A Catholic bishop in the central Philippines has raised alarm over alleged abuses at the Negros Occidental District Jail-Male Dormitory, where more than 600 detainees, including political prisoners, have launched a silent protest.
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos said the action, which began on August 24, highlights “serious concerns” about detainee welfare and possible abuses by jail authorities.
“The petition of the PDLs (person deprived of liberty) raises serious concerns: on matters of detainee welfare with reports of extraordinary prices under a ‘cashless’ procurement mechanism and the questionable implementation of sunning/gardening times as well as allegations of harassment and arbitrary isolation,” Alminaza said.
The prelate pressed jail officials to act swiftly on the grievances, stressing that authorities must guarantee fair treatment and ensure that food and basic necessities are sold at the lowest possible prices.
“It is morally reprehensible for persons in authority to take advantage of PDLs, especially as most detainees and their families carry additional financial burdens and situational challenges that come with deprivation of liberty.”
Alminaza also urged the faithful to stand in solidarity with prisoners by offering silent prayers, which he said could express concern and solidarity, and help people listen and respond to the cry for dignity.
The bishop echoed Pope Francis’ Easter message proclaiming 2025 as a fitting Jubilee “for the liberation of prisoners of war and political prisoners!” and urged the protection of “humane treatment that upholds the rights of all persons deprived of liberty.”
Rights group Karapatan backed the protest, condemning what it described as “deplorable and subhuman conditions” inside the jail.
“We call on the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to respect the rights and welfare of the prisoners, including their legitimate right to seek redress of their grievances,” the group said.
Karapatan pointed to reports of reduced food rations that have led to hunger, the cancellation of livelihood and gardening programs, solitary confinement and restrictions on sunning, denial of family visits, limited access to medicines and medical services, harassment by jail officers, and irregularities in the cashless procurement system.
“These conditions violate Republic Act No. 7438, Republic Act No. 9745 or the Anti-Torture Law, and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners,” Karapatan said, urging the Commission on Human Rights to activate its National Preventive Mechanism to investigate the situation.
