Dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo was surprised by the prison conditions she found in the Pasig City Jail female dormitory after her transfer from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center.
“Siguro nga po nagulat po siya kasi nga po talagang ‘yun naman po talaga ang sitwasyon doon at doon naman ipinag-utos ng korte na ilagay siya sa jail na ‘yon,” Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Spokesperson JSupt. Jayrex Bustinera said in an exclusive interview with DZRH's Damdaming Bayan on Wednesday.
"Ni-relay lang din sa amin [na nagulat siya sa itsura ng selda]. Pinasamahan lang namin sa warden at custodial officer niya at iyon po ‘yung feedback, ‘yung nagulat. Wala naman pong any reaction or sinabi, nakita lang po nila na nagulat,” he added.
According to Bustinera, the cell where Guo is currently staying measures a total of 45 square meters and houses 44 inmates, including the former mayor.
The cell features triple-deck bed bunks that are clustered together around the entire space. Guo is on the second level, where she sleeps next to six persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), all of whom are cramped together.
Upon arrival at the detention facility, she had a suitcase and other belongings, but the suitcase was sent home in accordance with prison policy.
“Pinadala lang po namin ‘yung hygiene kits niya, ‘yung panligo, panlaba, at pangangailangan niya bilang babae,” said Bustinera.
Meanwhile, only Guo's lawyer visited her, who observed the booking procedures during the said visit.
When asked about Guo's daily activities, Bustinera stated that each person deprived of liberty (PDL) is allowed a minimum of one hour per day to leave their cell for sunlight, exercise, fresh air, and other activities.
“Kanina pong umaga bandang alas-6, ginising na sila para sa kanilang head count. Pinapatayo po sila sa gitna ng selda para bilangin. After po noon, maglilinis na sila ng selda nila, ng banyo, ng kanilang area," Bustinera mentioned.
After the PDLs attend to their hygiene needs, they will participate in the Therapeutic Community Modality Program, also known as the morning meeting. This is similar to cognitive behavioral therapy for all PDLs.
“Nag-uusap sila sa affairs ng selda, sino ‘yung mga nakaduty, ano ‘yung balita, mga ganon po,” Bustinera stated.
“Group counseling po ito,” he added.
Alice Guo's security
Bustinera reiterated that they were merely following court orders when they accepted Guo into Pasig City Jail.
"Sa parte ng BJMP, paulit-ulit naming inaassure ang safety and security niya. 24/7 may nakabantay sa kaniya. Strategically located nga po ‘yung higaan niya para kita agad ng duty, may naka-monitor tayo," said Bustinera.
Additionally, detention officers have been increased to ensure her security both inside the facility and during her transport to attend hearings.
They also assessed each of her cellmates, reviewing their backgrounds. There are no high-risk PDLs among them who could pose a threat to her safety.
“Under observation po talaga ‘yan palagi at nakatutok din ang mga duty. Ayaw rin po naming may mangyari sa poder ng BJMP,” Bustinera mentioned.
Bustinera then stated that if a court order were issued for her return to the PNP Custodial Center or transfer to a more secure facility, they would respect the order and comply promptly.
