• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Negros Island Region (BJMP-NIR) conducted a greyhound operation, to ensure that discipline, security, and safety are imposed at the Negros Occidental District Jail – Male Dormitory (NODJ-MD) on Monday, resulting in the confiscation of various contraband.
The operation followed after the BJMP-NIR had verified that some of the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) inside the detention facility were in the possession of unauthorized items, including smartphones.
As a result of the inspection, jail authorities were able to confiscate various contraband, ranging from improvised bladed weapons, heater equipment, pointed steel bars, and improvised bats that could potentially be used as deadly weapons.
According to BJMP, the operation concluded with no untoward incidents and was marked by the full cooperation of the inmates.
“Everyone remained safe throughout the activity, ensuring the welfare of both personnel and those deprived of liberty,” it said in a press statement.
Moreover, Jail Senior Insp. Atty. Juniven Rey Umadhay said that they are still investigating how the contraband was sneaked inside the facility.
“BJMP-NIR underscores that the Greyhound Operations are part of its continuous campaign to ensure the safety, discipline, and security inside jail facilities. By eliminating contrabands, the Bureau aims to prevent violence, safeguard PDLs, and maintain an orderly environment within its jurisdiction,” the press statement added.
On August 28, inmates staged a noise barrage inside the facility, calling on the replacement of the existing jail warden. In the afternoon of the same day, videos alleging abuse in the facility were sent to the local media, allegedly coming from a PDL informant.
The incident grabbed the attention of the BJMP, which found that contraband was being sneaked inside the detention facility.
Furthermore, the BJMP-NIR is still continuing its investigation regarding the petition and allegation of the inmates against the former NODJ Warden, Jail Chief Insp. Atty. Crisyrel Awe, who voluntarily stepped down from his post on August 28.*
