THE Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Tuesday it would look deeper into the riot among inmates at the Caloocan City Jail in Caloocan City on Monday that resulted in the death of four detainees.
An initial report from the Caloocan City police said a riot erupted after a heated altercation while some inmates were engaged in a coin game locally known as “cara y cruz.”
Duty jail guards of Caloocan City Jail eventually pacified the warring groups. Later, jail guards noticed the lifeless bodies of the four victims and several other injured inmates.
Those who were reported killed were identified as Hans Omar, Sherwin Perez and John Patrick Chicko. The identity of the fourth victim has been withheld pending notification of his relatives.
About 30 others were injured during the melee.
“The police are further investigating this incident in coordination with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology it involves multiple casualties. The PNP will also look into the presence of various opposing gangs inside the jail facility that may have started the riot because those who died belong to different groups,” PNP chief General Dionardo Carlos said.
The PNP also directed that a random inspection and sweep to rid the jail facility of weapons and other contraband inside the cells.