Rights group scores violent, unjust reprisals vs Negros detainees
KARAPATAN Public Information
PRESS RELEASE
November 12, 2025
Reference: Bonifacio Ilagan, SELDA Spokesperson
Rights group scores violent, unjust reprisals vs Negros detainees
The Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA), an organization of former political prisoners, vehemently condemns the “violent and unjust acts of reprisal being unleashed” by Warden Crisyrel Awe against detainees in the Negros Occidental District Jail (NODJ) in Bago City and called on the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to look into their complaints.
Awe was the subject of a peaceful noise barrage on August 24 to 28, 2025 by some 600 NODJ detainees, including political prisoners, who sought his ouster. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) suspended him on September 19, 2025, but only briefly. He was reinstated on September 21. “Since then, Awe has been harassing and persecuting the detainees, particularly those whom he suspected of instigating the protest action that led to his suspension,” said SELDA spokesperson Bonifacio Ilagan.
One of those targeted is political prisoner Lorenzo Perolino, who was arbitrarily put on solitary confinement starting October 26, 2025 right after he met with his legal counsel and human rights advocates. He was not given any explanation for such action. “Perolino’s family and supporters believe that he was targeted for having been part of the detainees’ negotiation team during the noise barrage and for consistently insisting that humane treatment be accorded persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in accordance with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules) and the 2015 BJMP Comprehensive Operations Manual,” said Ilagan.
Human Rights Alliance in Negros (HRAN) spokesperson Felipe Gelle Jr. has filed a petition for habeas corpus to compel Warden Awe to release Perolino from solitary confinement, produce him before the courts and explain why he was subjected to such punishment.
Meanwhile, Awe has also reportedly ordered the detainees padlocked and denied them their rights to sunning, exercise, and even religious activities. Visits from family and friends are restricted. “When women visitors arrive, they are subjected to degrading body cavity searches,” added Ilagan. “The supply of clean water is likewise restricted, as is access to medical attention for ailing detainees. This has already led to the death of detainee Warlito Turbella,” said Ilagan, “who was reportedly left unattended by the NODJ’s jail nurses as he fought for his life.”
The padlocked detainees are also prohibited to complain about their miserable condition, served spoiled or badly cooked food, endure from clogged toilets, and handcuffed while receiving visitors.
“We hope the CHR conducts a thoroughgoing probe, and the courts give due course to the habeas corpus petition for Lorenzo Perolino,” stressed Ilagan. “Warden Awe must be investigated and held to account for his vengeful acts against the NODJ detainees who have every reason to protest his unjust policies and inhumane treatment of PDLs.”
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