Two die in RP jail riot

Two die in RP jail riot

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines (Reuter): Rioting prisoners at a southern Philippine jail killed two fellow inmates, prison authorities said yesterday.

They identified the men as a former policeman and a local government official, both being held pending trial on murder charges.

They were apparently killed because the rioters believed they were sympathetic towards their jailers, officials said. Prisoners said the riot began around noon on Monday in protest against "abusive" guards, a curtailing of visiting rights and poor food.

Prison chief Velriano Loayan told reporters he had limited visits by wives and children to halt the smuggling in of weapons.