By CESAR JOLITO III

A detained person deprived of liberty (PDL) was injured after being assaulted by fellow inmates inside a jail facility in Negros Occidental on Friday morning, January 16.

According to jail chief Inspector Juniven Rey Umadhay, the victim was inside his cell when he was allegedly attacked by four other PDLs using improvised ice picks, resulting in several minor stab wounds at around 7:00 a.m. as they were availing of their scheduled sunning privileges.

Jail personnel, assisted by other PDLs, immediately intervened and successfully pacified the situation, preventing further harm to the victim.

The injured PDL was rushed to a hospital, where he was later declared stable and no longer in serious condition.

His wife and legal counsel have been informed of his condition.

Initial investigation revealed that the assault may have been triggered by a dispute over money intended for the collective use of PDLs.

The victim allegedly questioned how a “pangkat,” or group of inmates, handled the funds.

Jail authorities clarified that the issue being questioned pertained to a period before the funds were disallowed and prior to the current jail management under Jail Superintendent Crisyrel Awe.

In response, the Negros Occidental District Jail Management Division has already segregated the alleged assailants and is conducting further investigation to identify other PDLs who may have directed the attack.

The suspects will be subjected to the jail’s grievance machinery, which may result in the limitation or regulation of their visitation privileges and the possible disqualification from the Good Conduct Time Allowance.

For the victim’s safety, jail officials are also considering requesting his transfer to a nearby detention facility.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police has launched a parallel investigation for the filing of appropriate criminal charges against the alleged assailants.

The victim is currently detained for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Of the four alleged assailants, two are facing murder charges, while the other two are detained for drug-related offenses./CJ, WDJ