‘Greyhound’ yields phones, other contrabands at CPDRC

CEBU, Philippines — More than 100 cellphones, along with several bladed weapons, were confiscated by authorities in a surprise greyhound operation at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) at dawn yesterday, November 27.

Dubbed "Oplan Galugad,” the operation was jointly carried out by the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 7, the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group, Special Operations Unit 7, and the Regional Special Project Unit 7.

During the operation, authorities seized several contraband items, including 100 cellphones, chargers, and other prohibited materials inside the prison. Jail officials attributed the entry of these items to visitors.

According to the CPPO, the confiscated items reveal attempts to evade prison regulations and the continuing illegal transactions occurring within the detention facility.

The provincial police office further emphasized that the seizures were not just routine searches but also highlighted the need for constant vigilance to crack down on criminal operations that attempt to thrive behind bars.

CPPO Provincial Director Police Colonel Abubakar Mangelen Jr. also reaffirmed their commitment to keeping the CPDRC and other detention facilities across the province secure and protected from outside criminal networks.

“This operation is a strong statement that Cebu PPO remains relentless in preventing our jail facilities from being exploited as command centers for crime,” Mangelen said in a statement.

Meanwhile, CPDRC Jail Warden Retired Superintendent Felipe Montejo stressed that contraband items are strictly prohibited among persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

“Bawal gyud ni dire ang cellphone ug mga talas, bawal gyud na siya dire sa atoang facility,” Montejo said in an interview following the operation.

After learning that most of the recovered items were cellphones, Montejo reiterated that PDLs are prohibited from using any gadgets inside the detention facility. He emphasized that the CPDRC has devices available for them to use when calling family members.

Montejo also said that authorities will investigate and track the seized gadgets to identify their owners, adding that those identified will face additional sanctions.

“Pwede to na ma-identify ang (tag-iya) sa cellphone, pero kining sa mga talas dile to ni sila ma-identify kung kinsay tag-iya gyud ana,” he said.

He also reported that no illegal drug items were recovered during the greyhound operation.

Furthermore, Montejo, who attributed the entry of contraband to outside sources, urged CPDRC visitors to avoid bringing prohibited items inside. He also warned that they could face consequences if caught in the act.

“Sa atong mga bisita ug mga dalaw, hinaot na dile ta magpadala aning mga binoang dire, kanang mga ilegal kay mao gihapon sila ray magaan og sanction kay kung mudalaw sila, masakpan sila, dile na sila ka dalaw,” he said.

“Kung naa silay ipasulod nga mga butang, ipa agi gyud sa clearing,” he added.

The jail warden also reminded the PDLs to follow jail policies and uphold peace and order inside their detention facility.

“Sa atong mga PDL, hinaot nga dile sila magpadlong dire ug i-maintain ang atong kalinaw ug kahapsay,” Montejo said. – IHM CEBU NEWS