A fight over bed space led to a jail riot that claimed the lives of two inmates and injured dozens at the Manila City Jail on Sunday.
The Manila Police District (MPD) identified the fatalities as Lito Escala, 39 and Alvin Royo, 37, who both suffered head trauma.
Both died at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRMMC) where seven others were also treated.
According to case prober Chief Master Sergeant Donald Panaligan, the seven inmates — Joseph Maceda, 35; Simeon Marcelo, 77; Jeffrey Formalejo, 35, Renato Reyes, 52; Renante Agoncillo Jr, 21; Norvie Saligbol, 22; and Dominador Abrillo, 38 — were brought back to jail Monday..
Maceda, Formalejo, Reyes, Agoncillo, Saligbol, and Abrilo are members of the Batang City Jail while the rest belong to rival Sputnik Gang, police said.
A riot ensued at Dorms 11 and 12 around 6:30 a.m. reportedly after an argument over a bed space between two members of the two groups.
“Kasi sa selda ngayon pinaghalo-halo na namin ‘yung mga pangkat so nag-away ‘yung dalawang pangkat sa loob ng isang selda, magkasama kasi sila, dahil doon nagkaroon ng kampihan,” said spokesman Senior Jail Inspector Jayrex Bustinera.
The jail cells are about the size of a basketball court where 800 inmates are cramped in a space built for only 200.
Bustinera said that tension grew among the inmates as they thought that other members of their group were being hurt.
“Apparently walang nakaawat sa dalawa hanggang sa lumaki yung gulo,” he added.
The incident left a total of 30 inmates injured, including 21 who were treated at the infirmary unit of the city jail after sustaining minor wounds and injuries.
The city jail was then put on temporary lockdown which was later lifted.
Bustinera said that they did not recover any weapons from the inmates. (Joseph Pedrajas)
