A political prisoner couple at the Negros Occidental District Jail–Male Dormitory was subjected to invasive searches and punitive isolation during a scheduled conjugal visit on November 29, according to Human Rights Advocates Negros (HRAN).
Female political detainee Relyn Morino was reportedly ordered to undergo strip and body cavity searches upon entering the male dormitory.
HRAN described the procedure as invasive and unnecessary, noting that Morino is already detained within the same compound.
Her husband, Renan Manlanat, a PDL leader, has been padlocked inside Building A Dorm 12 since October 22.
“This punitive measure seeks to isolate and intimidate PDL Leaders who assert their rights within the facility,” the group said in a statement.
HRAN alleged that the isolation was a retaliatory act by NODJ-MD Warden JSUPT (Atty.) Crisyrel P. Awe, DSC, meant to intimidate detainee leaders.
Manlanat said Morino arrived at the visitation room in tears and told him she felt humiliated by the search.
HRAN added that Morino was ordered to undergo another invasive search after the visit, which she resisted.
“The inhuman acts inflicted upon Relyn Morino and her husband amount to psychological torture and flagrantly violate both international human rights standards and Philippine law,” HRAN said.
HRAN called for the immediate suspension or removal of Warden Awe.
The organization also cited a 2023 incident in which then-female dormitory warden Jonna Guadalupe denied Morino permission to see her mother one last time “demonstrating a long-standing pattern of cruelty and abuse within prison management.”
HRAN reiterated its demand for justice and the release of all political prisoners.
Paghimutad 