Suspension of 5 jail guards sought
ROXAS CITY – Capiz Rehabilitation Center warden Arjuna Yngcong recommended a one-month suspension and forfeiture of salaries of the five jail guards involved in the recent escape of an inmate who is facing illegal drug cases.
In a report of incident to Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco Sr., through Provincial Administrator Jose Villanueva, Yngcong identified the jail guards as Ruben Borlado, Ernesto Gonzales, Danilo Peniano, Reynaldo Asis, and Celso Valencia, all ranked Provincial Guard 1.
Yncong said he directed the five jail guards to explain in writing why they should not be held accountable for the escape of Sulpicio Marcelino Sr. last September 24 while the CRC was celebrating its anniversary.
He admitted that as human beings, there was a lapse on the part of the jail guards on duty.
The CRC is reportedly undermanned. The standard jail guard to inmates ratio is, 1 is to 7. At CRC however, it becomes 1:12 because there only 12 jail guards watching 152 prisoners.
But Yngcong, despite the shortage of jail guards, has maximized the services of jail guards by implementing a one day duty, one day-off system every other day.
As it is, CRC needs 27 more jail guards as nine people are needed to be on duty every eight hours.
Reward
Meanwhile, Tanco said he will give a reward of P50,000 to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of Marcelino, who is facing two cases for illegal drug pushing before the Regional Trial Court Branch 18.
Board Member Remia Fuentes Bartolome had earlier pushed for the creation of a fact-finding committee that will investigate Marcelino’s escape.
Bartolome, in a privilege speech, said the committee will investigate who are those liable for the jailbreak, and whoever are involved should be imposed with appropriate penalties.*
