Man jailed for smuggling drugs into city jail

“Bombing! Bombing!”

CEBU, Philippines - This was what tower guard JO1 Leo Cesar Altamarino repeatedly said through his handheld radio, upon seeing a small white plastic pack thrown at the back portion of the Cebu City Jail on Sunday at about 5:15 in the afternoon.

A team of five was alerted. They then arrested Joelito Abasa, 28, of Sitio Aroma, Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City who was trying to smuggle 128 tin foils and a disposable lighter placed in a small white plastic bag weighed down with a stone inside the male dormitory of the jail by throwing it into the facility.

SJO4 Noel Jaime, Chief Security and Control of the CCJ, told The FREEMAN that visitors were exiting the vicinity of the jail when he heard Altamarino over his handheld radio.

 “Mao ma’y paglingi ni Altamarino na’y nilupad nga plastic nga paingon sulod gi-alarma dayon namo ang guards,” he said.

The team collared Abasa, who was trying to elude arrest, not far from the area.

According to Jaime, Abasa claimed that he was forced to do the crime for P2,000.

He was allegedly directed by Elvis Moniño, of Sitio Sapa-Sapa, Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

Jaime said Moniño was released from jail on Saturday after his case, for violating PD 1619 or using of rugby, was dismissed.

Jaime added that Moniño directed Abasa to throw the plastic at the back portion of the jail because someone was waiting inside.

“Possible dunay contact sa sulod o ba kaha dunay cellphone ngadto,” Jaime said.

Abasa was temporarily detained at the Guadalupe Police Station and was taken to the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office yesterday for inquest proceedings regarding the RA 9165 case filed against him.

City jail authorities are now monitoring five females and six homosexuals who are reportedly the couriers of the inmates.

“At this point maglisod mi’g kuha ug ebidensiya kay possible didto gitaguan sa ilang private parts nga maoy kasagaran mahitabo,” Jaime said over a phone interview.

Because of this, the CCJ will be asking the court as to what extent they are allowed to search a person if it involves the private parts.

“Violation man gud if kuoton namo pero lisod ug dili namo ma-thorough search, anyway naa man mi nurse ngari,” Jaime said. (FREEMAN)