Zambales jail warden, guards sacked

ZAMBALES, Philippines – Zambales Governor Amor Deloso has sacked the warden and all jail guards of the provincial jail for poor management of  the facility, and the presence of illegal drugs there.

Deloso announced the relief of Chief Superintendent Romulo Salamat as Zambales Provincial Jail warden following his surprise visit to the provincial jail. Retired Colonel Amado Paneda replaced Salamat in an acting capacity.

Deloso made the decision after he personally witnessed the poor management system of the jail, including the lack of health care facilities, toilets, a dedicated kitchen, and beds. Such conditions have taken a toll on the health of the inmates.

The governor also questioned the jail guards on why illegal drugs are being smuggled into the jail.

In May this year, authorities conducted a raid on the provincial jail which led to the confiscation of a large quantity of dried marijuana, shabu, and deadly weapons. Authorities traced the illegal drugs to an inmate leading a drug syndicate in jail.

Deloso also noted that inmates with health problems such as tuberculosis and skin rashes were not confined in separate quarters. He added that despite the  P220,000-weekly budget for meals, the inmates claimed that they were each given only a piece of fish a day.

In a meeting with the inmates, Deloso announced that he has set aside  P15 million for the construction of two dormitories for them, toilets, a kitchen area, a medical facility with medical personnel, and a livelihood training facility.

The provincial government will also deploy to the provincial jail a monitoring team that will ensure proper management of the jail and the inmates. – Rappler.com