BACOLOD CITY - Two jail officers assigned to the Negros Occidental District Jail (NODJ) in Bago City have been relieved from their posts effective following a recent shooting incident that targeted one of them.
The relief order, signed by Jail Chief Supt. Brendan Fulgencio, director of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Negros Island Region (BJMP-NIR), is part of an ongoing administrative investigation by the regional office.
FULGENCIO (FB)
According to Jail Senior Insp. Juniven Umadhay, chief of the BJMP-NIR legal service section, both officers—who were involved in jail operations—were reassigned to undisclosed locations for security reasons.
The second officer, although not directly targeted, was relieved to prevent any interference in the investigation.
Authorities are exploring whether the attack was linked to the officer’s professional duties or a personal matter, as both officers had frequent interactions with Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).
A parallel investigation has been launched to determine the motive behind the shooting.
The investigation will assess whether the attempt on his life was job-related, particularly due to his dealings with PDLs, to enable the bureau to respond appropriately through legal and administrative channels.
Fulgencio affirmed his commitment to both accountability and protection, stating he would not tolerate any misconduct among BJMP personnel, but would ensure support for those lawfully performing their duties.
The BJMP-NIR reassured the public of its ongoing commitment to humane and professional management of PDLs.
The incident occurred when the jail officer was in a carwash in front of the jail facility in Barangay Tabunan.
Two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle opened fire. The officer escaped harm by taking cover behind a vehicle.
A passing tricycle driver sustained injuries from a stray bullet or shattered glass.
The BJMP-NIR is coordinating closely with police as part of its broader investigation.