The transport of inmates using tricycles should not be a cause for alarm for the public as it is allowed, the officer-in-charge of the Palawan Provincial Jail Management Division (PJMD) said Friday.
Sany Rabago, PJMD warden OIC, made the clarification after pictures of three inmates with a jail officer on board a tricycle went viral last week.
Rabago said that the three inmates had to attend a court hearing at the Hall of Justice when the pictures were taken.
He added there was no available PJMD vehicle at that time.
“Wala naman problema doon [na isinakay] sila sa tricycle papunta ng justice hall. Kailangan kasi nila umattend ng hearing kasi kailangan nila makarating. Noong time na ‘yon hindi available na sasakyan natin kasi ginamit din ng ibang inmate dahil a-attend din ng hearing. Ang may ari ng tricycle ay taga-PJMD din naman,” Rabago said
The inmates are facing charges for illegal drugs and set to undergo a dependency evaluation for their release.
Rabago said that what is not allowed is to take them to the court using motorcycles.
“Hindi naman sila high-profile and on process na for release, may court order lang at ‘yong drug dependency evaluation na kailangan puntahan. Wala naman tayong problema doon, hindi naman natin binabawal ‘yon, ang binabawal natin ay ang isasakay sila sa motor,” Rabago pointed out.
In cases where they have to ride tricycles, Rabago said security escorts to ensure they will not escape are provided.
He said that the other security escorts are following the tricycles in a convoy.
“Naka-convoy sila nyan, may mga security na kasama. Actually, nagkataon lang talaga na hindi available ang sasakyan ng jail pero wala naman sila dapat ikatakot o ano. Bihira o ngayon lang naman nangyari ‘yan,” he added.
Atty. Teodoro Jose Matta, provincial legal officer, said also Friday that they are waiting for a report from the jail management and will assess if any action is needed.
“I have already asked [the jail management] for a written report. After that we will assess if we will issue a notice to explain,” Matta said.
