BJMP has installed Senior Jail Inspector Guy Jason Reyes as new jail warden on February 9, three weeks after the NPA’s attack which police said was part of the rebel group’s weapon-snatching campaign.
Reyes, formerly assigned at Ozamiz City, said Jail Senior Inspector Francisco Guhic, former jail warden, was relieved in line with the attack. But he also said the relief was part of a BJMP regional revamp.
Guhic was moved to the Lumbia jail in Cagayan de Oro, he said.
Reyes told members of the City Council on February 17 in a courtesy call about his reform program in the jail dubbed as "Abot Kamay ang Pag-asa (Hope is within reach) Program".
Reyes briefed councilors about his plan to replicate in Malaybalay his achievements in Ozamiz City, which made him an award-winning warden.
He said the jail has dilapidated parts, dirty, and foul odor. He also cited the lack of standby power generator and bunk house for the jail guards.
He said he has cleaned and repainted the city jail since he assumed his post last week.
Reyes' program includes a rehabilitation plan to improve the city jail, an education program for inmates through the Department of Education's Alternative Learning System (ALS) including basic literacy and culinary arts. He also plans to initiate a skills training with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
He said he plans to initiate sports and recreation activities for both indoor and outdoor games.
The program also includes plans to put up a paralegal assistance for inmates, livelihood program, and medical and dental program.
City councilors welcomed Reyes' plans and accomplishments with Councilor Jaime Gellor Jr. saying "we are looking forward to a very secured year (for the city jail)".
Gellor heads the council's peace and order committee.
He refuted supposed baseless reports that there were other causes behind the attack, among them alleged mauling of inmates by jail guards and a supposed extrication plan by the NPA of a comrade detainee.
Reyes, in an interview with MindaNews, has ruled out other angles in the attack, dismissing allegations, including reports that the NPA was trying to "rescue" a comrade.
He assured city councilors of reform promising to replicate his "award-winning" performance in Ozamiz City.
In July 2008, BJMP awarded Reyes as City Warden of the Year for Northern Mindanao. (Walter I. Balane / MindaNews)