Rival gangs clash in Manila City Jail; 8 inmates injured

At least eight persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were injured when rival gangs clashed inside the Manila City Jail on Saturday afternoon, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) confirmed to Super Radyo dzBB.

Violence erupted after members of the Bahala na Gang and the Commando Gang figured in the brawl, which happened shortly before 2 p.m.

The male dormitory was padlocked, while visits to the imates were suspended in the wake of the incident.

Six of the injured were from the Commando Gang, three of whom were taken to the hospital but were reportedly in good health.

Two Bahala na Gang members suffered minor injuries, the Super Radyo dzBB said.

A spokesman for the city jail was quoted as saying that an investigation has been launched into the matter.

However, the BJMP was looking into the possibility that the confrontation was related to a sports fest at  the correctional facility.

According to the Super Radyo dzBB report, the BJMP denied that the incident was a “riot.”

Earlier this month, 24 Oras reported that extreme heat and overcrowding were posing health risks to PDLs, including the Manila City Jail.

Over 700 inmates at the facility were crammed inside one building alone, the report said.

The city jail was designed to accommodate 1,000 people, but it is currently handling over 3,000 PDLs amid the extreme heat. — VDV, GMA Integrated News