Palace seeks probe of alleged Bicol jail prostitution

Amid allegations of prostitution and rape in a provincial jail in Sorsogon, one female inmate has reportedly become pregnant, prompting Malacañang officials to warn of an impending investigation. Authorities will take steps to verify the information and notify the agencies concerned, said deputy presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte. “Kung totoo ‘yan, ‘di pupwede ‘yan, at ‘di ‘yan allowed, kailangan maimbestigahan ng maayos (If that is true, that can’t be, that’s not allowed, then it has to properly investigated)," said Valte on dzRB radio. According to a report by Bombo Radyo, one of 10 female inmates at the Sorsogon Provincial Jail has become pregnant allegedly because jail guards are forcing them into prostitution. “Hindi tama ang ganoong kalakaran (Such practices are wrong.)," said Valte. Valte clarified, however, that the reports have not yet been confirmed by the Palace, and she herself has not received enough information to verify the report. The jail is under the supervision of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, which in turn is under the Department of Interior and Local Government. LRS/VS, GMANews.TV