CHR to probe fatal Bilibid riot, calls attention of DOJ, BuCor

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday said it will investigate into the recent riot in the New Bilibid Prison, which resulted in the death of three prisoners.

In a statement, CHR spokesperson lawyer Jacqueline Ann de Guia noted that a similar incident happened in October 2020.

“In this instance, CHR will also conduct a motu propio investigation to probe the re-occurrence of violence, which imperils the safety and lives of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs),” she said.

De Guia said the Commission is also calling the attention of the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Corrections to look into jail violence.

She expressed concern over how PDLs were able to keep numerous deadly improvised weapons without detection of the authorities.

For De Guia, detention facilities and jails have the obligation to protect prisoners and ensure that their environment is safe.

“We urge the Department of Justice to take cognizance of this incident and for the BuCor to investigate and to tighten security measures to ensure that jail violence will not be repeated,” she said.

“The right to a safe and peaceful environment free from violence and harm remain even in prisons,” he added.

Three inmates were killed while 14 others were wounded in a riot that transpired inside the New Bilibid Prison on January 2.

Seized from the inmates were improvised pistons or "sumpak" and assorted bladed weapons. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News