Police subjected political prisoner Lorenzo Perolino of the Negros Occidental District Jail–Male Dormitory (NODJ-MD) in Bago City, Negros Occidental, to arbitrary solitary confinement and harassment on the afternoon of October 26. Reinstated abusive jail warden Maj. Crisysrel Awe targeted him in retaliation. The vindictive actions is a response to Perolino organizing the protests which led to Awe’s removal.

According to the Human Rights Alliance Negros (HRAN), Special Tactics and Response personnel confined the handcuffed Perolino to a separate cell without any clear reason. The incident reportedly followed visits from Perolino’s human rights advocates and lawyer.

“This incident once again exposed the climate of fear, intimidation, and abuse prevailing under Warden Awe’s undemocratic style of leadership,” HRAN said. Awe’s abusive conduct was one of the key reasons behind the inmates’ protests and petition calling for his removal in August.

Four days of inmate protest and collective action at NODJ-MD forced Awe to resign on August 28. More than 600 inmates joined the protest. Perolino served as a negotiator representing the inmates during the mobilization.

The grounds for Awe’s removal included harassment and intimidation of prisoner leaders, failure to honor previous agreements, unjust isolation, and irregularities in the jail’s cashless system. Inmates also experienced reduced food rations, visitation bans, suspension of livelihood and vegetable-growing programs inside the facility, and denial of access to medicine and medical services.

“Reports from inside the jail reveal that the situation has further deteriorated following Warden Awe’s reinstatement,” HRAN stated. Recorded cases included acts of retaliation, restrictions on basic rights, and suppression of inmates’ welfare and dignity.

HRAN demanded the NODJ-MD to immediately return Perolino to his regular cell with other inmates. The group asserted that solitary confinement may constitute illegal detention and a serious violation of due process. Perolino’s ordeal is prohibited under the United Nations Nelson Mandela Rules as well as the Philippines’ Anti-Torture Act of 2009.

HRAN hold Warden Awe and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) accountable for the ongoing repression. “All forms of harassment and human rights violations inside the facility must end,” said the group.

Consequently, HRAN announced that it will file criminal and administrative charges against Awe. Atty. Rey Gorgonio said he holds affidavits from 50 inmates detailing Awe’s various abuses against prisoners’ rights.

Gorgonio added that they will also hold BJMP–Negros Island Region Regional Director JCSupt. Brendan Fulgencio accountable for reinstating Awe without conducting a proper investigation or imposing appropriate sanctions.

Meanwhile, HRAN called on the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and other relevant government agencies to investigate the incident, ensure Perolino’s safety and well-being, and pursue justice and accountability for all cases of abuse.