CIDG tightens rules after Deniece Cornejo episode

Police on Monday implemented stricter rules in their detention facility after detained model Deniece Cornejo reportedly inflicted wounds on herself in protest of a court ruling on her rape case.

"We have to do this to ensure the safety of our inmates," said Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) spokesperson Chief Insp. Elizabeth Jasmin. "We don't want a repeat of that incident."

She said from the regular twice a day inspection, the number was increased to at least three. The inspections are done every morning and afternoon.

She also said they would impose stricter measures in the entry of food items inside the detention cell.

"We now prohibit any material that can be used by the inmate to hurt themselves or their fellow inmates," said Jasmin.

Cornejo, detained in connection with the serious illegal detention case filed by actor-TV host Vhong Navarro, reportedly carved the letters "WR" — supposedly for Women's Rights — on her left wrist Sunday.

The embattled model, who used a metal cap of a softdrink in hurting herself, was reportedly protesting the junking of the rape complaint she filed against Navarro.

Jasmin, however, said they are not considering Cornejo's action as a suicide attempt, noting the wounds were too shallow.

Cornejo and her co-accused, which included businessman Cedric Lee, are facing serious illegal detention charges — a non-bailable offense — for allegedly mugging Navarro inside her condominium unit in Taguig City earlier this year.

Lee is detained at the headquarters of the National Bureau of Investigation in Manila. —KBK, GMA News