Inmates behind stabbing identified

The inmates who were behind the stabbing incident at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center ( CPDRC) last Saturday have been identified.

Roberto “Bobby” Legaspi, CPDRC acting warden, identified Vicente Tumangan, 55, as the one who stabbed and injured five inmates inside the jail.

Tumangan has been detained at the CPDRC for charges of murder and illegal possession of firearms. He is currently in isolation due to the incident.

Tumangan's target was identified as Bienvenido “Jun” Noel Jr.

Two years ago, Noel became controversial after he was brought by former CPDRC warden Marco Toral at the Cebu Doctors' Hospital without a court order.

Noel further courted controversy when he reportedly used a false name when he was admitted at the hospital.

Legaspi said that Noel and four other inmates had decided to file charges against Tumangan. Legaspi believes Tumangan stabbed Noel due to a personal grudge.

He also said that they are securing a court order to bring one of the injured inmates to the hospital after his stab wound reportedly started swelling.

Acting Cebu Gov. Agnes Magpale confirmed she already received a report from Legaspi about the incident.

Magpale has ordered Legaspi and other CPDRC officials to conduct operations against contraband items inside the jail.

Last Saturday, Tumangan reportedly approached Noel in his jail cell and tried to stab him using a weapon made from a pair of broken scissors and a nail.

Four other inmates who attempted to stop Tumangan were also injured.