The Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA), and organization of former political prisoners, together with KARAPATAN and other human rights advocates, held a protest action today, November 6, 2025, in front of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology National Headquarters in Quezon City to demand an immediate and independent investigation into the grave and persistent human rights violations committed against “persons deprived of liberty” (PDLs), including political prisoners, at the Negros Occidental District Jail (NODJ)– Male Dormitory under Warden JCINSP (Atty.) Crisyrel P. Awe, DSC.
Earlier this week, KARAPATAN filed formal complaints before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), citing serious allegations of cruel and degrading treatment and denial of basic rights of detainees under Warden Awe’s supervision. Families and lawyers of the detainees reported incidents of harassment, prolonged isolation, restricted visitation, inadequate medical care, and other forms of cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.
SELDA spokesperson Bonifacio Ilagan said the rights violations at the NODJ reflect the continuing climate of impunity under which political prisoners and ordinary detainees suffer.
“We, former political detainees, know too well the cruelty of a system that disregards human dignity. These violations must not be tolerated. Warden Awe and all responsible officials must be investigated and held accountable,” Ilagan declared.
Ilagan stressed that jail authorities have the duty to ensure the humane treatment and safety of all PDLs, regardless of their political beliefs or cases. He called on CHR and BJMP to immediately conduct on-site investigations, interview detainees confidentially, and provide protection to victims and witnesses from retaliation.
Both groups emphasized that the rights of political prisoners and all PDLs are guaranteed under domestic and international human rights laws, including the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules).
SELDA also renewed its call for the release of elderly, sickly, and long-detained political prisoners on humanitarian grounds and urged the government to address systemic neglect, overcrowding, and impunity in jails and detention facilities nationwide.
“Silence and inaction only embolden those who commit abuses behind bars. The BJMP and CHR must act now,” Ilagan concluded.