The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Negros Island Region (BJMP-NIR) has launched an investigation into the entry of contrabands seized inside the Negros Occidental District Jail (NODJ) in Bago City during a greyhound operation on Monday, Sept. 1.
The seven-hour operation at the NODJ Male Dormitory resulted in the confiscation of heating equipment, pointed steel bars, improvised bladed weapons and club-like sticks.
“Part of our investigation is how these contrabands were sneaked inside the jail,” Sr. Insp. Juniven Umadhay, BJMP-NIR spokesperson, said on Tuesday.
BJMP-NIR Director Chief Supt. Brendan Fulgencio led the operation following an intelligence report and verified information that persons deprived of liberty (PDL) were in possession of unauthorized items, particularly smartphones.
However, no personal communication equipment were found.
“The Greyhound Operations are part of the BJMP’s continuous campaign to ensure the safety, discipline and security inside the jail facilities. By eliminating contrabands, we aim to prevent violence, safeguard PDL, and maintain an orderly environment within our jurisdiction,” Umadhay said.
The operation was conducted days after a group of PDL conducted a noise barrage on Aug. 28, calling for the removal of acting jail warden Chief Insp. Crisyrel Awe due to alleged inhumane policies.
Mobile phone videos of the inmates’ protest inside the jail were obtained and posted on social media by local media outlets.
On the same day, Awe stepped down to give way to an investigation. He was replaced by Sr. Insp. Raymond Aro as officer-in-charge.
Umadhay said the BJMP-NIR continues to strengthen efforts against the entry of prohibited items at detention facilities.
“We assure the public that we remain steadfast in our commitment to uphold the mandate of safe, secure, and humane safekeeping of PDL,” he said.*PNA