By CESAR JOLITO III
The Negros Occidental District Jail (NODJ) has intensified its security protocols after back-to-back greyhound operations on November 18 and 20 led to the discovery of illegal drugs, mobile phones and improvised weapons inside the facility.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Negros Island Region (BJMP-NIR) reported that the surprise inspections followed intelligence information suggesting renewed smuggling activity among persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
BJMP-NIR spokesperson, Jail Senior Inspector Juniven Rey Umadhay said the first raid on November 18 resulted in the confiscation of one sachet of suspected shabu, five cellphones and improvised bladed weapons.
Two days later, jail personnel recovered three more sachets of suspected shabu, a smartphone and a charger from the dormitory of convicted PDLs.
The drugs were found tucked inside bed bunks.
Although two PDLs are currently under investigation, Umadhay noted that determining accountability remains difficult because bed bunks are often shared or occupied by transient detainees.
“We have to verify who really owns the contraband. Several PDLs use these sleeping areas at different times,” he said.
Security lapses, smuggling routes under probe
Umadhay acknowledged the possibility that the contraband may have been thrown over the perimeter wall — similar to an incident last August when a firearm was smuggled into the jail.
He added that visitor entry points remain a potential vulnerability.
“These items can be used by PDLs not only to coordinate illegal activities outside but also to plan attacks against jail personnel,” he warned.
Recovered cellphones may also be linked to a leaked video uploaded during the noise barrage staged by PDLs calling for the removal of then-warden Jail Chief Inspector Crisyrel Awe due to alleged mistreatment in August.
Awe was initially relieved but reinstated last month after an investigation cleared him of wrongdoing in facility management.
Tighter inspections, continued visitation
While visitation remains allowed, Umadhay said inspection procedures at the jail’s entry and exit points have been tightened to prevent further smuggling attempts.
The BJMP is also heightening surveillance inside the facility and implementing stricter gate searches following the latest discoveries.
“We have raised our security measures. We will continue our probe and ensure accountability so these incidents do not happen again,” Umadhay said./CJ, WDJ