The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology are actually investigating an alleged strip search on a relative of a prisoner in Metro Manila District Jail Annex 4 at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan City.
In an announcement Thursday, the CHR stated, via its Public Assistance and Complaints Desk, it acquired a criticism that guests had been being subjected to a strip search.
The sufferer advised the CHR that on January 8, when she was visiting his father, she was directed to a room with out doorways and even curtains and requested to carry her high so the jail custodian could search her higher undergarment for contrabands.
Also, the meals gadgets the guests introduced in clear containers had been spliced open and poked with used sticks, based on the CHR.
The CHR stated the sufferer was neither knowledgeable of her rights nor was she requested to signal a waiver previous to the search.
Her husband was not allowed to enter the premises, which, the CHR stated, led to “feelings of shame and degradation.”
“It is with these general international standards in mind that the CHR expresses grave concern regarding the alleged strip search of relatives of political prisoners in Metro Manila District Jail Annex 4 at Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan City,” the CHR stated.
It cited the Rules 51 and 52(1) of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, or the Mandela Rules which states that safety searches “shall not be used to harass, intimidate or unnecessarily intrude upon a prisoner’s privacy” and that “intrusive searches shall be conducted in private and by trained staff of the same sex as the prisoner.”
CHR identified that the incident additionally didn’t comply with the Mandela Rules in addition to the operations guide of the BJMP.
Due to this, the CHR stated it will look into the allegations to make sure that the searches are carried out in a fashion supposed for its objective and utmost respect to particular person dignity and privateness.
Meanwhile, BJMP spokesperson Jail Chief Inspector Jayrex Bustinera advised GMA News Online that the bureau is now investigating the incident.
“If any irregularities are found to have occurred during the search process at MMDJ-4, the BJMP will not hesitate to take appropriate action against those found to be responsible,” he stated in a message.
“We are currently conducting an investigation into the matter and will take appropriate measures based on the findings,” he added.
Bustinera stated the BJMP retains its dedication to the security and safety of all these in its custody, in addition to the rights and dignity of tourists of their amenities.
“We assure the public that we will always take immediate necessary steps to address issues in our jail facilities,” he added.—AOL, GMA Integrated News
