Signal jammer needed in Talisay jail – Warden

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Jail Warden Chief Inspector Josephus Jelianggao said he preferred that the jail should also have a signal jammer to prevent the illegal use of mobile phones inside the facility.

Jelianggao explained that though they strictly observe regulations in the facility, there are instances that they cannot control or prevent, like when cellphones were brought inside by throwing the gadgets over the jail's perimeter the fence.

Aside from this method, visitors also smuggle in cellphones by hiding them in private parts of the body and if inmates conspire with jail officers to bring them a cellphone in exchange for cash.

Jelianggao cited one instance when a jail officer from Talisay City Jail was transferred to Bohol after he was reported to have made transactions with one of the inmates.

It was reported last week that a female visitor was arrested after she was caught trying to sneak in two cellphones inside the jail.

Also last week, jail guards confiscated one cellphone found in one of the inmate quarters.

Jelianggao added that there is an ongoing investigation being done on all jail officers to check for any anomalies.

But Talisay City Mayor Eduardo Gullas said there is no need to install a signal jammer since anomalies can be prevented if jail rules are strictly implemented.

Gullas added that purchasing a jamming device is an additional expense of the city with funds that can be utilized for other purposes.

Meanwhile, the construction of additional facility for female inmates started last week. The new one-story building will have an area of 90 square meters and the building project cost P600,000. (BANAT NEWS)