Human rights groups and the Free Tacloban 5 Network welcomed the news that the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Region 8 have begun investigating the complaint of abuse filed against Tacloban City Jail personnel on July 16. The government agencies responded two weeks after the complaint was filed.

Altermidya Network formally filed the complaint against jail warden J/Insp Eva Naputo, and chief intelligence officer SJ01 Dalmacio C. Canayog Jr, before the BJMP National Headquarters for abusive treatment of prisoners, particularly political prisoners Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Mariel Domequile.

According to the complaint, Naputo repeatedly and baselessly delayed or refused requests from media or the diplomatic community to visit the two. Among those denied visitation was Dutch Deputy Ambassador Robert van der Hum on June 26. Visits were also severely restricted even for family members.

The incidents included Naputo’s disregard of prisoners’ requests for medical check-ups and for the dormitory’s leaking roof repairs. A separate complaint was filed against Canayog after he prohibited letters intended for Cumpio and Domequil if the contents went beyond “ordinary greetings,” among other forms of harassment against the two.

“Although we observe some advancement with Warden Naputo and SJO1 Canayong being under investigation, we note that two weeks have elapsed since the complaint was filed, and Warden Naputo remains in her position at the Tacloban City Jail Female Dormitory (TCJFD),” the network said.

According to the group, each day that these officials remain in their posts brings heightened stress to the detainees’ families. They emphasized that the BJMP increased its monitoring of Cumpio and Domequil following the complaint.

“We strongly urge the CHR and the BJMP to take concrete and proactive measures to safeguard and prioritize the welfare of all persons deprived of liberty,” the network said.

The group called for the immediate transfer of Warden Naputo to another position. “Only through her removal can we begin to feel a sense of relief and assurance,” it concluded.