neglect in Tacloban Jail
Kapatid spokesperson Fides Lim highlighted the importance of BJMP chief Gen. Rivera’s openness to dialogue, contrasting it with the Bureau of Corrections’ closed stance. “This is not merely a question of administrative misconduct but of unchecked power,” she said. Lim stressed that jail authorities have both a legal and moral duty to ensure no inmate, visitor, or human rights worker faces unjust or inhumane treatment within detention centers.
The group also raised alarms about alleged neglect, discrimination, and ongoing abuses against political detainees like Cumpio and Domequi. These include persistent medical neglect, restricted visits and communication, and an overall hostile atmosphere undermining inmate welfare.
Medical Neglect and Communication Suppression
In a detailed letter dated July 14, addressed to the BJMP and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Altermidya outlined troubling incidents. They cited delayed and ignored medical requests from Cumpio and Domequi, noting that the so-called “online medical consultation” was limited to a jail nurse speaking to a doctor without the detainees’ direct involvement.
“Frenchie and Marielle were not even given the opportunity to have an ACTUAL consultation, whether through online or physical check-up,” the letter stated. It also revealed violations of detainees’ rights to private meetings with their lawyers. Frenchie reportedly witnessed jail officials photographing documents exchanged with her legal counsel.
Obstruction of Legal and Personal Communications
Further concerns include censorship of letters to the political prisoners. Canayong allegedly ruled that letters containing anything beyond simple greetings would not be delivered. Delays in processing consent forms for trial monitoring also traced back to slow approvals from Warden Naputo.
Altermidya noted that while Naputo and Canayong’s actions showed bias against Cumpio and Domequi, other inmates at Tacloban City Jail also face arbitrary and repressive treatment under their supervision.
Calls for Investigation and Accountability
The advocacy group urged the BJMP and CHR to thoroughly investigate these claims. They emphasized that, if proven true, proper sanctions must be imposed on the officials involved. More importantly, they called for a jail management approach that prioritizes the welfare and rights of detainees.
“We hope that just action is imposed on Naputo and Canayong, and that a pro-PDL management that listens and cares for the welfare of the detainees is installed,” Altermidya concluded.
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