IT has been two weeks since the public learned of a shocking breach at the Bulacan Provincial Jail: high-profile detainees coming and going as they please — a blatant violation of the law and a serious threat to public safety.
Yet, Governor Daniel Fernando has remained disturbingly passive.
Despite mounting public outrage and damning evidence, Jail Warden ret. Col. Rizalino Andaya remains in his post. This is not just poor leadership — it is an act of dangerous neglect.
In a press conference held on April 16, Fernando claimed he was awaiting clearance from the Commission on Elections before taking action. He even vowed to hold all responsible personnel from the Provincial Civil Security and Jail Management Office accountable.
But official records show that the request to Comelec was only filed six days later — on April 22.
This glaring contradiction raises serious questions about the governor’s sincerity. Was he ever serious about taking action, or merely buying time and shifting blame?
In a province already on edge, the idea that dangerous inmates are freely roaming is chilling. The recent ambushes that rocked Bulacan underscore this point: the March 28 attack in Brgy. Capihan, San Rafael that killed IT staff Bryan Villaflor, his girlfriend Jam, and bodyguard Jayvee Mariano, followed by the daylight slaying of ABC President Ramil Capistrano and his driver Shedrick Suarez by alleged policemen in Malolos City.
Fernando holds the highest authority in the province. He also bears the greatest responsibility. And yet, instead of stepping up, he appears to be shielding a broken system.
Even more alarming are reports that two recaptured inmates were armed with automatic pistols — a damning sign of how far the rot goes. Warden Andaya, whom the governor refuses to remove, has allegedly packed the jail’s leadership with allies — including an “OIC Mayor” reportedly involved in abuse, extortion and even smuggling women into the facility.
While corruption festers, detainees are stripped of their basic rights and internal representation. Morale inside the jail has hit rock bottom.
Let’s be clear: Fernando’s silence is not impartiality — it’s complicity. His refusal to act gives cover to those corrupting the justice system for personal or political gain.
If the governor cannot summon the courage to confront this crisis, then he is no longer a protector of the people — he is part of the threat.
Bulacan deserves leadership anchored in truth, courage and integrity — not delay, deception and quiet complicity.
