MANILA, Philippines — The Manila city jail was placed on lockdown yesterday after a riot broke out between two groups, leaving two detainees dead and at least 32 others injured.
Lito Escala, 39, and Alvin Royo, 37, died from head injuries caused by a blunt object, according to homicide investigator Chief M/Sgt. Donald Panaligan.
The commotion erupted after two detainees brushed against each other while waking up for the day’s headcount, the dormitory leader told reporters.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology has yet to confirm if Escala and Royo were the ones who started the riot.
“May dalawang detainees nagtadyakan sa higaan when they woke up at the wrong side of their beds. That was the cause of the riot,” the dormitory leader said.
Manila city jail spokesman Capt. Jayrex Bustinera said the riot started at around 6:30 a.m.
The congestion may have triggered the commotion that was worsened by members of the Sputnik and Batang City jail gangs taking sides, Bustinera said.
Around 800 persons deprived of liberty are housed in the dormitory where the riot happened. The dormitory can accommodate only 200 detainees, jail officials said.
The Manila city jail has a 370 percent congestion rate with 5,350 population, Bustinera said.
The gang members in the jail have been staying together in dormitories since 2016 to promote camaraderie, he said.
The detainees had been demoralized due to the suspension of their possible release under the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) law amid allegation of corruption in its implementation.
“Marami ang huminto sa pag-aaral dahil nawalan sila ng dahilan para mag-aral. Kaya aburido ang mga detainees,” said the dorm leader, who is a member of the Sputnik Gang.
During a dialogue with jail officials after the riot, the detainees applauded after they were assured that the implementation of the GCTA will resume soon.