CIDG, BJMP execs face raps over peasant leader’s death

MANILA, Philippines — Officials of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Central Luzon are facing charges in connection with their alleged negligence in the case of peasant leader Joseph Canlas, who died of complications due to COVID-19 last week.

In a 26-page complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman, Canlas’ children Jenelle Canlas-Buan and Joseph charged six CIDG and BJMP officials with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and violation of Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.

Named respondents were CIDG regional field unit chief Col. Edwin Balles, CIDG investigation branch chief Maj. Alfredo Agbuya Jr., BJMP regional director Supt. Lyndon Torres, Angeles City District Jail male dormitory warden Supt. Rebecca Manalo-Tiguelo, jail chief nurse Senior Jail Officer 3 Caroline Sanchez and staff nurse JO1 Ma. Christine Boucher.

The Canlas siblings also filed complaints of grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, gross ignorance of the law, inefficiency and incompetence in the performance of official duties, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service against the CIDG and BJMP officials.

Jenelle and Jojo said their father, who was detained for 15 days at the CIDG regional facility at Camp Julian Olivas in San Fernando City, was never tested for COVID-19.

They cited the statement of several inmates that their father was transferred to a regular jail on May 7 even though he was manifesting symptoms of COVID-19.

Canlas was brought to a hospital only after his oxygen dropped to critical level, they added.

“Had the jail personnel dutifully monitored and assessed his condition and the other inmates in quarantine for that matter, they would have been apprised of the situation and have taken proper medical action... It cannot be denied that the failure of respondents to perform acts eventually caused his untimely death,” the complaint read.