Altermidya Network has lodged formal complaints before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) against the warden and intelligence officer of Tacloban City Jail Female Dormitory.
The group accused Jail Inspector Eva E. Naputo and SJ01 Dalmacio C. Canayong Jr. of committing multiple rights violations against detained journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and church worker Marielle Domequil, as well as other persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) under their supervision.
“It has come to our attention through reports shared by the family and support groups of our detained colleague Frenchie Mae Cumpio and her fellow political prisoner Marielle Domequil that Warden Naputo has been displaying abusive behavior towards persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) under her supervision,” said Raymund B. Villanueva, chairperson of Altermidya Network.
Among the most urgent concerns raised was the warden’s alleged failure to act on medical requests by Cumpio and Domequil. “Both PDLs continue to face unresolved medical concerns more than a month after submitting their requests,” the group said.
“Warden Naputo allowed a so-called online medical consultation, but only assigned the jail nurse to talk to the doctor,” the complaint read. “Frenchie and Marielle were not even given the opportunity to have an actual consultation.”
The complaint also detailed violations of the right to confidential legal communication. “Frenchie saw jail officials taking photos of written communication and documents handed to her by her visiting lawyers,” the letter to the BJMP read.
In addition, personal letters sent by friends to Domequil and Cumpio were allegedly read and withheld. “SJ01 Canayong reportedly unilaterally ruled that letters beyond ‘the usual greetings’ should not be delivered,” Altermidya wrote.
The group also raised concerns over delays in processing consent forms for trial observation and the arbitrary suspension of visits. On June 26, Dutch deputy ambassador Robert van der Hum was allowed to visit, but all other visits were suspended that day.
Altermidya said this move “denied the right of other PDLs for visits from lawyers and family.” It said such actions indicate a pattern of discrimination, primarily targeting political detainees but affecting the general jail population as well.
“The Tacloban City Jail is the only known jail facility in the region with no regular Family Day,” the complaint read. During the last observance, the schedule was reportedly moved an hour later, forcing families to wait outside under extreme heat.
The group also cited Naputo’s failure to act on repair requests for the jail’s leaking roof and her insistence that detainees shoulder costs for facility needs. “Naputo also made remarks implying that repairs… should be shouldered by PDLs,” it said.
“These acts contradict the core mission of the BJMP to safeguard the welfare of PDLs while maintaining a secure and humane environment,” said Villanueva. He urged authorities to install “a pro-PDL management that listens and cares for the welfare of detainees.”
