Province’s investigating body orders jail workers to answer complaints

THE Provincial Committee on Discipline and Investigation (CODI) has issued an order directing the 10 employees of Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) to answer the allegations against them.

Last Monday, Legaspi filed three formal complaints before the CODI against several personnel, employees and prison guards of CPDRC.

One of the complaints asked several CPDRC personnel to explain why of the 17 CPDRC inmates mandated by Davide to be transferred on the first week of January of this year to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa, only five inmates were shipped out, while the other 12 inmates were transferred only last Tuesday.

The second complaint asked the CODI to investigate an employee as well as four prison guards who were linked in the construction of a special cell or “kubol” that was found in the infirmary of the facility when the latest greyhound operation was conducted.

The third complaint likewise asked the CODI to investigate a CPDRC employee who reportedly claimed one of the three laptops that was recovered inside the detention cell during the latest greyhound operation a few days after.

CODI head and provincial legal officer Orvi Ortega said the CODI secretariat had a meeting last Wednesday to discuss the complaints before coming up with the order requiring the respondents to file their written answer and explanation  within five days from receipt of the order.

According to Ortega, once all the respondents have already submitted their written answer and explanation, the CODI will set a conference with the parties involved to conduct clarificatory interviews.

“Our purpose is to evaluate and assess whether or not there is a probable cause to elevate the complaint into a formal charge,” Ortega said in Cebuano.
Ortega explained the formal charge will still go through the CODI, but this time, the respondents will be directed to file their counter-affidavit.

Depending on the nature of the formal charge, Ortega said among the penalties that could be imposed include possible job dismissal or suspension if the employee is found guilty.